Vision Science (VISC)
Vision Science Course Descriptions
The B.S. in Vision Science degree requires the completion of 122 semester credit hours over a four year period. The degree program satisfies UIW Core curriculum requirements and the prerequisite requirements the Rosenberg School of Optometry (RSO), All UIW undergraduate core curriculum requirements are intended to be completed by the end of the junior undergraduate year.
Beyond the goal for successful entrance into the Doctor of Optometry program at RSO, the B.S. in Vision Science provides students the opportunity to earn a degree which satisfies most requirements for medical, dental and other health-related professional schools. Furthermore, the curriculum structure and content gives the graduate a strong foundation and credentials to embark on a biomedical graduate research career, or to enter the workforce as a vision-science or ophthalmic-related specialist.
Students in years 3 and 4 of the Vision Science Degree Program will rotate through optometry clinics as part of their curriculum. This is the only program in the country where undergraduate students spend a substantial amount of time learning under the guidance and supervision of clinical academic faculty and professional staff in both the classroom and out-patient clinical settings. This is also the only national preparatory vision science undergraduate degree program where students spend 3 rotations working with professional school interns in our outpatient facility and participating in outreach programs such as school vision screenings, health fairs, nursing home care and healthcare missions. To assist in preparing for the Optometry Admissions Test (OAT), Vision Science Degree students have the opportunity to enroll in a six week summer program designed to familiarize them with the OAT and to help them with focusing on the skills and knowledge needed to obtain competitive scores on the exam.
The B.S. in Vision Science degree is designed so students will have a foundation in vision science that far exceeds any other traditional applicants to optometry schools. This strong foundation will enhance the students’ competitive credentials for optometry school, and once enrolled in a doctor of optometry program, will help jump-start their success in the professional doctorate curriculum. The design, focus and spirit of the B.S. in Vision Science degree will produce graduates that are well trained and prepared to pursue professional healthcare education/degrees, medical/vision research and many other work opportunities in the healthcare and medical fields.
To fulfill the requirements for Vision Science major, the student must complete the following:
1. Rhetoric (6 hours--Grade of C or better is required)
2. Literature and Fine Arts (6 hours):
3. Philosophy and Religious Studies (9 hours):
| PHIL 1381 | Introduction to Philosophy | |
| RELS 13XX | Religious Studies | |
| | 3 additional upper-level hours from Philosophy or Religious Studies | |
4. History and Social Sciences (6 hours):
HIST: 3 Hours from
5. Mathematics and Natural Sciences (7 hours):
6. Second Language (6 hours):
Must be two consecutive courses of the same language or equivalent
7. Wellness (3 hours):
Vision Science Curriculum (Grade of C or better is required)
Support Work (Grade of C or better is required)