Pre-Optometry Track
Pre-Optometry Concentration
Optometrists play a vital role in safeguarding vision health by diagnosing and treating visual disorders, managing ocular diseases and promoting lifelong eye wellness. Our Pre-Optometry concentration in Healthcare Sciences prepares you for competitive admission to Doctor of Optometry (OD) programs through foundational coursework in anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, evidence-based practice, interprofessional education and specialized Vision Science courses that deepen your understanding of the visual system. This pathway also emphasizes preparation for the Optometry Admission Test (OAT), offering targeted testing strategies and integrated support to strengthen your readiness for this crucial exam.
What Makes This Pathway Stand Out?
- Hands-on experience: Gain early exposure to eye-care environments and learn how optometrists evaluate vision and manage ocular conditions.
- Skills that matter: Build strong foundations in visual system science, critical reasoning, and patient-centered communication.
- Confidence for the next step: Graduate fully prepared for the OAT and competitive OD program admission.
If you're passionate about vision science, detailed problem-solving and helping people maintain the gift of sight, this is where your journey begins. Start your path today!
Pre-Optometry Degree Plan
First Year
| First Year: Fall | Hours |
| ENGL 1311 Composition I | 3 |
| MATH 2303 Intro. to Probability & Stats | 3 |
| BIOL 1402 General Biology I | 4 |
| BIOL 1402L General Biology I Lab | 0 |
| FYES 1211 First Year Experience | 2 |
| BIOL 2321 Anatomy & Physiology I | 3 |
| BIOL 2121 Anatomy and Physiology I Lab | 1 |
| Total Hours | 16 |
| First Year: Spring | Hours |
| ENGL 1311 Composition II | 3 |
| PHIL 1381 Introduction to Philosophy | 3 |
| CHEM 1301 Chemical Principles I | 3 |
| CHEM 1101 Chem Principles I Lab | 1 |
| BIOL 2322 Anatomy & Physiology II | 3 |
| BIOL 2122 Anatomy and Physiology II Lab | 1 |
| PEHP Physical Education Core requirement | 1 |
| Total Hours | 15 |
Second Year
| Second Year: Fall | Hours |
| HCSC 2310 Intro to Healthcare Sciences | 3 |
| IPHS 2200 Medical Term for Health Prof. | 2 |
| PSYC 1301 Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
| History | 3 |
| CHEM 1302 Chemical Principles II | 3 |
| CHEM 1302 Chemical Principles II Lab | 1 |
| Total Hours | 15 |
| Second Year: Spring | Hours |
| HCSC 2150 Professional Engagement | 1 |
| CHEM 2311 Organic Chemistry I | 3 |
| CHEM 2111 Organic Chemistry I Lab | 1 |
| Fine Arts | 3 |
| ENGL 2310 World Literature | 3 |
| BIOL 3311 Cell Biology | 3 |
| Total Hours | 14 |
Third Year
| Third Year: Fall | Hours |
| HCSC 3320 Social & Cultural Considerations | 3 |
| VISC 4392 Clinical Internship | 3 |
| RELS 1330 Word in the World | 3 |
| PHYS 1101 General Physics I | 3 |
| PHYS 1101 General Physics I Lab | 1 |
| CHEM 2312 Organic Chemistry II | 3 |
| CHEM 2112 Organic Chemistry II Lab | 1 |
| Total Hours | 17 |
| Third Year: Spring | Hours |
| HCSC 3250 Professional School Prep | 2 |
| VISC 3292 Integrated Ocular Science | 2 |
| PHYS 1302 General Physics II | 3 |
| PHYS 1102 General Physics II Lab | 1 |
| BIOL 4351 Biochemistry I | 3 |
| Upper PHIL/RELS-Ethics Recommended | 3 |
| Total Hours | 14 |
Fourth Year
| Fourth Year: Fall | Hours |
| HCSC 4350 Spine & Neuro Case Mgmt | 3 |
| HCSC 4330 Interprofessional Communication | 3 |
| HCSC 3210 Intro.to Patho. and Pharmo. I | 2 |
| Modern Language I | 3 |
| MATH 2312 Calculus | 3 |
| Total Hours | 14 |
| Fourth Year: Spring | Hours |
| VISC 4311 Visual Optics | 3 |
| BIOL 3471 General Microbiology and Lab | 4 |
| HCSC 3260 Intro.to Patho. and Pharmo | 2 |
| HCSC 4360 Informatics and Evidence | 3 |
| Modern Language II | 3 |
| Total Hours | 15 |