M.S. in Vision Science
The Master of Science in Vision Science is designed to provide experience in
vision research methodology through the development and execution of an
original research project, and completion and defense of a research thesis. The
curriculum is based on a total of 55.5 credit hours of study.
 The
College seeks to admit students into this program who possess the qualities
necessary for success in research. The goal of the program is to train students
(especially optometrists) to perform original research in vision science. There
are two ways to earn this degree:
Dual OD/MS Degrees
Designed for optometry students who wish to earn a Master of
Science (MS) degree while studying for the Doctor of Optometry degree. The MS
degree in the dual degree program is available at no additional cost to
qualified students who are enrolled in the College’s OD degree program.
Stand-alone MS Degree
Designed for candidates who wish to earn the MS degree
without enrolling in the College’s OD degree program. Qualified candidates must
have a college-level background in science or a professional degree. This is a
single, tuition-based graduate degree program.
The MS program features graduate-level courses, seminars, an original research
project, and completion of a thesis with a thesis defense. The dual OD/MS
degree is completed within the time frame of the four-year professional degree
program and involves modifications to the course sequence in the OD curriculum.
The stand-alone MS degree is usually completed in two years.
The Master of Science in Vision Science program is designed to develop the
analytical thinking and problem-solving skills needed to be a successful
scientist. The program emphasizes research in an area of vision science that is
determined by the student’s interests and the expertise of the graduate
faculty, as defined by their ongoing research programs.
Students who are accepted into this program will have training in areas not
typically available to optometry students. This will provide enhanced career
opportunities. MS degree candidates develop skills that can help them
contribute new knowledge to the field, help them assess new scientific
developments relevant to optometry, and enable them to be more competitive for
residencies and academic and industry positions following graduation. The
graduates of this program have the potential to become intellectual leaders in
the profession.
Curriculum: An Overview of the Master of Science Program
The Master of Science in Vision Science is designed to provide experience in
vision research methodology through the development and execution of an
original research project, and completion and defense of a research thesis.
The curriculum is based on a total of 55.5 credit hours of study: 20 credit
hours are for dual degree courses also included in the OD curriculum, 20.5
credit hours are graduate-level courses for MS candidates, and 15 credit hours
involve the planning and execution of the research project.
Dual Degree Courses
Human Anatomy, Optics I, and Theory and Methods of Vision
Testing (total 18 credit hours): These courses provide much of the
necessary background in the major areas of research available to MS students.
They are also required for the OD degree so OD/MS students will receive dual
credit. Students in the independent MS program may be eligible for credit
transfer or exemptions based on courses already completed before entering the
Masters program. Laboratory Research Survey
(2 credit hours): This course provides an overview of the basic areas of
research conducted at the College. The graduate faculty will give presentations
on their research, including major hypotheses and findings, and representative
research designs and procedures.
MS Degree Courses
Biostatistics and Experimental Design
(4.5 credit hours): This course covers the fundamentals of statistical design
and data analysis in vision science.
Research Colloquia
(total 4 credit hours): These sessions are held throughout the academic year,
and feature invited speakers chosen from an international group of researchers
who lecture on a wide variety of topics. Graduate students will read and
discuss topical papers in advance of each lecture and meet with the guest
speaker. Additional lectures will be held on research ethics and accepted
procedures for the use of human and animal subjects.
Graduate Research Seminars (total 12 credit hours):
The seminars will cover the four core content areas available to MS students
for their research projects. These areas represent graduate faculty research
interests:
-
Biomedical Research in Vision
-
Visual Optics
-
Visual Neurophysiology and the Development of Vision
-
Special Topics in Eye Growth, Emmetropization and the Development of Myopia
MS Research Credits
MS Research Project (total 15 credit hours): This is
the major emphasis of the program and involves the development, execution and
completion of a master’s thesis.
For more information.
For the application for OD/MS or stand alone MS.
Hear what former MS students have to say about the program in
the Optometry
spring 2006 issue.
Current Graduate Faculty and Areas of Research
The New England College of Optometry supports an active research
program in the vision and biomedical sciences that is diverse in its
investigations and has far-reaching implications. Faculty, research facilities
and funding from The National Eye Institute rival those of university-based
schools of optometry. Profiles of the Graduate Faculty and their research
interests may be viewed online (www.neco.edu ).
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Tony Cavellarano O.D, Diabetes, retina and telemedicine
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Nancy Coletta, OD, PhD
Visual Assessment and Visual Optics
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James Comerford, OD, PhD
Neuropharmacological and Clinical Psychophysics
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Li Deng Ph.D,
Experimental design and sample size planning, longitudinal data analysis,
correlated data analysis and carcinogenesis modeling.
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Barry Fisch, OD,
Ocular imaging for chronic eye disease affecting the posterior pole and optic
nerve: Glaucoma, Diabetes and Macula Degeneration. Glaucoma management
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Haiyan Gong, MD, PhD
Hemodynamics of Aqueous Humor Flow (MIT and Boston University)
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Jane Gwiazda, PhD
Development of Vision and Myopia in Humans
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Ji He, PhD, Visual Optics and Visual Performance
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Richard Held, PhD, Development of Vision, Visual Psychophysics
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Chea-su Kee, PhD, Astigmatism and Eye Growth
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Steven Koevary, PhD
Prevention of Autoimmune Diseases, Ocular Drug Delivery
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Alan L. Lewis, OD, PhD
Environmental Vision, Visual Performance
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Glen McCormack, OD, PhD
Accommodation, Convergence and Aniseikonia
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Bruce Moore, OD
Refractive Development and Clinical Testing of Children
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Debora Nickla, PhD
Animal Models of Myopia, Ocular Circadian Rhythms
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Marjorie Rah, OD, PhD
Cornea and Contact Lenses, Risk Factors for Myopia
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Eli Peli, OD, MS
Low Vision and Image Enhancement (Schepens Eye Research Institute, Harvard
Medical School)
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Frank Thorn, OD, PhD
Development of Myopia and Effects of Visual Degradation
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David Troilo, PhD Experimental Models of Eye Growth, Myopia and
Accommodation
For additional information and an application packet please contact the Office
of Admissions at 1-800-824-5526 or admissions@neco.edu
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