The following is a general guide for courses you may need to apply to optometry school. Requirements vary from school to school. So, it is always necessary to consult the websites of optometry schools where you know/think you want to apply. You can begin by consulting a list of School & College Prerequisites provided by OptomCAS.
For a pre-optometry course planning guide, click here. Also consider using our four-year planner to map out your coursework and extracurricular activities.
Mathematics
Most optometry programs require both calculus and statistics. For calculus, we recommend one of the following: Math 211, Math 221, or both Math 171 & 217. For statistics, we recommend Statistics 301, Statistics 371, or an introductory statistics course in your major department.
NOTE: Math 112 is a prerequisite for Chem 103 and Physics 103. In addition, Math 217 or 221 are prerequisites for Physics 201 and 207.
Chemistry
General Chemistry
Choose one of the following sequences:
- Chemistry 103-104
- Chemistry 109
Organic Chemistry**
- Chem 343: Introductory Organic Chemistry
- Chem 345: Intermediate Organic Chemistry
- Chem 344: Organic Chemistry Lab
Biochemistry**
Choose one of the following:
- Biochemistry 501
- Biochemistry 507-508 (If required by major)
**Note: Some schools will accept one year of general and one semester organic chemistry + one semester Biochemistry with lab. Some schools do not require a second semester of advanced chemistry at all. Pay careful attention to the requirements of the schools in which you are interested when planning your schedule.
Biological Sciences
General Biology
Choose one of the following sequences:
- Zoology 101-102 + Additional bio-science course with lab (check optometry school websites to see if you need a second course with a lab)
- Biology 151-152
- Biocore: Students must apply to enroll in Biocore. For more information, visit their website.
- Biocore 381-382 Evolution, Ecology and Genetics lecture/lab
- Biocore 383-384 Cellular Biology lecture/lab
- Biocore 485-486 Organismal Biology lecture/lab
- Biocore 587 Biological Interactions
Microbiology
Choose one of the following sequences:
- Microbiology 101-102
- Microbiology 303-304
Physics
Some, but not all, programs require physics. Choose one of the following sequences:
- Physics 103-104 (algebra-based)
- Physics 201-202 (calculus-based; recommended for Engineering majors)
- Physics 207-208 (calculus-based; recommended for Life Science majors)
Social Sciences
Introductory Psychology: Psych 202
Some programs require intermediate or advanced coursework in the social sciences.
English
Most programs require 6 credits of English or composition.
Other courses
Some programs require coursework in the following areas:
- Physiology (Anat&Phy 335/435 [both include lecture and lab])
- Anatomy (Anat&Phy 337 [lecture] & 338 [lab])