Standalone MS in Vision Science Program

The full-time or part-time Master’s (MS) Program offered by the Southern California College of Optometry is a standalone degree program with no association to the OD degree program.

Application Requirements

Processing of the MS application begins only after all of the following forms and documents are received. Submit all information directly to MSadmissions@ketchum.edu except official transcripts, which are instead sent in hardcopy to the mailing address listed in the next section:

1. Completed Application for Admission, including $50 application fee (button below)
2. Two letters of recommendation (sent directly from the reviewer)
3. 300–500 word Personal Statement regarding your current goals, plans for your professional career, and reasons for selecting a field of study
4. One copy of the official transcript(s) of all previous college and university work, documenting each course taken and all degrees awarded 
5. Curriculum Vitae or Resume
6. *OAT scores or *GRE:
   1. GRE is required if no OAT scores are available
   2. Minimum acceptable GRE score of 300 for Verbal plus Quantitative
7. International or non-U.S. trained applicants only:
   1. *TOEFL (may be required when ESL) (minimum acceptable score of 80)
   2. *TSE (may be required) (minimum acceptable score of 50)

*All tests must be taken within two years of applying for the MS Program

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Submission Process & Deadline

Applicants for the standalone MS program may apply anytime and, if admitted, will select which quarter they would like to begin the program. An application is not complete until all forms and documents are received. Electronic transcripts and documents are preferred; have official transcripts and foreign evaluations sent directly to MSadmissions@ketchum.edu. If paper documents are the only option, use this mailing address:

Marshall B. Ketchum University
Attn: SCCO Office of Admissions/ Master’s Program
2575 Yorba Linda Blvd.
Fullerton, CA 92831

Post-Submission Process & Interviews

Once an application compilation is complete, it is forwarded to the Assistant Dean for Graduate Studies for review. If an application is competitive enough to advance in our process, an invitation to interview will be extended. No admissions decisions will be made without an interview.

U.S. and Canadian Bachelor’s Degree Holders*

An applicant holding a bachelor’s degree from a U.S. or Canadian school is eligible to apply to the MS program. These applicants will need to meet specific requirements to be considered. Applicants should have a minimum grade point average of 3.0 (out of 4.0) on all previous college-level work. The bachelor’s degree should be in a scientific field of study (e.g., biology, chemistry, physics, engineering, etc.). Canadian applicants are required to provide proof of adequate funds to cover all fees and expenses for the entire graduate program as a condition for the issuing of a visa to enter the U.S.

Please click here for information for International Students.

*Not Optometrist or Physicians

International and Non-U.S.-Trained Applicants**

International applicants are required to meet specific requirements to be considered.

The applicant should have a minimum grade point average of 3.0 (out of 4.0) on all previous college-level work. If the undergraduate degree was granted by a college or university outside the U.S., transcripts must be evaluated by one of the approved equivalency agencies. Marshall B. Ketchum University requires a course-by-course evaluation.

Non-U.S.trained applicants must have graduated from an optometry or medical school that has training comparable to a U.S. based optometry or medical school. The applicant must be a native English speaker or have demonstrated a satisfactory command of the English language.

All foreign applicants are required to provide proof of adequate funds to cover all fees and expenses for the entire graduate program as a condition for the issuing of a visa to enter the U.S.

Please click here for information for International Students.

**Excluding Canadian Citizens

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 at Marshall B. Ketchum University 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.

Admissions Policy

Marshall B. Ketchum University’s Master of Science in Vision Science is committed to the principles of equal opportunity in education. Marshall B. Ketchum University does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities.  The Vice President for Student Affairs has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies and can be reached at titleIX@ketchum.edu.

For further information on notice of non-discrimination, as well as the address and phone number of the office that serves your area, visit the Office for Civil Rights Contact Page or call 1.800.421.3481.