Admission Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree is required for admission to the MSVS program. The bachelor’s degree may be underway at the time of application but must be complete before starting the MSVS program.
• Students must have completed all prerequisite courses with a grade of C or higher in each.
• Non-native English speakers must demonstrate proof of English proficiency. See more details about English proficiency.

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 admission via e-mail.

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:

Online Application Form. General MSVS applicants and prospective students who already hold an OD, use the online form. Current Pacific students, apply for the concurrent OD/MS track with the internal application.

Curriculum Vitae

Personal Essay: Describe what inspires your pursuit of the master’s degree, your career goals and your research interests in vision science.

Two Letters of Recommendation: We require two letters from individuals who have supervised your research or academic work. At least one letter must be from a professor who taught you in college. Your recommenders will also need to fill out an Applicant Evaluation Form provided by Pacific University. Current Pacific students: Only one recommendation, from an optometry faculty member, is required.

Official Transcripts: Submit official transcripts Official transcripts from all colleges and universities you attended should be submitted via the online application. Applicants with degrees from non-US accredited schools must submit the official credentials evaluations report. (list of evaluation agencies) Current Pacific students may simply submit an unofficial copy of their latest OD transcript showing a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better.

Proof of English Proficiency: Review acceptable demonstration of English proficiency. Waived for current Pacific students and applicants who hold an OD.

Application Fee: $40. Waived for current Pacific students and Pacific OD alumni..

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.