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.
Advisor | Email | Position and Department | Phone | Office |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glenda Hill | ghill@boisestate.edu | Director, Pre-Professional Studies | 208-426-3832 | HSR 124 |
| Erin Colburn | erincolburn@boisestate.edu | Pre-Health/Pre-Professional Advisor | 208-426-2454 | HSR 123 |
| Howard Wiley | howardwiley@boisestate.edu | Pre-Health/Pre-Professional Advisor | 208-426-3732 | HSR 122B |
Pre-Optometry Course Work
Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ENGL 101, 102 | English Composition | 6 |
| Arts, Humanties, and Foundation Studies Courses (based on degree requirements) | 6 -12 | |
| Social Sciences (based on degree requirements) | 6 -9 | |
| PSYC 101 | General Psychology | 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 Labs | 10 |
| MATH 143-144 OR MATH 147 | College Algebra and Analytical Trigonometry OR Precalculus | 5 |
| *MATH 170 | Calculus I | 4 |
| *MATH 254 OR PSYC 295 | Applied Statistics with Computers OR Statistical Methods | 3 -4 |
| PHYS 111-112 | General Physics | 8 |
| TOTAL | 80-90 | |
| *Requirement varies with school | ||
| 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. | ||