The Master of Science in Clinical Optometry with an Advanced Studies Certificate degree program is expected to start August, fall term each year.

Admissions Criteria

The application deadline for Fall 2025 is July 1, 2025. 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, 2025.

The University accepts applications through the GradCAS centralized application service. Please follow all instructions as indicated on the application portal. If assistance is needed with the portal, please contact support@gradcas.myliaison.com.

The following application items are required for submission: 

  • Submit a completed application through GradCAS: If new to the GradCAS application portal, you will need to create a new account. Once your account is created:
    • 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. 
    • Utilize the GradCAS Applicant Help Center as a resource. 

    • A non-refundable fee of $138.00 is required. Payment may be made through the GradCAS application portal. 

  • Minimum Education Requirement:
    • A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in a vision-related field, such as optics, optometry or ophthalmology or its equivalency.
  • Submit 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.
    • Recommended agencies include:
    • An official credential evaluation (not a copy) must be sent from the evaluation service directly to: Office of Admissions, Salus University, 8360 Old York Road, Elkins Park, PA 19027.
    • Applicants also have the option to submit their evaluation directly to GradCAS.  If you choose this option, please view GradCAS foreign transcripts instructions for more details. 
  • Official results from the TOEFL iBT, TOEFL Essentials, IELTS or Duolingo examination are required of all non-native English speakers. One of these approved exams must be taken within two years prior to the start date of the entering class to which an applicant seeks admission.
    • A recommended score for the TOEFL iBT is 70 or above. If submitting TOEFL iBT scores, please use the GradCAS code of B886.
    • A recommended score for the IELTS is 5.5 or above.  If submitting IELTS scores, please send scores directly to Salus University, Office of Admissions.
    • A recommended score for the Duolingo English Test is 95 or above. If submitting Duolingo scores, please send scores via Duolingo to Salus University.
    • While we recommend that applicants submit and hold at least the recommended minimum scores for TOEFL iBT, TOEFL Essentials, IELTS or Duolingo, exceptions will be considered for foreign applicants who meet one of the following criteria*:
      • 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.
 
  • Submit one letter of recommendation from a professional organization, teacher or colleague through the GradCAS application portal.
  • Submit a Personal Goal Statement detailing your reasons for choosing the MSCO degree and your post-degree career plans (minimum 900 words, maximum 1100 words) through the GradCAS application portal.
  • All applicants from Saudi Arabia must submit a Saudi Arabian Cultural Mission (SACM) guarantee in order to receive a final acceptance offer. Those without a SACM guarantee, and who meet all other requirements, will be issued a provisional acceptance letter. SACM documentation may be uploaded to the GradCAS application portal.
  • Complete a successful interview with a member of the Global, Interprofessional, and Specialized Programming Admissions Committee. Interviews may take place face-to-face or online via video conference. 
  • All credentials submitted on behalf of an applicant become a part of that applicant’s file with the University and cannot be returned.
  • Students will be required to meet University compliance requirements upon matriculation. 
Please note: All documents that are not in English must include a notarized English translation.
MSCO Deferment Policy

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 (send to: admissions@salus.edu). 

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 August matriculation of 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.