Optometry

About

The College of Optometry, housed in the Cora and J. Davis Armistead Building, is one of the University's fourteen colleges. Established in 1952, the college has seen unprecedented growth in patient care, didactic and laboratory facilities as well as student common areas. In 2013, its latest expansion, the Health and Biomedical Building 1, was built adjacent to, and connected with the Armistead building. This new addition houses an Ambulatory Surgical Center, a Refractive Surgery Center, and new classroom and laboratory spaces, making the optometric facility one of the most modern in the world.

Approximately, one hundred and five students are admitted into the professional optometric program each year from the United States and abroad. Accepted students must have a Bachelor's degree prior to matriculation into the professional program and are expected to have completed course work, including: biological science, advanced level biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology, statistics and psychology.

The college not only educates students planning to practice optometry, but also offers Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degree programs in physiological optics/vision science for students planning careers in teaching and research. Students who have a degree in biological or physical science or biomedical engineering with a special interest in vision or who are graduates of an optometry school or other professional health program may want to consider entering the graduate program.

Graduates from the professional optometric program may enter family practice or serve in multidisciplinary primary care clinics. Graduates also find careers in public health, teaching and research, industry and health administration. Residencies/fellowships are available in pediatric, primary care, contact lenses, rehabilitative, or hospital-based optometry. Special services for children, the elderly, and the partially-sighted can each be exclusively practiced. Helping to care for vision, our most treasured sense makes optometry a rewarding profession for students interested in a health career.

Please visit our website for more information: www.opt.uh.edu.

Disciplines

College of Optometry

Requirements

Entry Requirements

Transcript of all semesters attended
Degree Certificate/Diploma
English Translation of Transcript
English Translation of Degree Certificate/Diploma

English Requirements

PTEMin 53
IELTSMin 6.5
TOEFLMin 79

Fee Information

Application Fee 80

How to Apply

Step 1: Start an Application

The University of Houston Graduate School uses ApplyWeb for the processing of graduate applications. Proceed to the link below to create an ApplyWeb account, submit an application, review a submitted application, and access post-submission functionality.

Step 2: Choose a Program

Admissions requirements vary by program. Please consult the program website to verify which information is required to complete the application.

Step 3: Submit Transcripts

Scanned copies of official transcripts can be uploaded as PDF files and may be used by programs to make admission decisions. Please follow these instructions to properly scan and upload your transcript. If admitted, however, you will not be able to enroll without the official transcript(s) showing undergraduate degree conferral on file. For International Students, who wish to enroll after receiving acceptance, official transcripts and degree certificates must be sent to the University of Houston Graduate School in envelopes sealed and stamped by the issuing university. Electronic academic documents sent from international institutions will not be accepted.

Students whose universities issue only one set of official documents can have their academic records attested and signed by the university registrar certifying the documents are true copies of the originals or may bring the original document to the Graduate School for authentication upon arrival at University of Houston.

Official transcript(s) should be sent to:

Regular Mail:	Express Mail:	Electronic or "Speede" Transcript:
University of Houston Graduate Admissions P.O. Box 3947 Houston, TX 77253-3947	University of Houston Graduate Admissions 4302 University Dr, Rm 102 Houston, TX 77204-2012	Within the U.S., the fastest way to send your transcript is electronically. Please inquire at your previous institution about this option. Electronic transcripts can be delivered via email to gradschool@uh.edu.

Step 4: Submit Test Scores

Test Scores (GRE, GMAT, etc.) should be sent by the testing agency. Refer to the program's website for test score requirements. Use school code 6870 when reporting test scores to University of Houston.
International applicants have to satisfy English proficiency requirements via satisfactory scores on the TOEFL or IELTS standardized exams. Use school code 6870 to report TOEFL scores. IELTS scores should be sent electronically to The University of Houston.

The scores that you submit must be valid and reportable at the time you submit your application (within the last five years for the GRE or GMAT and two years for the TOEFL, IELTS, Pearson or Duolingo).

Step 5: Submit Required Documents

Letters of Recommendation are gathered electronically. You will be asked to provide e-mail addresses of your references. Refer to the program's website for the required number of letters.
Personal Statement requirements vary by program. Refer to the program's website for instructions.
Resume/Curriculum Vitae requirements vary by program. Refer to the program's website for instructions.
Additional/Supplemental Materials may include a writing sample, a portfolio, a self-study, etc. Refer to the program's website for instructions.

Step 6: Submit Your Application

Application fees are $50 for domestic applicants, $80 for international applicants and $25 for non-degree (Certificate based programs). Limited application fee waivers are available. Please check with program regarding eligibility for application fee waivers.

International Students

(If you have attended an institution outside of the United States, please see the Graduate School's International Applicants Transcript Information for country-specific requirements.

International applicants are strongly encouraged to upload the following documents, which will be required to obtain a student visa if admitted:
- A scanned copy of passport page(s) showing full name, date of birth, passport number and expiration date, photo of the passport holder
- Financial Backing