Admission Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree is required for admission to the PhD program.
• Students must have completed all prerequisite courses with a grade of C or higher in each. Some exceptions apply — see more details about admission requirements.
• A master’s degree is not required for application. However, students who do not hold a relevant master’s degree must complete the master’s degree requirement before earning their PhD.
• Students must submit an official GRE score from the last five years. There is no minimum GRE score requirement. Submit your score using the institution code 4601. In certain cases, the GRE may be waived.
• Non-native English speakers must demonstrate proof of English proficiency. See more details about English proficiency.

Applications submitted online will be available to the Vision Science Graduate Program for review. Selected applicants passing the initial review will be invited for an interview.

Admission decisions are generally made within one month after the interview. Applicants will be notified of the final decision through the Graduate & Professional Office via e-mail. The notification e-mail will provide instructions for admission, orientation, and matriculation.

Enrollment in the Vision Science Program is limited, and admission is selective. The Vision Science Graduate (VSG) Committee utilizes a holistic review process in considering applicants for admission, including factors such as:

• Academic record
• Personal interview
• Application essay or other writing samples
• Letters of recommendation
• Reference Survey
• Prior research or clinical care experiences
• Demonstration of commitment to pursuing a professional career in vision science

The VSG Committee may consider giving incomplete admission to applicants with satisfactory academic qualifications but missing proof of English proficiency at the interview. The incomplete admission is valid only for two years, and the student must meet the English proficiency requirement before enrolling in the program.  After the two-year cycle, the applicant must re-apply for admission.
 

How to Apply

Your application will include the following:

• Online Application Form: Apply online. Current Pacific University MS and OD students, apply using this form instead.
• Curriculum Vitae
• Personal Essay: Describe what inspires you to earn your PhD in Vision Science, your career goals, and your research interests in vision science.
• Two Letters of Recommendation: Letters of recommendation should come from individuals who have supervised your research or academic work. At least one should be from a professor who taught you in college. Your recommenders will need to fill out an Applicant Evaluation Form, provided by Pacific.
• Official Transcripts: In the online application, submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities you have attended. Applicants with degrees from non-U.S. accredited schools must submit the official credentials evaluation report. Current Pacific OD or MS students, submit an unofficial copy of your latest OD or MS transcript showing a 3.0 or higher GPA.
• Official GRE Report: The GRE requirement is waived for applicants with an OD degree from an ACOE-accredited Doctor of Optometry program in North America; applicants with a master’s or doctorate degree in a field related to optometry or vision science; current Pacific MSVS students; and applicants who graduated from an institute with a special institutional memorandum agreement on GRE report.
• Proof of English Proficiency: Review acceptable demonstration of English proficiency.
• Application Fee: $40. The application fee is waived for current Pacific University students.

Applicants from an institute with MOU or special arrangements established with Pacific University College of Optometry should contact the program director, Dr. Yu-Chi Tai, for details.