Program Overview
The Bachelor of Science in Vision Science degree program requires the completion of 122 credit hours over a 4-year period. The degree program satisfies UIW Core curriculum requirements and the prerequisite requirements of 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 Bachelor of Science in Vision Science program 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 program students have the opportunity to enroll in a 6 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 Bachelor of Science 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 Bachelor of Science 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.
Admission into and completion of the B.S. in Vision Science program does not guarantee entry into the Rosenberg School of Optometry, but does provide a solid foundation on which to build a competitive application. The program includes an optional Optometry Admission Test (OAT) Preparatory Program.
Bachelor of Science in Vision Science Degree Plan
UIW Undergraduate Core Curriculum
UIW core coursework is required. Review the Undergraduate Core Curriculum Here and review the degree plans for each concentration for scheduling of the core curriculum classwork. In addition, 45 Community Service hours are part of all bachelor's degree programs. See Community Service.
| UIW Core Curriculum |
| Composition and Rhetoric |
6 credit hours |
| Literature and Art |
6 credit hours |
| Science and Mathematics |
7 credit hours |
| History and Behavioral Science |
6 credit hours |
| Philosophy and Religion |
9 credit hours |
| Second Language |
6 credit hours |
| Wellness and Physical Education |
3 credit hours |
| |
43 total core credit hours |
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|
| Community Service |
45 clock hours (non-credit) |
Vision Science Core Curriculum
Supporting Coursework