Optometry
Minimum requirements for doctoral program
Note: Advanced Placement/IB credit in some areas may allow for more flexibility.
Major: There is no preferred or required pre-optometry major. Optometry colleges are interested in students from different educational backgrounds. Optometry schools know the importance of a broad liberal arts education that includes a solid foundation in the sciences (biology, chemistry, mathematics, and physics) as well as coursework in the social sciences and humanities. Students interested in the health professions should choose a major based on their academic interests and abilities. High grades in a well-rounded curriculum are more important than a student’s major.
Pass/Fail: Required premedical courses should never be taken pass/fail.
Study Abroad: Premedical courses should not be taken during study abroad. Most medical schools will not accept premedical requirements taken at a foreign institution.
Prerequisites:The below courses represent the requirements of the majority of the 20 optometry colleges. There may be requirements at some optometry colleges that do not include a specific course(s) or require other specific ones.
Biology
BIO 112 Cells and Genes
BIO 221 Microbiology OR
One other course from the Cells and Molecules and/or Organisms areas of biology.
Other Biology course requirements to consider:
BIO 305 Biochemistry - Eight programs require one semester of biochemistry; all others “recommend” or “strongly recommend” it
BIO 244 Introductory Physiology - Five programs require one semester of physiology; all others “recommend” or “strongly recommend” it.
Four programs require one semester of anatomy; all others “recommend” or “strongly recommend” it.
Chemistry
3 Semesters of Chemistry
CHEM 153 Chemical Principles
CHEM 253 Organic Chemistry I
CHEM 232 Aqueous Equilibria
Other Chemistry course requirement to consider:
CHEM 254 Organic Chemistry II- Four programs require a second semester of organic chemistry
Physics
1 Year of Physics
PHYS 170 or PHYS 180 Introductory Physics I (Enhanced)
PHYS 171 or PHYS 181 Introductory Physics II (Enhanced)
Mathematics
2 Semesters of Mathematics
MATH 101 Calculus I
MATH 141 or MATH 151 Accelerated Statistics
English
2 Semesters of English
ENG 101 Writing
One class in English literature
Psychology
1 Semester of Psychology
PSY 101 Introductory Psychology
Optometry Dual Degree Program
Wheaton also offers a dual degree program in optometry with the New England College of Optometry.
