Admissions Procedures
Admission to a program of studies in the Department of Graduate Studies in Vision Impairment is based on the "Candidate Profile" of individual applicants. The "Candidate Profile" is comprised of three indices: (1) Academic Achievement, (2) Personal Index, and (3) Interview Index.
1. Academic achievement: The criteria for evaluating academic achievement consist of grade point averages, major, college or university attended, number of college credits completed, degree status and national test scores. One essay is submitted with the application. The objective criteria are weighed according to recommendations of the Graduate Admissions Committee. The weighing of each criterion is privileged information, which is restricted to Graduate Admissions Committee members. If an applicant's academic achievement falls within an acceptable range, the applicant is invited to an interview.
2. Personal Index: This is a subjective measure of the applicant's acceptability. The criteria are non-cognitive factors. The index is comprised of letters of reference and extracurricular activities. One essay is submitted with the application.
3. Interview Index: This evaluates the applicant's knowledge, interest and motivation about the field of vision impairment. The Graduate Admissions Committee recommends that each applicant be interviewed by at least two faculty members, one of whom is the director of the program. These interviews are held independently and each interviewer provides written information to the Graduate Admissions Committee. It is preferred to conduct interviews in person however they can be done via telephone.
After the interview, the Graduate Admissions Committee evaluates the findings of the Candidate profile (academic achievement + personal index + interview index) and makes a recommendation regarding the applicant's acceptability status. Your file must be complete before review by the Graduate Admissions Committee. The Graduate Admissions Committee meets monthly to review applications and every effort is made to provide decisions to applicants within two to four weeks of the scheduled interview. Final notification is sent to the applicant by the Director of Admissions of the Pennsylvania College of Optometry.
Students may take up to nine credits before being admitted as a matriculated student. Matriculation status includes admission and completion of a matriculation statement (student data sheet).
For further information regarding individual programs:
- Low Vision Rehabilitation Program
Kerry S. Lueders, Coordinator
klueders@pco.edu or voice 215-780-1366 - Programs in Orientation & Mobility - Dr. Fabiana Perla, Director,
Fperla@pco.edu or voice 215 780 1367
- Vision Rehabilitation Therapy - (formerly Rehabilitation Teaching)
Almeda Ruger, Director,
aruger@pco.edu or voice- 215-780-1362
- Professional Preparation Programs for Teachers of Children With Visual and Multiply Impairments
Dr. Missy Garber, Director
mgarber@pco.edu or voice 215-780-1502