Admissions
The Master of Science in Clinical Optometry with an Advanced Studies Certificate degree program starts in August of each calendar year.
The application deadline is on or before July 1 of the year of desired enrollment.
Students planning on participating in the full-time, on-campus track and coming to the US on a full-time F1 visa should apply by May 1.
Salus University accepts applications through the GradCAS centralized application service. Please follow all instructions as indicated on the application portal.
Criteria
The following application items are required for submission:
• A completed application through GradCAS, which includes a non-refundable fee of $138.00. Payment may be made through the GradCAS application portal.
• A course-by-course foreign credential evaluation from a NACES recognized agency confirming that all of an applicant’s post-secondary studies are at least equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree level in a vision-related field such as optics, optometry or ophthalmology.
• Please view GradCAS foreign transcripts instructions for more details on submitting an official credential evaluation through the application portal.
• Recommended agencies include World Education Services and SpanTran.
• An official credential evaluation (not a copy) may also be sent from the evaluation service to Salus University, Office of Admissions, 8360 Old York Road, Elkins Park, PA 19027.
• For non-native English speakers, official results from the TOEFL iBT, TOEFL Essentials, IELTS or Duolingo examination are required. Exceptions will be considered.*
• Exam scores must be dated within two years prior to the start date of the program. Minimum score recommendations:
• TOEFL iBT: 70 or above. If submitting TOEFL iBT scores, please use the GradCAS code of B886.
• IELTS: 5.5 or above. If submitting IELTS scores, please send scores directly to Salus University, Office of Admissions.
• Duolingo English Test: 95 or above. If submitting Duolingo scores, please send scores via Duolingo to Salus University, Office of Admissions.
*Exceptions will be considered for non-native English speaking applicants who successfully completed a degree or diploma held from an accredited, post-secondary institution where the coursework was entirely in English, and provide evidence that it was conducted in English; OR successfully completed, and provide evidence of, an approved English language learner’s program.
Note: All exemption materials and other appeals are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and subject to the admission committee’s final discretion. Should any exceptions not be accepted toward the English language requirement, the Office of Admissions will inform the applicant of an alternative to fulfill it.
• One letter of recommendation from a professional organization, teacher or colleague.
• Personal Goal Statement detailing your reasons for choosing the MSCO degree and your post-degree career plans (minimum 900 words, maximum 1100 words).
• Applicants from Saudi Arabia must submit a Saudi Arabian Cultural Mission (SACM) guarantee. Applicants without a SACM guarantee, and who meet all other requirements, will be issued a provisional acceptance letter.
The following items are also required for admission to the program:
• Completion of a successful interview with a member of the Division of Global, Interprofessional, and Specialized Programming Admissions Committee. Interviews may take place face-to-face or online via video conference.
• Ability to meet University compliance requirements upon matriculation.
Please note: All documents that are not in English must include a notarized English translation. All credentials submitted on behalf of an applicant become a part of that applicant’s file with the University and cannot be returned.
Deferment of Admission
An accepted student with an unforeseen, extenuating circumstance prohibiting them from matriculating may request a deferment of admission in writing. The request must be directed to both the Dean of Student Affairs and the Director of the Master of Science in Clinical Optometry program, and made via the Office of Admissions.
For deferment consideration, the following is required:
• A deferment request submitted in writing by June 15th, before the August start of the academic year. Please note, submission of a deferral request by the deadline does not guarantee approval.
• Official documentation verifying the extenuating circumstance.
• All matriculation materials must be received (as directed in the University’s official Letter of Acceptance).
If deferment is approved:
• Admission will be extended to the next academic year.
• A deferment will not extend beyond one admission cycle.
• The student must contact the Office of Admissions, in writing, by April 1st of the deferred admission calendar year regarding his/her intention to resume enrollment.
• The student will be required to meet with a member of the Admissions Committee prior to matriculation (this may be done in person or via phone/online).
If a deferral request is denied:
• A student has the option to withdraw acceptance from the Program, and reapply through GRADCAS for future admission.
For questions regarding this policy, please contact the Office of Admissions at admissions@salus.edu.