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If you are ready to apply to one of our four academic programs – Doctor of Optometry, Master of Science in Vision Science, Vision Care Assistant or Physician Assistant – then we are ready to assist you!

Doctor of Optometry

Applications for admission are accepted each year from July 1 to March 15 for classes beginning the following fall. Due to Rolling Admissions applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible during this period.

July 1, 2011 is the OptomCAS launch date for the 2011-12 admissions cycle. Students vying for seats in SCCO’s class beginning Fall of 2012 should apply during this cycle. The OptomCAS online application service can be accessed at www.optomcas.org.

SCCO requires a supplemental application in addition to the centralized application. This supplemental application is included in the OptomCAS application and will be submitted as part of your centralized application; therefore, when you have completed the OptomCAS application you have also completed the supplemental application.

It takes two to three weeks before SCCO receives your verified application from OptomCAS. After SCCO receives your application, you will then be prompted via email to pay SCCO’s secondary application fee of $65.00.

The deadline for submitting your application through OptomCAS is March 15, 2012 at Midnight PDT. Please be advised to thoroughly review and comply with the OptomCAS deadlines for submission of your undergrad transcripts.

High school transcripts are to be sent directly to SCCO and NOT to OptomCAS.

The last date to take the OAT and be eligible for the 2011–12 admissions cycle is March 15, 2012.  Since SCCO uses rolling admissions, it is best to apply early.  You do not need to have taken the OAT to apply. OAT scores will be reported directly to SCCO from ASCO (OAT test administrator).   Read more >>


Master of Science in Vision Science

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).

The M.S. 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.  Read more >>


Vision Care Assistant Program

The VCA application will be processed only after all forms and documents are received:


Physician Assistant Program

We're planning and preparing for this exciting program…

The first Physician Assistant (PA) program in Orange County will be started by the Southern California College of Optometry via a two-year graduate degree.  The program, approved by the College's Board of Trustees, will fill a critical need in the delivery of health care.  The new PA program is targeted to begin as early as the fall of 2014.

For more information about the Physician Assistant program at the Southern California College of Optometry contact the Office of Interprofessional Affairs at 714.449.7404.

Admissions