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PhD in Vision Science at University of California, Berkeley

University of California, Berkeley

United States of America, Berkeley

University Rank:#17

The Vision Science at University of California, Berkeley is a Full Time PhD program offered at the university's main campus in Berkeley , United States of America. The program is delivered on campus in English and can be completed in 4 years. Students develop academic knowledge and practical skills that prepare them for future careers in this field. The next available intake starts on August 16, 2027.

About PhD in Vision Science

Vision is one of the most valuable sensory modalities. It is also the source of a rich array of research questions relating to how we see, how and why vision fails, and what can be done about it. Investigators in Vision Science conduct human and animal research and modeling, yielding cutting-edge discoveries and applications in disciplines that include molecular genetics, clinical care, adaptive optics, neurobiology, cell biology, infectious disease, bioengineering, perception, and public health.

This Ph.D. program (opens in a new tab) emphasizes the interdisciplinary nature of vision science research through broad exposure to the basic concepts and techniques used in specialized fields. Engaged in laboratory-based and clinical research, our students (opens in a new tab) work with faculty (opens in a new tab) advisers whose research matches their interests. Current research topics include biomedical optics, perception and visual cognition, molecular and cell biology, neuroscience, computational vision, genetics, immunology, microbiology, and clinical science.

To complete our Ph.D. program, students must complete a minimum of 120 units. These units can be earned by taking VISCI 260A, VISCI 260B, VISCI 260C, VISCI 260D, VISCI 298, VISCI 201A, VISCI 201B, and VISCI 300. Students in our program are also allowed to take course across campus as it fits into their research and progress towards their thesis.

Vision Science alumni (opens in a new tab) are represented on the faculty of world-class universities - in medical schools, schools of optometry, and a wide range of other disciplines spanning psychology, physiology, bioengineering, and ophthalmology. Many others hold research positions in private institutes and federally sponsored agencies, including NASA and the NIH. Still, others can be found in the research and development divisions of the industry. Ophthalmic and biotechnology companies are among the major recruiters of our graduates.

Due to the program's interdisciplinary nature, we accept students with various backgrounds, including psychology, optometry, engineering, computer science, physics, chemistry, biophysics, neuroscience, mathematics, molecular and cell biology, and integrative biology.

Source: Berkeley Academic Guide (opens in a new tab)

Requirements and Admission Criteria for PhD in Vision Science at University of California, Berkeley

Entry Requirements

A bachelor’s degree or recognized equivalent from an accredited institution;
A satisfactory scholastic average, usually a minimum grade-point average (GPA) of 3.0 (B) on a 4.0 scale; and
Enough undergraduate training to do graduate work in your chosen field.

Academic Requirements

English Requirements

IELTSMin 7
TOEFLMin 90

Tuition and Fee Information for PhD in Vision Science at University of California, Berkeley

Application Fee 155

How to Apply for PhD in Vision Science at University of California, Berkeley

When to do it: September to December, but as late as February depending on the program

Ready to apply? You can submit your application for Fall admission beginning in September, and the majority of deadlines are in December but check the programs list.

The online application will ask you for specific information such as your academic and professional history, transcripts, and potentially your CV, resume or links to your portfolio. You’ll also need to provide the contact information for your recommenders who will be invited to submit their recommendation.

You’ll need to have a major credit card to pay the non-refundable application fee. If you are a U.S. Citizen or current Permanent Resident, the application fee is $135 (Application Fee Waiver Information); for all others, the fee is $155.

PhD in Vision Science at University of California, Berkeley

University of California, Berkeley

United States of America, Berkeley