Pre-Optometry

Students who pursue a pre-optometry course of study 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.

Pre-Optometry in the University Catalog Department of Biology and Chemistry Chemistry Scholarships

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.