At SCCO, we have the incredible opportunity to have a Master’s in Vision Science program, where students can take part in a research-focused program that can be completed concurrently with the four-year OD program. The Master’s in Vision Science program extends what is taught in the four-year OD program and aims to prepare students to teach in an optometry school, perform clinical or basic research in vision science, and/or work for industries that have a need for research-trained optometrists. In the MS program, students work with an advisor to develop and carry out a research project that results in a written thesis.
There are several ways that the MS program can be completed. The first and most common way is to complete the MS program within the four years that students are at SCCO for to earn their OD degree. In this OD/MS track, students will have their regular OD course load and usually have one extra MS class to take every quarter, all the way up to their third year. In addition, students continue to develop their research project all the way up to graduation in their fourth year. Historically, tuition for the MS program has been waived if the student is also enrolled as an OD student (this may change depending on the year applied). The second way is to complete the MS program is to take part in a full-time MS/residency program after graduation from the OD program. A third way to complete the MS program is to take part in a full-time MS program (either after graduation or even as a working optometrist).
Generally, applications for the MS program (if completing the OD/MS track) are sent out to all first year OD students during Fall or Winter Quarter. The application requires completing SCCO’s Application for Admission, two letters of recommendation, a personal statement, CV, and an interview with faculty members in the MS program. This may seem daunting at first to complete, but if you have an interest in teaching or research or both, I would say go for it! The MS program has been eye-opening for me into the research behind optometry and it is really fascinating to see how the science behind optometry has evolved over time. Below is the link to the Master’s in Vision Science website, where more details about the program and how to apply can be found. Feel free to send me an email if you have any more questions regarding the program!