Pre-Optometry Program

Students interested in preparing for optometry training should take science courses and laboratories designed for science majors. Brief survey courses in the sciences will not prepare students for the schools and colleges of optometry.

Typically a minimum of three years of pre-optometry study is required, most students accepted by a school or college of optometry have completed a baccalaureate degree.

The requirements for admission to the schools and colleges of optometry vary. Students should contact the optometry schools of their choice for a list of specific courses. However, all optometric schools and colleges require at least two-three years of pre-optometric study, as shown below. Check out the Optometry Education website.

Advisors

Name and Email	Position and Department	Phone	Office
Glenda Hill ghill@boisestate.edu	Director, Pre-Professional Studies	426-3832	HSR 124
Erin Colburn erincolburn@boisestate.edu	Pre-Health/Pre-Professional Advisor	426-2454	HSR 122

Pre-Optometry Course Work

Course Number and Title	Credits
ENGL 101, 102 English Composition	6
Area I (based on degree requirements)	6-12
Area II core (based on degree requirements)	6-9
PSYC 101	3
BIOL 191, 192 General Biology I and II	8
BIOL 205 Microbiology	4
BIOL 227, 228 Human Anatomy and Physiology	8
CHEM 111, 111L - 112, 112L College Chemistry I and II with Labs	8
CHEM 307, 308, 309, 310 Organic Chemistry and Lab	10
MATH 147 Precalculus OR MATH 143, 144 College Algebra and Analytical Trigonometry	5
MATH 170 Calculus I	4
Statistics -- choose from MATH 254 or PSYC 295	3-4
PHYS 111, 112 General Physics	8
Total	80-90
Additional Courses that may be needed for the pre-optometry program: additional Psychology, advanced Biology coursework, Biochemistry, and additional Calculus. Additional coursework to be chosen based on Bachelor degree requirements.