Apply to MS in Vision Science

Program Detail

Application Information

The program is for candidates who wish to earn a master’s in science in vision science without enrolling in NECO’s four-year OD program.

Eligibility

Applicants must:

• Hold a bachelor’s degree to be considered for admittance to the MS in Vision Science Degree Program.
• Have taken or plan to take the GRE general exam.

Application Deadline

Applications to the MS in Vision Science Degree Program are accepted from August 1 – April 1 for admission at the beginning of the following fall semester.

Admission Requirements

• BA or BS degree.
• College transcripts indicating a minimum of 3.0 GPA.
• Any professional degree transcripts.
• GRE (general) scores.
• Admission essay detailing interest in the M.S. program.
• Three references attesting to the applicant’s analytical or research skills and potential for success in a research program.

Application Process

Request an application package through the Admissions Office, [email protected]. Applications should be submitted along with the appropriate application fee ($40) as early as possible before the anticipated start date.  Download application

Application Instructions

A completed application to the MS in Vision Science Degree Program consists of:

1. Completed MS in Vision Science Graduate Program Application
The MS in Vision Science graduate program application form is a three-page form that may be downloaded. Most of the questions on the form are self-explanatory. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

2. Transcripts
Official transcripts must be submitted directly to the College. Any transcript(s) from a university outside of the United States or Canada will need to be evaluated by WES US. A course-by-course evaluation is required, and we strongly prefer the WES International Credential Advantage Package (ICAP) as it includes official transcripts as part of the report. If the ICAP is not submitted, official transcripts from all schools will need to be sent to NECO before enrolling.

3. Letters of Recommendation
Three letters of recommendation are required from professionals and faculty members who are familiar with your work and should specifically address your potential as a researcher. The letters should be addressed to the Director of Graduate Studies and sent directly to the Admissions Office at NECO from the recommenders.

4. GRE scores, general exam
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) general exam must be taken before an application is considered complete. Indicate in the space provided on the program application the date that the examination(s) were taken and the scores, if available.

5. Submit language testing scores
Applicants whose native language is not English may submit either TOEFL iBT or IELTS scores to demonstrate English proficiency.
TOEFL iBT (New Scoring Scale Effective January 21, 2026)
Beginning January 21, 2026, the TOEFL iBT will use a new scoring scale ranging from 1 to 6, with half‑band increments.

For TOEFL iBT exams taken on or after January 21, 2026, the minimum required scores are:

• Overall: 4.5
• Speaking: 4.5

For TOEFL iBT exams taken before January 21, 2026, the minimum required scores are:

• Total Score: 88
• Speaking: 22

The IELTS exam minimum required scores are:

• Total Score: 6.5
• Speaking: 7

Applicants whose native language is not English are required to take either the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Testing System (IELTS). Only one language test is required: either the Test of English as a Foreign Language or the International English Language Testing System. You must take one of the exams. You may request to have this requirement waived if you attended an undergraduate institution where English was the language of instruction. The admissions committee reserves the right to require applicants to undergo further language testing and instruction as necessary.

Candidate Interviews

Members of the graduate faculty will conduct interviews, and laboratory visits will be arranged if possible. Acceptance into the stand-alone program will normally be accompanied by information that identifies the student’s laboratory advisor. The NECO Office of Admissions will handle all invitations for interviews.

Admissions Decision

A decision regarding admission to the program will be rendered by May 1, for matriculation in September of the same year.

Support During the Application Process

Our admissions staff is committed to assisting anyone interested in our degree programs. Candidates will receive periodic updates on the status of their applications throughout the process. Please contact a member of our staff with any questions during the application process.