Admissions FAQ

What is the difference between the Vision Science graduate program and the programs offered by the Departments of Psychology, Bioengineering, Molecular & Cell Biology, and Computer Science?

The UC Berkeley Graduate Program in Vision Science is an interdisciplinary program with affiliated faculty from many departments including optometry, psychology, bioengineering, computer science, molecular & cell biology, developmental biology, and physics. Both MS and PhD degree programs are offered. Because of the interdisciplinary nature of the program the range of research topics engaged by our students is very diverse.

The list below provides some perspective on the diversity of research undertaken:

• Biology: Eye Disease and Visual Disorders, Eye disease mechanisms & diagnosis, Genetic models of eye disease, Gene therapy, Ocular infection , Myopia & eye growth control, Strabismus & amblyopia, Low vision and aging, Presbyopia
• Perception and Sensory-Motor Interactions: Color vision , Spatial vision, Motion perception, Depth perception, Eye movements , Cue combination - Bayesian perception, Signal detection theory
• Neuroscience : Visual Neurophysiology, Neuroanatomy, Computational neuroscience, Development, Brain imaging (fMRI, EEG, MEG)
• Optics : Optics of the eye, Contact lens design & ocular effects. Adaptive Optics
• Bioengineering: Modern imaging, Quantitative modeling, Computer vision, Robotics, Feedback control systems, Ergonomics, Computer graphics, Virtual reality, Instrumentation

Can students interested in vision problems in bioengineering, cell biology, psychology, or computer science earn a PhD with research mentors in these disciplines?

Yes! The Vision Science Group includes members in a number of departments across the UC Berkeley campus. Most members have joint appointments in two departments, e.g., Optometry & Bioengineering or Neuroscience & Biology. Please review specific details at faculty research.

Which undergraduate background do I need to be eligible for admission?

Due to the interdisciplinary nature of the program, there are no strict major requirements for admission to the PhD in Vision Science. This is reflected in the diverse backgrounds of Vision Science students that span a cross section of undergraduate disciplines including psychology, optometry, bioengineering, computer science, physics, chemistry, biophysics, neuroscience, mathematics, molecular and cell biology and integrative biology.

How many students are admitted each year?

The Vision Science Group welcomes approximately 50 applications each year. The number of students offered admission varies based on the strength of the applicant pool.

What is the average GRE score or GPA for a successful applicant?

The average GRE percentile scores for last year’s successful applicants provide a guide: verbal ~80%-tile; quantitative 86%-tile; analytic 5.5 (~93%-tile on older exam). The quantitative score is weighted most heavily in assessing applications. The median GPA score was 3.5. Great consideration is also given to the letters of recommendtion

What types of financial assistance are available?

Students in good standing are generally provided 5 years of support, including tuition/fees and health insurance, and annual attendance at a scientific conference. There are also University and outside fellowships. MS students are not eligible for fellowship or training grant support but may obtain support as Graduate Student Instructors (GSIs/TAs) or Graduate Student Researchers (GSRs/RAs). PhD candidates are typically supported by their research advisors or outside fellowships in the later years of their programs.

What are the admissions application deadlines?

Applications for admission are due on January 5. Admission decisions and fellowship awards are mailed, starting in March, through to mid-April.

What are the test codes?

• GRE Department Code: 0611
• Institutional Code for UC Berkeley: 4833
• Institution/Department Code: 4833-99

Must I take an advanced GRE test for both the MS & PhD programs?

• An advanced GRE test is not required, though encouraged. You may take advanced tests in: Biology, Chemistry, Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science, Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology and Psychology.
• All applicants must complete the general GRE test. Test scores should not be more than 5 years old.

Must all international students take the TOEFL exam?

• All students applying directly from, or having received their undergraduate education in, a non-English speaking country must take this exam.
• Minimum TOEFL scores for admission are 570 for the written test; 230 for the computer-based exam; and scores should not be more than 2 years old.
• Applicants who, at the time of application, have completed one year of full-time academic course work with grades of B or better at a US institution do not need to take the TOEFL.
• Students must also demonstrate oral English proficiency to become teaching assistants, either by taking the Test of Spoken English prior to enrollment or by passing the Speaking Proficiency English Assessment Kit after arrival.

Would I get the chance to explore different research areas before choosing a thesis topic?

Yes! Students are required to complete at least two lab rotations of their choice.

What is the typical number of years required to complete the PhD program?

The normative duration is 5 years. Formal course work is completed in the first 2 years.

What types of careers have Vision Science graduates held?

Our PhD graduates are successful in positions in both the public and private sectors. We have contributed to the faculty of major universities in psychology and other departments, as well as in medical schools and schools of optometry. In addition to research appointments at other universities, Vision Science graduates have accepted positions in private research institutes, such as the Smith-Kettlewell Eye Research Institute, as well as in federally sponsored research agencies, such as NASA and the military. Recently, graduates have moved into SF Bay Area corporations such as Hewlett-Packard and VISX. MS graduates typically go on to pursue the PhD or other degrees. See Alumni Careers for more examples.