The Master of Science in Vision Science (MSVS) Program engages students in advanced study and research of the visual system and prepares them for career success in teaching and/or research in academic settings or application in the ophthalmic industry.
The following are sample course schedule for students in the Master of Science in Vision Science Program at °ÅÀÖÊÓƵ. The schedule will look different for students seeking the MSVS as a standalone and those currently in Pacific’s Doctor of Optometry program.
MS Default Curriculum
- Students entering with a bachelor of science degree, or equivalent, may complete the Master of Science in Vision Science Program in two years.
- The current default curriculum spreads into five semesters, including one required summer term.
Year 1
| Fall | Credits |
|---|---|
| VSC-511: Geometric, Physical, & Visual Optics I | 2.50 |
| VSC-511L: Lab - Geometric, Physical, & Visual Optics I | 0.00 |
| VSC-521: Anatomy, Biochemistry, & Physiology of the Eye I | 2.75 |
| VSC-521L: Lab- Anatomy, biochemistry, & Physiology of Eye I | 0.50 |
| VSC-523: Neuroanatomy of the Visual Pathway | 2.00 |
| VSC-660: Practice of Clinical Skills | 1.00 |
| VSC-701: MS Vision Research Colloquium | 1.00 |
| Total | 9.75 |
| Spring | Credits |
|---|---|
| VSC-512: Geometric, Physical, & Visual Optics II | 3.0 |
| VSC-512L: Lab - Geometric, Physical, & Visual Optics II | 0.0 |
| VSC-522: Anatomy, Biochemistry, & Physiology of the Eye II | 2.0 |
| VSC-522L: Lab: Anatomy, Biochemistry, & Physiology of the Eye II | 0.5 |
| VSC-701: MS Vision Research Colloquium | 1.0 |
| VSC-751: Vision Science Seminar I | 3.0 |
| Total | 9.5 |
| Summer | Credits |
|---|---|
| VSC-502: Scientific & Clinical Writing | 1.5 |
| VSC-631: Common Ocular Diseases | 2.0 |
| VSC-704: Clinical Research Methodology | 2.0 |
| VSC-705: Statistics for Clinical Research | 3.0 |
| VSC-756: Independent Study (Explore Thesis Topic) | 1.0 |
| Elective | 1.0 |
| Total | 10.5 |
Year 2
| Fall | Credits |
|---|---|
| VSC-752: Vision Science Seminar II | 3.0 |
| VSC-791: Thesis Research | 3.0 |
| VSC-8#1: Advanced MS/PhD Seminar | 3.0 |
| Total | 9.0 |
| Spring | Credits |
|---|---|
| VSC-513: Ophthalmic & Physiological Optics | 3.0 |
| VSC-513L: Lab - Ophthalmic & Physiological Optics | 0.0 |
| VSC-790: Research communication | 1.0 |
| VSC-791: Thesis Research | 1.0 |
| Total | 5.0 |
Total Credit Hours: 43.75
OD/MS Default Curriculum
- If accepted by the spring term of the 1st-yr OD study
Year 1
| Spring | Credits |
|---|---|
| VSC-701: MS Vision Research Colloquium | 1.0 |
| VSC-751: Vision Science Seminar II | 3.0 |
| Total | 4.0 |
| Summer | Credits |
|---|---|
| VSC-502: Scientific & Clinical Writing | 1.5 |
| VSC-704: Clinical Research Methodology | 2.0 |
| VSC-705: Statistics for Clinical Research | 3.0 |
| VSC-756: Independent Study | 1.0 |
| Total | 7.5 |
Year 2
| Fall | Credits |
|---|---|
| VSC-701 MS Vision Research Colloquium | 1.0 |
| VSC-752: Vision Science Seminar II | 3.0 |
| VSC-791: Thesis Research | 1.0 |
| Total | 5.0 |
| Spring | Credits |
|---|---|
| VSC-791: Thesis Research | 2.0 |
| Elective: Elective or VSC 805 | 1.0 |
| Total | 3.0 |
Year 3
| Fall | Credits |
|---|---|
| VSC-8#1: Advanced PhD/MS Seminar | 3.0 |
| Total | 3.0 |
| Spring | Credits |
|---|---|
| VSC-791: Thesis Research | 1.0 |
| Total | 1.0 |
Total Credit Hours: 23.5
(Update for Academic Year 2024-2025 on 4/23/2024)