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Updated 2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog | 20255

PDF of Pre-Optometry

Pre-Professional Study

Programs

Pre-Optometry

Advisors: Dr. Holly LaFerriere, Dr. Julie Larson, Dr. Mark Wallert

  1. The pre-optometry student should fulfill all requirements for a Bachelor of Science degree at Bemidji State University. The student should declare an academic major. Pre-Optometry is not an academic major. The major may be in any field of study. The Optometry Admission Test (OAT) is taken in the winter of the junior year.

  2. Early entrance into optometry school is possible for some students. Most students, however, enter optometry school after completing a baccalaureate degree. In addition, some optometry schools may require more courses than listed below. It is the responsibility of the pre-optometry student to become aware of these additional requirements and to plan his or her pre-optometry curriculum accordingly.

  3. The pre-optometry student should work closely with the pre-optometry advisor so all course requirements are fulfilled prior to entrance into optometry school. Delay in meeting with the pre-optometry advisor will likely result in delayed entrance into optometry school.

  4. General requirements for all schools include at least one year of biology or zoology, general chemistry, general physics, English, college mathematics, and psychology.

    BIOL 1400, 1500, 3710
    CHEM 1111, 1112 (or) 2211, 2212; 3311, 3371
    ENGL 1151, 2152
    MATH 1470
    PHYS 1101, 1102 (or) 2101, 2102
    PSY 1100

  5. The following courses are strongly recommended to be included in the student's pre-optometry curriculum:
    BIOL 2110 or 2310
    CHEM 4411, 4471

  6. A suggested pre-optometry academic schedule is listed below; numbers in parentheses are semester credits:

Freshman

BIOL 1400, 1500; F, S; (3,3)
CHEM 2211, 2212; F, S; (4,4)
ENGL 1151, 2152; F, S; (3,3)
MATH 1470; F or S; (5)
Electives: Consult your Pre-Optometry Advisor

Sophomore

BIOL 2110 or 2310, 3710; F, S; (5 or 4,4)
BIOL 3920; F; (1)
CHEM 3311, 3312; F, S; (3,3)
CHEM 3371, 3372; F, S; (1,1)
PHYS 1101, 1102 or 2101, 2102; F, S; (4,4 or 5,5)
Electives: Consult your Pre-Optometry Advisor

Junior

Electives: Consult your Pre-Optometry Advisor

Senior

Consult your Pre-Optometry Advisor