Degree Requirements | PhD in Vision Science

To receive the Ph.D. in Vision Science from the Pacific University College of Optometry, the student must complete the following requirements:

  1. Fulfill course requirements with satisfactory performance. The minimum credit requirements vary based upon students' backgrounds. Additional coursework may be deemed necessary by the VSG Committee and the student's advisor. 
  2. Early Research. A Master's Thesis, Peer-reviewed Research Article, or equivalent1, 2
  3. Proficiency in Research Skills. Pass the laboratory Study course3
  4. Written and Oral Comprehensive Knowledge Examination in four topical areas. Pass the Comprehensive Knowledge Exam in written and oral forms of general knowledge in the field of vision science.
  5. Ph.D. Dissertation Proposal Exam. Present the dissertation proposal in the Ph.D. Qualification Exam, obtain approval from the dissertation advisor and the research committee prior to data collection. 
  6. Dissertation Defense. Successfully present an Final oral defense on the Ph.D. dissertation

While an MS degree is not required in order to earn a PhD degree, PhD students are required to meet all course requirements for the MS degree, including all coursework and an MS-level thesis or a peer-reviewed research paper.

A master’s thesis requirement must be met before a PhD student applies for the qualification examination. A previously defended and accepted MS thesis or a manuscript accepted by a peer-reviewed journal is considered meeting this criterion.

3  PhD students are required to demonstrate proficiency in research skills beyond the required courses. Examples include, but are not limited to, computer programming, advanced statistical methods, neuroimaging techniques, or other vision-science related research tools/skills. The research proficiency must be approved by the student’s advisor and his/her dissertation committee.