School of Optometry (Vision Science)

Admission Requirements

The MSc program is open to graduates with at least a B (75%) standing in the last two years of:

• an Optometry or Vision Science program; or,
• an honors BSc (or BEng) (or equivalent) in an area relevant to the proposed studies;
  or,
• an honors degree (or equivalent) in a health-related program;
  or,
• an honors degree (or equivalent) with additional training or experience in a relevant field.
• Promising candidates must demonstrate that they are capable of managing the diverse background requirements for the Vision Science Program.
• Categories b, c and d will be considered for admission on individual merit and may require a specific program designed to remedy deficiencies in the relevant Vision Sciences with appropriate core science courses.

• Students for whom English is not the first language, must meet language requirements (see Graduate Studies Calendar - Academic Regulations - English Language Proficiency Certification). Vision Science requires a TOEFL score of 580 (237 on the computer version).

Students who do not meet the requirements outlined above may be considered for admission to a transitional, probationary or qualifying program depending on their academic background (see Graduate Studies Calendar - Academic Regulations - Categories of Admission to the Master's Program).

Students are admitted on a rolling basis but it is recommended that application be made 6 months before the beginning of the term the student wishes to register in. International students should also take into consideration the length of time required to obtain a Study Permit.

Degree Requirements

The MSc program can be pursued on a part-time or full-time basis. The minimum number of terms during which a student must register full-time for an MSc is two. The terms of full-time enrolment do not have to be consecutive. 

All MSc students will have an advisory committee appointed consisting of their supervisor and at least two other faculty members. 

Course and Seminar Requirements

Course and seminar requirements are tailored to meet the needs and backgrounds of individual students. A minimum of four one-term (0.5 unit weight) graduate courses (or equivalent) is required. Two of these must be in Vision Science. Normally a maximum of two courses may be independent study courses. All Vision Science graduate students in the Master's program must present at least one talk during their degree program on their current research, as well as, attend a minimum of 10 research seminars and a one day research symposium throughout each year of enrolment. The presentation and symposium requirements can be fulfilled through the Annual Graduate Student Conference sponsored by the Graduate Studies Office.  The seminar requirements can be fulfilled by attending the School’s annual program.   Consideration will be given (in special cases) to attend an alternate research symposium if it is not possible to attend the UW Annual Graduate Student Conference or the School’s annual program.

Thesis Proposal

By the end of their 3^rd term of enrollment (6^th for part-time students) in their MSc program students must have made a formal presentation of their proposed thesis research to their advisory committee.

Thesis

A primary requirement for the award of the MSc degree the writing up of the thesis and the successful defense of the thesis in front of an Examining Committee.