Most optometry schools require a minimum of 8 credits of biology courses with accompanying laboratory courses; 4 credits of microbiology with accompanying lab; 8 credits of inorganic/general chemistry with labs; 8 credits of organic chemistry with labs; 8 credits of physics with accompanying labs; 3-4 credits of calculus; 3-4 credits of statistics; 6 credits of English composition and/or literature courses; and 3 credits of psychology.

Admission requirements vary among optometry schools and therefore, it is a student’s responsibility to refer to the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO) website which provides links to all of the optometry schools and their admission requirements. All prerequisite courses must be completed by the end of the Fall or Spring semester that precedes a student’s expected August matriculation into optometry school; although, the biology, chemistry and physics prerequisite courses must be completed before a student takes the Optometry Admissions Test (OAT).

The recommended course list below captures the general minimum requirements for most, but not all, optometry schools in the United States. Admission requirements vary among optometry schools and therefore, it is a student’s responsibility to refer to the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry website which provides links to all of the optometry schools and their admission requirements. Admission requirements are subject to change without prior notice. Students should be working closely with The PreMedical and PreDental Advising Office throughout their tenure at UMBC.