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MSc in Clinical Optometry with an Advanced Studies Certificate Degree Program

Salus University’s Division of Global, Interprofessional, and Specialized Programming offers a Master of Science in Clinical Optometry (MSCO) with an Advanced Studies Certificate Degree program for international ophthalmic practitioners desiring to advance their knowledge and skills in optometric care and to experience specialized training within a specific content area. This degree program features biomedical and visual sciences, clinical sciences, research design and application, and small group learning experiences, delivered in 38 semester hour credits over a 12-month period. This program is delivered in a full-time program of study taking place at Salus University, Elkins Park, PA, USA or via a hybrid track where students can participate in didactic coursework and examinations delivered online during the first two Quarters and then come to campus for hands-on training during the second two Quarters.

Master of Science in Four Modules
The MSCO portion of the degree program is comprised of four modules, each containing a series of courses with compilations of lectures, workshops, clinical skills training, controlled patient care and research.
Module1: Foundations of Basic Science
Module 2: Optometric Applications and Ophthalmic Disease
Module 3: Clinical Practice and Applications
Module 4: Research Design and Applications

Advanced Studies Certificates
This degree program offers students the opportunity to customize their experience by gaining specialized knowledge and skills while earning an additional credential within a specific content area.
The current Advanced Studies content offerings are:
• Advanced Studies in Binocular Vision and Vision Therapy
• Advanced Studies in Vision Impairment and Rehabilitation
• Advanced Studies in Contact Lens

The Master of Science in Clinical Optometry with an Advanced Studies Certificate degree program starts in August of each calendar year.

Admissions

The following items should be completed or uploaded through the GradCAS application portral.

  • A completed application. If new to the GradCAS application portal, you will need to create an account. (Utilize the GradCAS Applicant Help Center as a resource).
    • Click Add Program at the top of the application home page.
    • Use the search filters to locate the Salus University, Master of Science in Clinical Optometry program.
    • Complete the application's four core sections: Personal Information, Academic History, Supporting Information, and Program Materials.
  • Payment of the non-refundable fee of $138.00.
  • 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. Official credential evaluations in original paper form 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.

  • 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.
  • 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).

The following items are also required for admission to the program:

  • Completion of a successful interview with a member of the Department of International and Continuing Education 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.

Curriculum

Fall Quarter

CLO-5000Molecular and Cellular Processes

0.5
CLO-5001Microbiology and Immunology

0.5
CLO-5002Ocular Anatomy and Physiology

0.5
CLO-5004General Physiology, Pathology and Pathophysiology 1

1
CLO-5006Principles and Applications of Pharmacology

1
CLO-5104Concepts of Cataracts, Low Vision and Geriatric Care

0.5
CLO-5107Refraction and Pre & Post Refractive Surgery

1
CLO-5300Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Research & Design

1
CLO-6301Evidence-Based Practice 1

0.5
CLO-6330Scholarly Project - Part 1

1
Total Credit Hours:7.5

Winter Quarter

CLO-5003Human Anatomy and Neuroscience

1
CLO-5009General Physiology, Pathology and Pathophysiology 2

0.5
CLO-5100Ocular Biology and Anterior Segment Disease

1
CLO-5103Posterior Segment Disease

0.5
CLO-5105Pediatrics and the Study of Normal & Abnormal Binocular Function

1
CLO-5106Contact Lens Applications

0.5
CLO-5110Optic Nerve Disorders

0.5
CLO-6305Evidence-Based Practice 2

0.5
CLO-6331Scholarly Project - Part 2

2
Total Credit Hours:7.5

Spring Quarter

CLO-5101Clinical Medicine and Disease Manifestations

1
CLO-5102The Study of Glaucoma

0.5
CLO-6200Clinical Procedures Laboratory

1.5
CLO-6230Controlled Patient Care 1

2
CLO-6332Scholarly Project - Part 3

2.5
-CLO-AVS 1Advanced Studies 1

1.0
-CLO-AVS 2Advanced Studies 2

1.0
Total Credit Hours:9.5

Advanced Studies 1

Choose one
CLO-9031Advanced Studies in Contact Lens Part 1

1
CLO-9041Advanced Studies in Vision Impairment & Rehabilitation Part 1

1
CLO-9051Advanced Studies in Binocular Vision and Vision Therapy Part 1

1

Advanced Studies 2

Choose one
CLO-9032Advanced Studies in Contact Lens Part 2

1
CLO-9042Advanced Studies in Vision Impairment & Rehabilitation Part 2

1
CLO-9052Advanced Studies in Binocular Vision and Vision Therapy Part 2

1

Summer Quarter

CLO-5108Environmental Optometry

0.5
CLO-5109Case Presentations and Panel Discussion

0.5
CLO-6001Practice Management and Professional Development

0.5
CLO-6203Clinical Case Studies

5.0
CLO-6231Controlled Patient Care 2

2.5
CLO-6333Culminating Scholarly Project - Part 4

1.5
-CLO-AVS 3Advanced Studies 3

1.5
-CLO-AVS 4Advanced Studies 4

1.5
Total Credit Hours:13.5

Advanced Studies 3

Choose one
CLO-9033Advanced Studies in Contact Lens Part 3

1.5
CLO-9043Advanced Studies in Vision Impairment & Rehabilitation Part 3

1.5
CLO-9053Advanced Studies in Binocular Vision and Vision Therapy Part 3

1.5

Advanced Studies 4

Choose one
CLO-9034Advanced Studies in Contact Lens Part 4

1.5
CLO-9044Advanced Studies in Vision Impairment & Rehabilitation Part 4

1.5
CLO-9054Advanced Studies in Binocular Vision and Vision Therapy Part 4

1.5


Total Credit Hours: 38.0