ADMISSIONS

The Southern California College of Optometry Master of Science in Vision Science program seeks to admit students possessing the qualities and motivation necessary for success in clinically applied research. Admission is based on an assessment of both academic and non-academic qualifications including; an application, letters of recommendation, personal statement and the admissions interview.

Students admitted into the combined OD/MS degree program are chosen from those accepted into the regular four-year Doctor of Optometry program. Students may apply for admission into the OD and MS programs concurrently or Optometry students may apply as late as the spring quarter of their first professional year.

3-Year OD/MS Sample Program

4-Year OD/MS Sample Program

Admissions Requirements

OD/MS Program

• BA or BS degree.
• College degree transcripts indicating a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA on pre-requisites for the OD program.
• Optometry Admissions Test (OAT) scores above 300 in each topic area. Application to the Optometry (OD) program is made through OptomCAS. Once accepted to the OD program, the applicant may apply to the MS program directly.
• Personal statement detailing interests in the MS program and expectations.
• A minimum of one reference letter from a faculty member at SCCO or at an undergraduate program attesting to the applicant’s analytical or research skills and potential for success in a clinical research program.
• US citizenship or legal residency.

To learn more:

Instructions for Application Process

Applicants may request information and an application package by contacting the SCCO Office of Student Affairs at 714.449.7444 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

Once an application package is complete, it will be forwarded to the Assistant Dean for Graduate Studies. The application will be reviewed and the applicant will either be interviewed or advised of a decision not to admit. No application will be considered complete, and no admissions decision will be made, without a personal interview.

Instructions for Completing the Application

The application will be processed only after all forms and documents are received. An application is not complete until the following materials have been received:

• The Application for Admission (non-refundable processing fee of $65).
• Letters of recommendation as described in the Admission Requirements.
• A 300–500 word Personal Statement regarding your current goals, plans for your professional career, and reasons for selecting a field of study.
• One copy of the official transcript(s) of all previous college and university work, documenting each course taken and all degrees awarded.

Transcripts
Applicants must submit an official transcript from each college and university attended. An official transcript bears the original signature of the registrar and/or the original seal of the issuing institution. Transcripts should be mailed directly by a registrar to the SCCO Office of Student Affairs, 2575 Yorba Linda Blvd., Fullerton, CA. 92831.

Accuracy of Information
The submission of any false or misleading information of any kind in support of an application for admission to the Graduate program of the Southern California College of Optometry can result in the permanent cancellation or rescission of admission by the Assistant Dean for Graduate Studies. It is the responsibility of the applicant that all information is accurate and complete.

Nondiscrimination Statement
The Southern California College of Optometry, in accordance with applicable federal and state law and the College’s nondiscrimination policies, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, (including sexual harassment), gender identity, pregnancy/childbirth and medical conditions related thereto, disability, age, medical condition (cancer-related), ancestry, marital status, citizenship, sexual orientation, or status as a Vietnam-era veteran or special disabled veteran.

Tuition 2011-2012
The tuition for the MS program is equivalent (on a per credit basis) to the OD Program. For the Academic Year 2011/12, the tuition is $525 per credit. Currently, the MS program tuition is waived for the OD/MS candidate.

Course Fees

Course Descriptions

Course Offerings

Core Courses (4 credit hours each)

Special Topics Course Descriptions (1 to 4 credit hours)

Individual study and advanced topics in the vision sciences.

Seminar Courses (2 credit hours each)

Accreditation

Both the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education (ACOE) accredit the professional program of the Southern California College of Optometry.