Pre-Optometry Pathway (39-43 Math/Science Credits)

The pre-requisites for optometry schools can vary.  Students should determine the specific requirements for the optometry schools they wish to apply to.  Most optometry schools require the following courses:

• BIO103/BIO104  General Biology I & II
• CHE110/CHE111 General Chemistry I & II
• CHE210/CHE211  Organic Chemistry I & II
• PHY120/PHY121  General Physics I & II(not calculus based) OR
  PHY110/PHY111 General Physics I & II (calculus based, required for some majors)

• MAT115 or MAT120 Biostatistics or Statistics
• MAT 170/171 Calculus I with Review OR MAT181 Calculus I.  Two semesters of calculus are required for some schools.
• 1 year of college English or equivalent including writing intensive courses (General Education)
• PSY100 Introduction to Psychology

Other recommended and/or required courses:

• BIO216 General Microbiology
• BIO105/BIO106 Anatomy and Physiology I & II
• CHE421 Biochemistry

Other requirements:

Shadowing an optometrist is expected.

The OAT (optometry admissions test) is required for applicants to optometry school, and includes a survey of general biology, chemistry, and organic chemistry, reading comprehension, physics, and quantitative reasoning.

Grades:
GPA’s of students enrolled in optometry school range from 3.2-3.5. 

Pre-Optometry Pathway Sample Four Year Plan

 

 

 

 

*Students who did not take pre-calculus in high school are encouraged to take MAT133 Pre-calculus during the summer prior to the start of this program.

Taking multiple lab sciences in a semester can be very challenging. You may wish to reduce your course load and take some courses in the summer.  Speak with your advisor about this possibility.