Skip to Content

Admissions

An aerial view of the UC Berkeley campus.

Optometry Admission Test (OAT)

As of April 6, 2022, the Wertheim School of Optometry & Vision Science is now OAT optional for students applying to our Doctor of Optometry program. The OAT can be a helpful factor for bolstering applicants who have a low GPA or weaker science background but are an optional part of the application and thus are not counted against students who decide not to submit test scores.

Graduate Programs Offered

Berkeley is the No. 1 public university in the world. Our students and faculty come from different places and backgrounds, but together we create a vibrant and dynamic community that seeks to create a better world.  Join us! We offer two graduate degree programs; a Doctor of Optometry (OD) program and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Vision Science program.  We also offer a one year residency program for ODs.

OD Program PhD Program Residency Program

Who Can Apply

We do not require a specific undergraduate major to apply. The completion of an undergraduate degree is not required at your point of application, but must be completed before the start of the school year.

Requirements International Students

Join Our Email List

Join our mailing list to receive BLINK, our monthly newsletter for prospective students. You’ll learn about our students, the work our faculty are doing, and you’ll receive reminders about important events and deadlines.

Email List Interest Form

Notice of Availability:

In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, the University of California, Berkeley publishes an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. This report includes current security policies plus crime and fire statistics for the previous three calendar years. The body of the report also contains contact information for various campus and community resources related to crime prevention and survivor assistance. A digital copy of the report can be accessed via the link below, or paper copies are available free of charge at 1 Sproul Hall.

UC Berkeley Annual Security and Fire Safety Report