Application Procedures

Every year the Vision Science MS Program welcomes admission applications from students keen on the value of vision research.  If you are considering a career in Vision Science, you are encouraged to apply.  Feel free to contact us with any questions.  Online application will be available in the near future.  For now, please submit all your application materials by surface mail before the datelines specified below. 

 

Application datelines

 

General applicant date line:

    • January 12 every year, for admission in the Fall semester of the same year

Preferred datelines for application of MS/OD dual degrees*:

    • November 19, 2012 for current 2nd year OD students
    • April 1, 2013 for current 1st year OD students

       * Note:

    • The preferred application dates are scheduled to allow OD/MS students to graduate with both OD and MS in VS degrees concurrently.  If currently enrolled in our OD program, you can also apply after the above preferred datelines; however, it may not be plausible for you to receive the MS degree concurrently with your OD degree.
    • Applicants for the OD/MS dual degrees need to earn a minimum of a “B” in five OD courses: Opt 503, 531, 532, 662, 701 or their equivalent to be admitted / continue in the MS program.  Potential OD/MS applicants can seek advice from the Associate Dean for Academic Programs.

 

 

Application materials

To be eligible for consideration by the Vision Science MS Program Committee, your application and all accompanying materials must be received no later than the above datelines to be considered. Your application package should include the following items:

 

1.  A completed application form

2.  Curriculum vitae or resume

3.  Two letters of recommendation, at least one from an instructor

4.  An application essay

5.  Official transcripts from all college and universities that you have attended

6.  Doctor of Optometry course catalogue /class syllabi

    • Applied if you have an OD degree from an ACOE accredited optometry college other than Pacific University College of Optometry

    7.  Prerequisite Worksheet

    • Exempted if you have a bachelor degree or higher in Optometry or related field

    8.  Proof of English proficiency

    • English proficiency is required for all applicants whose native language is not English. 
    • Conditional admission may be given without report of English proficiency, but requirement of English proficiency must be met before matriculation into the program.

    You may satisfy this requirement by certifying that one of the following conditions has been met:

    • A current student or alumnus of Pacific University College of Optometry
    • Have a bachelor or a graduate degree from a regionally accredited institution in the United States or from countries where English is both the only official language of the country and the language of instruction.
    • Have official documentation from the institution verifying that the applicant's undergraduate degree is from an institution where all instruction is in English.  The undergraduate degree must be equivalent to a US bachelor's degree.
    • Meet the minimal requirement on a standardized English Language Proficiency Test listed below:
      • 550 on TOEFL-PBT
      • 213 on TOEFL-CBT
      • 80 on TOEFL-IBT
      • 6.0 on IELTS

9.  Application fee (US$70)

    • Waived for applicants of current students or alumni of Pacific University College of Optometry

10.  International Credentials Evaluation

    • For applicants of graduates of international college and universities only
    • Needed only when requested by the Committee
     

*  The Vision Science MS Program committee will make the final decisions on other waiver and conditions of any application requirements.

** After initial review of completed application, the Vision Science MS Program Committee may contact the promising candidates for interview.