MSCHE Self Study April 2021

The Graduate Program Committee reviews applications. To support consistency in the rating of candidates, the Doctoral Candidate Interview Evaluation Form is used. Full ‐ time PhD students receive tuition waivers and stipends. The stipends are usually in the form of graduate assistantships. As of Fall 2020, the current graduate assistantship stipend for incoming doctoral students is $35,676 per year. With each year, there is a COL increase negotiated by the SUNY graduate student union, so more senior students receive more. Resident/PhD students receive the resident rate of about $41K. Graduate students with an OD degree and a NYS optometric license may also apply for part ‐ time clinical appointments. OD/MS Program The Combined OD/MS in Vision Science Program is open only to students currently enrolled in the OD Program at SUNY College of Optometry. OD students apply to the OD/MS program during the break between the Fall and Spring semesters of their 1st year in the optometry program. The primary criterion for acceptance is the ability to complete graduate work (based on grades, OAT scores, past research experience and letters of recommendation) while simultaneously completing the professional optometry program. Students accepted into the OD/MS program do not pay any additional tuition for the MS degree portion during the four years they are enrolled fulltime in the OD program. During the Fall Semester, the Graduate Center for Vision Research holds a Research Open House to which all first ‐ year Optometry students are invited. At the Research Open House, the Associate Dean outlines the requirements of the OD/MS Program as well as the admissions process. There is panel discussion by current OD/MS Students and alumni on their experience in the program, as well as a poster session by potential research mentors. To be considered for admission to the OD/MS Program in Vision Science, an applicant must complete an on ‐ line application and submit the following:  OAT scores  Three letters of recommendation submitted to the Admissions Office. Letters from past Applicants must meet with potential advisor(s) to discuss possible research projects prior to applying to the OD/MS Program, list a preferred advisor and provide a synopsis of a proposed research project in their applications. Accepted students enter the MS degree program in the Spring Semester of their 1st year. Admissions: Residency Programs The College has a long ‐ standing history with residency education (i.e., post ‐ graduate clinical training), as well as one of the largest programs in the country ( Residency List ). 8 SUNY College of Optometry students are exposed to this program through a variety of mechanisms, including research mentors are optional, but can strengthen applications.  Official transcripts of all college and postgraduate courses.

8 About 40% of SUNY fourth ‐ year students intend to pursue residency training.

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