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Basic Optometry School Requirements

  • General Biology with lab, two semesters:
    BIO 2105, 2106
  • General Chemistry with lab, two semesters:
    CHM 1151/1103, 1152/1104
  • Organic Chemistry with lab, two semesters:
    CHM 2211/2201, 2212/2202
  • Physics with lab, two semesters:
    PHY 1100/1101, 1102/1103 or 2410/2411
    and 2412/2413 or 2414/2415
  • English - two semesters
  • Mathematics - two semesters of calculus, statistics
  • Microbiology - one semester
  • There is an increase in the number of schools requiring or strongly recommending a biochemistry course. Check the individual school requirements in the Admissions Requirements book from the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry.

Selecting A Major

To meet these requirements, the following majors may be selected.  The major must be supplemented with the above courses as needed.  Science courses should be selected in close coordination with the Health Professions Advisor. Your advisor in your major will assist you in selecting courses to complete the requirements for your major.

Liberal Arts Major  (4-year Bachelor of Arts degree, any discipline)
These above courses will satisfy the science and math requirements for the core curriculum.  However, fitting all the science requirements into a program may require summer course work.

 Biology Major  (4-year Bachelor of Science degree)
This major can include most prerequisite courses.  For further information, contact the Biology Department in the Mendel Science Center 147, (610) 519-4830.

Chemistry Major  (4-year Bachelor of Science degree)
Students must supplement their curriculum with BIO 2105 and 2106 plus additional courses as above. A biochemistry concentration is also available.  For further information, contact the Chemistry Department in the Mendel Science Center 215, (610) 519-4840.

Biochemistry Major (4-year Bachelor of Science degree)
This major includes all prerequisite courses.  For further information, contact the Chemistry Department in the Mendel Science Center 215, (610) 519-4840.

Comprehensive Sciences Major  (4-year Bachelor of Science degree)
Students must supplement their curriculum with CHM 2211/2201 and 2212/2202 and other courses listed above.  For further information, contact the Comprehensive Science Program, St. Augustine Center 451, (610) 519-4232.