What are the Requirements for Admission to Optometry School?
There are 24 optometry schools in the United States, and optometry school admissions requirements in 2025 vary by program. According to the Optometry College Application Service (OptomCAS), in the previous cycle, 2,868 applicants submitted a total of 12,732 applications to optometry school. This represents a nearly 15% increase over 10 years.
To succeed in the optometry school application process, it is important to know the requirements for various schools.
- Prerequisite Courses: All optometry schools have prerequisite courses for admission. At the bottom of this article, you will find the prerequisites for optometry school for each individual school.
- OAT: The Optometry Admissions Test is a standardized test required by 23 of 25 optometry schools participating in OptomCAS. Some schools will accept the MCAT, DAT, PCAT, or GRE instead of the OAT, but for many, the OAT is preferable.
- Optometry Shadowing: Shadowing with an optometrist is a requirement for many optometry programs. Some programs may accept shadowing with an ophthalmologist as well.
What Courses do Most Optometry Schools Require as a Prerequisite?
Although requirements vary from program to program, most optometry schools require the following courses:
- One Year of General Biology with Lab
- One Year of General Chemistry with Lab
- One Semester of Organic Chemistry with Lab
- One Year of Physics with Lab
- Additional Biology: Microbiology, Anatomy, or Physiology
- Statistics and Calculus
- English or Writing
What Are the Different Sections of the OAT?
The OAT consists of the following sections:
- Survey of Natural Sciences
- Reading Comprehension
- Physics
- Quantitative Reasoning
What is a Good OAT Score for Optometry School?
The OAT is scored out of 400. Many programs consider a minimum score of 300 to be competitive. A score above 330 makes an applicant even more competitive for top programs.
Can You Get Into Optometry School Without a Bachelor’s Degree?
A bachelor’s degree is required by some optometry schools, such as UC Berkeley. For many programs, a bachelor’s degree is not required so long as the applicant has fulfilled the prerequisites and completed a total of 90 semester hours of college-level courses from an accredited institution. Having a bachelor’s degree can make you more competitive for optometry school.
How Can I Become a Competitive Applicant for Optometry School?
If you want to become competitive for even the most competitive optometry school programs in the U.S., we advise the following:
- Excel in Academics: Having a strong overall GPA and science GPA can help improve your chances of acceptance to optometry school. Optometry school GPA requirements may vary from program to program. The average GPA of accepted applicants in the last cycle was 3.56, according to OptomCAS.
- Ace the OAT: Getting a good score on the OAT can significantly enhance your candidacy. We encourage students to shoot for an OAT score of 330 or above.
- Gain Exposure to the Field: Spend time shadowing one or more optometrists and learning about the field. Though many programs require only 10 or 20 hours of shadowing, you will stand out as an applicant if you demonstrate a longer-term commitment to working or shadowing in the field.
- Take Part in Meaningful Extracurriculars: Whether you are passionate about research, community service, or leadership, take part in activities that can set you apart from candidates. Avoid filling your resume with a laundry list of activities. Instead, pick one or two activities and engage in them more substantially over the long term. Some of our prior pre-optometry students participated in research projects in the field of vision sciences for one or two years, while others worked with organizations to support children with visual impairment. These types of activities can make your application shine when it comes time to apply. The key is continuity and consistency in any activity you take part in.
- Present a Strong Application: Your optometry school personal statement and supplemental essays are your chance to convey your passion and aptitude for entering the optometry profession. Make a convincing case for why you should be accepted by showing that you have insight into the optometry profession, highlighting your skills, and demonstrating how your background has prepared you for this journey. Use specific examples and draw on your personal life story to avoid sounding generic.
Looking for help with your optometry school application? Learn how Admissions Helpers can guide you through every step from your personal statement to interview prep. Click here to learn more about our services
Additional FAQs About Optometry School Admissions
Do you need a bachelor’s degree for optometry school?
Not always. Some programs require a bachelor’s degree, while others accept applicants with at least 90 undergraduate credits and all prerequisite courses completed. However, a completed degree can make your application more competitive.
What GPA do I need to get into optometry school?
The average GPA for accepted optometry students is around 3.5–3.6. Strong science grades are particularly important for competitive programs.
Is the OAT required for all optometry schools?
Almost all U.S. optometry schools require the OAT, though a few may accept the MCAT, DAT, or GRE instead.
How many shadowing hours are required for optometry school?
Shadowing requirements vary, but most programs expect between 10 and 40 hours, preferably with an optometrist.
Summary
- Optometry schools require a variety of prerequisite courses, including general chemistry, organic chemistry, biology, physics, and anatomy and physiology. Some schools also require a bachelor’s degree.
- The OAT is required by virtually all schools. A score of 330 is considered strongly competitive.
- Shadowing an optometrist is another requirement of many programs.
- To become a competitive applicant for optometry school, pre-optometry students should aim for a good GPA (average GPA of accepted students is approximately 3.5), do well on the OAT, and go above the minimum optometry shadowing hour requirements to show genuine interest in the profession.
- Engagement in other meaningful extracurricular activities, such as research and community service, can also improve your candidacy for optometry school, especially when done over the long term.
- Use your personal statement and supplemental application essays to demonstrate insight into the optometry profession and passion for the field, In doing so, you will increase your chances of getting an interview and acceptance.
Optometry School Requirements by Program (2025)
Below, we list the optometry school admission requirements for all accredited programs in the United States:
University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Optometry, AL
Required Courses
• General Biology with Lab – 1 Year
• General Chemistry with Lab – 1 Year
• Organic Chemistry with Lab – 1 Course
• Biochemistry – 1 Course*
• General Physics with Lab – 1 Year
• Microbiology – 1 Course
• Calculus – 1 Course
• Statistics – 1 Course
• General Psychology – 1 Course
• English – 1 Year
• Social Sciences – 1 Year
*Molecular or Cell Biology also accepted
Minimum GPA: Not found
OAT Requirements: Required (MCAT or DAT also accepted)
Minimum OAT: Not found
Optometry Shadowing: Minimum 40 Hours
Source: https://www.uab.edu/optometry/home/academics/doctor-of-optometry/admissions-information
Southern California College of Optometry at Marshall Ketchum, CA
Required Courses
• General Biology or Zoology – 2 Semesters (2 Quarters)
• General Chemistry with Lab – 2 Semesters (2 Quarters)
• Organic Chemistry – 1 Semester (1 Quarter)
• Biochemistry – 1 Semester (1 Quarter)
• General Physics with Lab – 2 Semesters (2 Quarters)
• General Microbiology with Lab – 1 Semester (1 Quarter)
• Human Anatomy – 1 Semester (1 Quarter)
• Human Physiology – 1 Semester (1 Quarter)
• Calculus – 1 Semester (1 Quarter)
• Statistics – 1 Semester (1 Quarter)
• Psychology – 1 Semester (1 Quarter)
• English Composition or Literature – 2 Semesters (2 Quarters)
Minimum GPA: Not found
OAT Requirements: Required (MCAT or DAT also accepted)
Minimum OAT: Not Found
Optometry Shadowing: Not required
Source: https://www.ketchum.edu/admissions/optometry/how-apply-scco
Ohio State University College of Optometry, OH
Required Courses
• Biology with Lab – 2 Courses
• Inorganic Chemistry with Lab – 2 Courses
• Organic Chemistry – 1 Course
• Biochemistry – 1 Course
• Physics with Lab – 2 Courses
• Microbiology with Lab – 1 Course
• Physiology – 1 to 2 Courses (must cover all body systems)
• Calculus – 1 Course
• Statistics – 1 Semester (1 Quarter)
• Introductory Psychology – 1 Course
• Humanities – 2 to 3 Courses
• Social Science – 2 to 3 Courses
Minimum GPA: Not found
OAT Requirements: Required (MCAT or DAT also accepted)
Minimum OAT: Not Found
Optometry Shadowing: 10 Hours minimum at two practices
Source: https://optometry.osu.edu/admissions/admissions-requirements
Western University of Health Sciences College of Optometry, CA
Required Courses
• General Biology or Zoology with Lab – 8 Semester Units (12 Quarter Units)
• General (Inorganic) Chemistry with Lab – 8 Semester Units (12 Quarter Units)
• General Physics with Lab – 8 Semester Units (12 Quarter Units)
• Organic Chemistry with Lab – 3 Semester Units (4 Quarter Units)
• General Microbiology with Lab – 3 Semester Units (4 Quarter Units)
• Human Anatomy – 3 Semester Units (4 Quarter Units)
• Human Physiology – 3 Semester Units (4 Quarter Units)
• Biochemistry – 3 Semester Units (4 Quarter Units)
• Statistics – 3 Semester Units (4 Quarter Units)
• Calculus – 3 Semester Units (4 Quarter Units)
• Psychology – 3 Semester Units (4 Quarter Units)
• English – 6 Semester Units (8 Quarter Units)
Minimum GPA: Not found
OAT Requirements: Required (MCAT, DAT, or GRE also accepted)
Minimum OAT: No minimum
Optometry Shadowing: Not required
Source: https://www.westernu.edu/optometry/programs/doctor-of-optometry/requirements/
Oklahoma College of Optometry, Northeastern State University, OK
Required Courses
• General Biology or Zoology with Lab – 4 Semester Units (6 Quarter Units)
• General Chemistry 1 and 2 with Lab – 8 Semester Units (12 Quarter Units)
• Organic Chemistry with Lab – 4 Semester Units (6 Quarter Units)
• Biochemistry – 3 Semester Units (4.5 Quarter Units)
• Human Anatomy and Physiology with Anatomy Lab – 4 Semester Units (6 Quarter Units)
• Microbiology – 3 Semester Units (4.5 Quarter Units)
• Physics 1 and 2 with Lab – 8 Semester Units (12 Quarter Units)
• Algebra, Trigonometry, or Pre-Calculus – 3 Semester Units (4.5 Quarter Units)
• Statistics – 3 Semester Units (4.5 Quarter Units)
• General Psychology – 3 Semester Units (4.5 Quarter Units)
• English Grammar and Composition – 6 Semester Units (9 Quarter Units)
Minimum GPA: Not found
OAT Requirements: Required
Minimum OAT: Above 270 in each sub-section recommended
Optometry Shadowing: Not required
Source: https://optometry.nsuok.edu/FutureStudents/ApplicationProcess/Prerequisites.aspx
University of California, Berkeley, School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, CA
Required Courses
• General Biology – 2 Semesters (3 Quarters)
• General Chemistry with Lab – 2 Semesters (3 Quarters)
• Organic Chemistry with Lab – 1 Semester (1 Quarter)
• Biochemistry – 1 Semester (1 Quarter)
• General Physics with Lab – 2 Semesters (3 Quarters)
• Microbiology – 1 Semester (1 Quarter)
• Anatomy – 1 Semester (1 Quarter)
• Human Physiology – 1 Semester (1 Quarter)
• Calculus – 1 Semester (1 Quarter)
• Statistics – 1 Semester (1 Quarter)
• Reading and Composition – 2 Semesters (3 Quarters)
• Psychology – 1 Semester (1 Quarter)
Minimum GPA: 3.0
OAT Requirements: Optional (MCAT, DAT, or GRE also accepted)
Minimum OAT: Not found
Optometry Shadowing: Not required
Source: https://optometry.berkeley.edu/admissions/od-admissions/
Michigan College of Optometry, Ferris State University, MI
Required Courses
• General Biology with Lab – 1 Year
• Inorganic Chemistry with Lab – 1 Year
• Organic Chemistry with Lab – 1 Course
• Biochemistry – 1 Course
• General Physics with Lab – 1 Year
• Microbiology with Lab – 1 Course
• Calculus – 1 Course
• Statistics – 1 Course
• General Psychology – 1 Course
Minimum GPA: Not found
OAT Requirements: Required
Minimum OAT: Academic Average score of 300
Optometry Shadowing: Not required
Source: https://www.ferris.edu/optometry/admissions/index.htm
Nova Southeastern University, FL
Required Courses
• Biology with Lab – 8 Credit Hours
• General Chemistry with Lab –8 Credit Hours
• Organic Chemistry with Lab – 4 Credit Hours
• Biochemistry – 3 Credit Hours
• Physics with Lab – 8 Credit Hours
• Microbiology – 3 Credit Hours
• Anatomy and Physiology – 3 Credit Hours
• Calculus – 3 Credit Hours
• Statistics – 3 Credit Hours
• General Psychology – 3 Credit Hours
• English – 6 Credit Hours
Minimum GPA: 2.8
OAT Requirements: Required
Minimum OAT: Academic Average score of 300 and Total Science score of 290
Optometry Shadowing: Not required
Source: https://optometry.nova.edu/admissions/od.html
Arizona College of Optometry – Midwestern University, AZ
Required Courses
• Biology with Lab – 8 Semester Hours (12 Quarter Hours)
• General/Inorganic Chemistry with Lab – 8 Semester Hours (12 Quarter Hours)
• Organic Chemistry with Lab – 4 Semester Hours (6 Quarter Hours)
• Physics – 6 Semester Hours (9 Quarter Hours)
• Microbiology – 3 Semester Hours (4 Quarter Hours)
• Calculus – 3 Semester Hours (4 Quarter Hours)
• Statistics – 3 Semester Hours (4 Quarter Hours)
• Psychology – 3 Semester Hours (4 Quarter Hours)
• English – 6 Semester Hours (9 Quarter Hours)
Minimum GPA: 2.75 (cumulative and science)
OAT Requirements: Required (MCAT, DAT, or GRE also accepted)
Minimum OAT: Not found
Optometry Shadowing: Not required
Source: https://test-midwestern-az.cleancatalog.io/admissions-19
University of Missouri, St. Louis College of Optometry, MI
Required Courses
• General Biology with Lab – 2 Semesters (3 Quarters)
• General Chemistry with Lab – 2 Semesters (3 Quarters)
• Organic Chemistry with Lab – 1 Semester (2 Quarters)
• Physics with Lab – 2 Semesters (3 Quarters)
• Microbiology with Lab – 1 Semester (2 Quarters)
• Calculus – 1 Semester (1 Quarter)
• Statistics – 1 Semester (1 Quarter)
• Psychology – 1 Semester (1 Quarter)
• English – 2 Semesters (3 Quarters)
• Liberal Arts or Humanities – 2 Semesters (2 Quarters)
Minimum GPA: Not found
OAT Requirements: Required (MCAT, DAT, or GRE also accepted)
Minimum OAT: Not found
Optometry Shadowing: Not required
Source: https://www.umsl.edu/divisions/optometry/admissions/index.html
State University of New York (SUNY) College of Optometry, NY
Required Courses
• General Biology with Lab – 2 Semesters (3 Quarters)
• General Chemistry with Lab – 2 Semesters (3 Quarters)
• Organic Chemistry with Lab – 1 Semester (1 Quarter)
• Physics with Lab – 2 Semesters (3 Quarters)
• Microbiology with Lab – 1 Semester (1 Quarter)
• Biochemistry – 1 Semester (1 Quarter)
• Calculus or Precalculus – 1 Semester (1 Quarter)
• Statistics – 1 Semester (1 Quarter)
• General Psychology – 1 Semester (1 Quarter)
• English Composition and Literature – 2 Semesters (3 Quarters)
Minimum GPA: No minimum
OAT Requirements: Required (MCAT, DAT, or GRE also accepted with approval from admissions committee)
Minimum OAT: Not found
Optometry Shadowing: Not found
Source: https://www.sunyopt.edu/admissions-old/od-admissions-requirements/
Pacific University College of Optometry, OR
Required Courses
• Microbiology with Lab – 1 Course
• Human or Vertebrate Anatomy with Lab – 1 Course
• Human or Animal Physiology with Lab – 1 Course
• General Chemistry with Lab*
• Organic Chemistry 1 with Lab*
• Organic Chemistry 2 or Biochemistry with Lab*
• Physics with Lab – 8 Semester Credits (12 Quarter Credits)
• Calculus – 3 Semester Credits (4 Quarter Credits)
• Statistics – 3 Semester Credits (4 Quarter Credits)
• Psychology – 3 Semester Credits (4 Quarter Credits)
• English – 1 Course
* All chemistries must add up to 12 Semester Credits or 18 Quarter Credits
Minimum GPA: No minimum
OAT Requirements: Required (GRE, DAT, or MCAT also accepted)
Minimum OAT: No minimum
Optometry Shadowing: Not found
Source: https://www.pacificu.edu/optometry-od/admissions
Illinois College of Optometry, IL
Required Courses
• Biology with Lab – 6 Semester Hours (9 Quarter Hours)
• Microbiology with Lab – 3 Semester Hours (4.5 Quarter Hours)
• General Chemistry with Lab – 6 Semester Hours (9 Quarter Hours)
• Organic Chemistry – 3 Semester Hours (4.5 Quarter Hours)
• Physics with Lab – 6 Semester Hours (9 Quarter Hours)
• English Composition or Literature – 6 Semester Hours (9 Quarter Hours)
• Calculus – 3 Semester Hours (4.5 Quarter Hours)
• Statistics – 3 Semester Hours (4.5 Quarter Hours)
• Psychology – 3 Semester Hours (4.5 Quarter Hours)
• Social Science – 3 Semester Hours (4.5 Quarter Hours)
Minimum GPA: Not found
OAT Requirements: Required (GRE also accepted)
Minimum OAT: No minimum
Optometry Shadowing: Not found
Source: https://www.ico.edu/applying-to-ico
Chicago College of Optometry – Midwestern University, IL
Required Courses
• Biology with Lab – 8 Semester Hours (12 Quarter Hours)
• General Chemistry with Lab – 8 Semester Hours (12 Quarter Hours)
• Organic Chemistry with Lab – 4 Semester Hours (6 Quarter Hours)
• Microbiology – 3 Semester Hours (4 Quarter Hours)
• Physics – 6 Semester Hours (9 Quarter Hours)
• Calculus – 3 Semester Hours (4 Quarter Hours)
• Statistics – 3 Semester Hours (4 Quarter Hours)
• Psychology – 3 Semester Hours (4 Quarter Hours)
• English – 6 Semester Hours (9 Quarter Hours)
Minimum GPA: 2.75 cumulative and science GPA
OAT Requirements: Required (GRE, DAT, and MCAT also accepted)
Minimum OAT: No minimum
Optometry Shadowing: Not required
Source: https://test-midwestern-il.cleancatalog.io/admissions-12
Southern College of Optometry, TN
Required Courses
• General Biology or Zoology with Lab – One Year
• Microbiology with Lab – One Course
• General Physics with Lab – One Year
• General Chemistry with Lab – One Year
• Organic Chemistry with Lab – One Course
• Biochemistry or Molecular Biology – One Course
• English Composition – One Year
• General Psychology – One Course
• Social Science – One Year
• Statistics – One Course
• Calculus – One Course
Minimum GPA: Not found
OAT Requirements: Required (GRE and MCAT also accepted)
Minimum OAT: Not found
Optometry Shadowing: Not found
Source: https://www.sco.edu/admissions
University of Detroit Mercy School of Optometry, MI
Required Courses
• General Biology with Lab – 8 Semester Units or 12 Quarter Units
• General Chemistry with Lab – 8 Semester Units or 12 Quarter Units
• Organic Chemistry with Lab – 4 Semester Units or 6 Quarter Units
• General Physics with Lab – 8 Semester Units or 12 Quarter Units
• Microbiology – 3 Semester Units or 4.5 Quarter Units
• English Composition – 6 Semester Units or 9 Quarter Units
• Biochemistry, Anatomy, or Physiology – 3 Semester Units or 4.5 Quarter Units
Minimum GPA: 3.0 (Cumulative and Science)
OAT Requirements: OAT preferred (MCAT, DAT, and PCAT also accepted, GRE may be accepted on a case-by-case basis)
Minimum OAT: 300
Optometry Shadowing: 10 Hours minimum
Source: https://optometry.udmercy.edu/admission/index.php
Salus at Drexel University, Pennsylvania College of Optometry, PA
Required Courses
• General Biology or Zoology with Lab – One Year
• General Chemistry with Lab – One Year
• Organic Chemistry with Lab – One Year*
• General Physics with Lab – One Year
• Microbiology – Half a Year
• English Composition or English Literature – One Year
• Calculus – Half a Year (one year highly recommended)
• Psychology – Half a Year
• Statistics – Half a Year
*Biochemistry or molecular biology accepted for second half
Minimum GPA: Not found
OAT Requirements: Required (MCAT, DAT, PCAT, and GRE also accepted but OAT is preferred especially if your GPA is below 3.5)
Minimum OAT: No minimum found
Optometry Shadowing: 25 Hours minimum
Source: https://www.salus.edu/colleges/optometry/doctor-of-optometry-traditional-program/application-process/index.html
Inter American University of Puerto Rico
Required Courses
• General Biology – 6 Credits
• Microbiology – 3 Credits
• General Chemistry – 6 Credits
• Organic Chemistry – 3 Credits
• Calculus – 3 Credits
• General Physics – 6 Credits
• General Psychology – 3 Credits
• Statistics – 3 Credits
• English – 6 Credits
• Humanities – 6 Credits
• Social Sciences – 6 Credits
• Biochemistry – 3 Credits
Minimum GPA: 2.7 (Overall GPA and prerequisite GPA)
OAT Requirements: Required (GRE is also accepted)
Minimum OAT: No minimum found
Optometry Shadowing: Not found
Source: https://www.optonet.inter.edu/admissions/
Indiana University School of Optometry, IN
Required Courses
• Introductory Biology with Lab – One Semester/One Quarter
• Zoology or Developmental Biology with Lab – One Semester/One Quarter
• Microbiology with Lab – One Semester/One Quarter
• General Chemistry with Lab – Two Semesters/Three Quarters
• Organic Chemistry – One Semester/One Quarter
• Biochemistry – One Semester/One Quarter
• Math – One Semester/One Quarter
• Physics with Lab – Two Semesters/Three Quarters
• Introductory Psychology – One Semester/One Quarter
• Statistics – One Semester/One Quarter
• English Composition – One Semester/One Quarter
• Additional writing intensive course – One Semester/One Quarter
Minimum GPA: Not found
OAT Requirements: Not required (OAT or GRE may be submitted)
Minimum OAT: No minimum
Optometry Shadowing: Not found
Source: https://www.optometry.iu.edu/admissions-academics/doctor-of-optometry/index.html
University of Pikeville, Kentucky College of Optometry, KY
Required Courses
• Biology with Lab – 2 Semesters (3 Quarters)
• General Chemistry with Lab – 2 Semesters (3 Quarters)
• Organic Chemistry with Lab – 1 Semester (2 Quarters)
• General Physics with Lab – 2 Semesters (3 Quarters)
• Calculus – 1 Semester (2 Quarters)
• Psychology – 1 Semester (2 Quarters)
• English – 2 Semesters (3 Quarters)
• Humanities – 2 Semesters (3 Quarters) – Only required for students without a bachelor’s degree
• Behavioral and Social Sciences – 2 Semesters (3 Quarters) – Only required for students without a bachelor’s degree
Minimum GPA: 2.75 Minimum GPA recommended
OAT Requirements: Required (MCAT, DAT, or PCAT also accepted)
Minimum OAT: 300 minimum recommended
Optometry Shadowing: Not found
Source: https://www.upike.edu/optometry/admissions/kyco-application-process/
University of Houston College of Optometry, TX
Required Courses
• Biology with Lab – 8 Hours
• Fundamentals of Chemistry with Lab – 8 Hours
• Organic Chemistry with Lab – 4 Hours
• General Physics with Lab – 8 Hours
• Calculus – 3 Hours
• Upper Division Anatomy or Physiology – 3 Hours
• Upper Division Human Biology Courses – 5 Hours*
• Biochemistry – 3 Hours
• Microbiology with Lab – 4 Hours
• Statistics – 3 Hours
• Psychology – 3 Hours
*Example courses include molecular biology, cell biology, genetics, neuroscience, immunology, virology, and endocrinology
Minimum GPA: No minimum, 3.0 or higher is considered competitive
OAT Requirements: Required (MCAT and GRE also accepted)
Minimum OAT: No minimum, 330 or higher is considered competitive
Optometry Shadowing: Not found
Source: https://www.opt.uh.edu/education/doctor-of-optometry/prerequisites.cfm
Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences School of Optometry, MA
Required Courses
• General Biology 1 and 2 with Lab – 8 Credits
• Microbiology with Lab – 4 Credits
• General Chemistry 1 and 2 with Lab – 8 Credits
• Organic Chemistry with Lab – 4 Credits
• Physics 1 and 2 with Lab – 8 Credits
• Calculus – 3 Credits
• English – 6 Credits
• Psychology – 3 Credits
• Statistics – 3 Credits
• Biochemistry – 3 Credits (Strongly recommended but not required)
Minimum GPA: A minimum GPA of 3.0 is recommended
OAT Requirements: Required (GRE also accepted)
Minimum OAT: Not found
Optometry Shadowing: Not found
Source: https://www.mcphs.edu/academics/programs/optometry-od/admission-requirements
University of the Incarnate World Rosenberg School of Optometry, TX
Required Courses
• Biology with Lab – 1 Course
• Anatomy or Physiology with Lab – 1 Course*
• General Chemistry with Lab – 2 Courses
• Organic Chemistry with Lab – 1 Course
• General Physics with Lab – 2 Courses
• Microbiology with Lab – 1 Course
• Upper Division Biochemistry or Molecular Biology – 1 Course
• Calculus – 1 Course
• Statistics – 1 Course
• Psychology – 1 Course
• English – 2 Courses
*Biology II, Cell Biology, or Genetics also accepted
Minimum GPA: A minimum GPA of 3.0 is recommended
OAT Requirements: Required (GRE, MCAT, and DAT also accepted)
Minimum OAT: A minimum OAT of 300 is recommended
Optometry Shadowing: 20 hours minimum
Source: https://optometry.uiw.edu/admissions/doctor-of-optometry/index.html
New England College of Optometry (NECO), MA
Required Courses
• Biology with lab – 2 Semesters (3 Quarters)
• Chemistry with Lab – 2 Semesters (3 Quarters)
• Organic Chemistry with Lab – 1 Course
• Physics with Lab – 2 Semesters (3 Quarters)
• Biochemistry – 1 Course
• Microbiology – 1 Course
• Calculus – 1 Course
• Statistics – 1 Course
• Psychology – 1 Course
• English – 2 Courses
Minimum GPA: No information found
OAT Requirements: Required (GRE, MCAT, and DAT also accepted)
Minimum OAT: No information found
Optometry Shadowing: 20 hours minimum recommended
Source: https://www.neco.edu/admissions/prerequisites-requirements/
Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions College of Optometric Medicine, UT
Required Courses
• General Biology – 4 Credits (Lab highly recommended)
• Anatomy – 3 Credits
• Physiology – 3 Credits
• Microbiology – 3 Credits
• Chemistry – 8 Credits (Lab highly recommended)
• College Algebra or Higher – 3 Credits
Minimum GPA: Recommended minimum cumulative and science GPA of 3.0
OAT Requirements: Required (GRE, MCAT, and DAT also accepted)
Minimum OAT: Minimum 300 recommended
Optometry Shadowing: Shadowing an optometrist is strongly recommended
Source: https://rm.edu/od/requirements/
