MSCHE Self Study April 2021

on Graduate Program, Policy, Admissions and Standing after review of course descriptions and syllabi.  Based on a review of comparable PhD programs, trends within vision research and input from students, in 2019 we revised the requirements to allow students more flexibility in selecting courses to support their research activities. This flexibility was prompted by the expansion of doctoral research areas into diverse areas of vision science, including neuroscience, psychophysics, molecular biology, ocular pathology, mathematical and computational modeling, and genetics. The goal of the OD ‐ MS program is to prepare optometrists for careers in academic optometry and eye and vision research. Program learning objectives are derivative of this goal. Graduates are expected to:  Demonstrate understanding of the empirical basis of clinical and scientific knowledge though seminars/tutorial that examine the primary literature in various areas of vision science.  Demonstrate understanding of the process of vision science research through design and execution of a substantial research project  Formulate and present research through seminar presentations and writing a research paper  Apply ethical practices and responsible conduct of research As described in the College’s Assessment Plan , assessment of student learning at the program level occurs through multiple mechanisms and data sources, including • key performance indicators o primary place of employment of graduates o primary positions of graduates o teaching and work effort of graduates o time to degree completion • other sources of information o review of MS thesis and papers by the thesis examination committee with oversight by the graduate faculty Committee on Graduate Program, Policy, Admissions and Standing o annual compilation and review of published papers and abstracts by the associate dean for graduate studies and research o assessments by Committee on Graduate Program, Policy, Admissions, and Standing o exit and alumni surveys OD ‐ MS Exit Surveys are conducted annually and OD ‐ MS Alumni Surveys are conducted about every 4 – 5 years. Results of the exit and alumni surveys are shared with the associate dean for graduate studies and research and Committee on Graduate Program, Policy, Admissions and Standing. OD ‐ MS Program Overview

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