Pre-Optometry
Students who pursue a pre-optometry program focus on completing at least three years of college science and math courses to help them earn top scores on the Optometry Admission Test and work toward earning a bachelor's degree in a science program such as biology or chemistry. You'll be assigned an adviser dedicated to helping you choose the courses and activities best-suited to your path. You'll be encouraged to seek internships and job shadowing opportunities and to make use of extensive on-campus projects and equipment to collaborate on research.
Program Highlights
- Strong base of scientific knowledge established through biology, chemistry and physiology courses.
- New anatomy and physiology suite in a remodeled Wick Science Building.
- Smart classrooms, technology-enhanced lecture halls, advanced laboratories and secure storage for materials in the updated Robert H. Wick Science Building, the center for most pre-professional programs.
- Opportunity to develop relevant skills in classwork, laboratory research and fieldwork with nationally recognized faculty members.
- Students encouraged to seek multiple job shadowing opportunities and to be open to volunteer service related to medicine and health
Program Distinctions
- Campus emphasis on science and technology that includes completion of $45 million Integrated Science & Engineering Laboratory Facility (ISELF), $14.5-million addition to Robert H. Wick Science Building and $13.6-million renovation of Brown Hall completed within the past five years.
- National Science Foundation grants help provide a full range of instrumentation to support coursework and research.
- Program approved by the American Chemical Society.
- Faculty members who work internationally, in countries such as Pakistan, Qatar and India, to bring global perspective to the study of chemistry.
- Minnesota has more than 480 medical device firms registered with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Student Organizations
- Medical Professions Association (MPA)
- Chemistry Club
- Biology Club
- Physics and Astronomy Club
Popular Careers
- Optometrist
- Ophthalmologist
- Researcher
- Optician