student working in lab

Pre-Optometry Program

Earn your UND degree as you prepare for a career as an eye doctor. If you are planning to attend optometry school, this program path is for you.

Take your skills in science, communication and problem-solving to the next level by taking part in UND’s Pre-Optometry program. By combining the curriculum with any undergraduate major, you can make your time at UND count for double by studying something you love and preparing for optometry school.

Program type:
Pre-Professional Program
Format:
On Campus
Est. time to complete:
4 years
Credit hours:
120

Why study pre-optometry?

Application Deadlines
Fall:
Aug. 15
Spring:
Dec. 15
Summer:
May 1

 

If you're an international student, refer to the international application process for deadlines.

Pre-Optometry is not a major, but a recommended curriculum plan to prepare you for optometry school. Complete your optometry school prerequisites while simultaneously pursuing any major you choose. Some required courses for acceptance to optometry school are:

  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Physics
  • English Composition
  • Survey of Organic Chemistry
  • Biochemistry
  • Anatomy
  • Physiology
  • Microbiology
  • Calculus
  • Statistics

This program is not a major. See the Pre-Optometry program information for the requirements and steps needed to join.

Optometry schools do not require any particular major. Pre-Optometry students have completed such majors as:

Pre-Optometry Program at UND

  • Specialized programming and your academic advisor help you set your curriculum, stay on track, and apply to optometry school.

  • Connect with classmates in UND's Pre-Optometry Club.

  • Set yourself apart with experiential learning, work and volunteer opportunities through UND.

 

Optometry Careers

125K

Median pay for optometrists in 2021

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

10%

Job growth outlook for optometrists to 2031

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

An optometrist is a healthcare professional who specializes in providing primary eye care services. They will:

  • Diagnose and treat visual problems using a variety of tools and techniques to assess the visual acuity, depth perception, color vision, and other aspects of visual function.
  • Manage diseases, injuries, and other disorders of the eyes.
  • Prescribe and fit eyeglasses or contact lenses as needed.

 

Pre-Optometry Program Courses

BIOL 150. General Biology I. 3 Credits.

Basic concepts of biology with emphasis on the process of science, metabolism, cell biology, plant and animal form and function, and physiology. Broadly designed to satisfy the needs of those pursuing biological and preprofessional curricula. F.

CHEM 121. General Chemistry I. 3 Credits.

Open to all students; no high school credit in chemistry required. Elementary principles and theories of chemistry; matter, measurement, atoms, ions, molecules, reactions, chemical calculations, thermochemistry, bonding, molecular geometry, periodicity, gases. Prerequisite or Corequisite: MATH 103 or higher. F,S,SS.

Code BMB 301 not found (or empty).

BIOL 341. Cell Biology. 3 Credits.

Description of processes common to life at the cellular level including: biochemical and structural organization, membrane function, motility, signal transduction, growth, division and genetic regulation of the cell. Prerequisite: BIOL 150, BIOL 150L, BIOL 151, BIOL 151L. Prerequisite or Corequisite: CHEM 122. S.

BIMD 220. Human Anatomy & Physiology I. 3 Credits.

BIMD 220 (3 credits) and BIMD 221 (3 credits) together are a complete survey of the anatomy and physiology of the major human organ systems and the foundational concepts required to understand them. BIMD 220 covers beginner material on introductory A&P, cells, and tissues, as well as advancing through the skin, skeletal, muscle and nervous organ systems. BIMD 221 is a more advanced study of the endocrine, lymphatic, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems. Each concept is presented through the lens of a diverse human population and both BIMD 220 and 221 are validated as essential studies special emphasis courses covering "The Diversity of Human Experience" topic. Together the courses are designed to meet field standards using the HAPS learning outcomes and goals. Corequisite: Either BIOL 150 and BIOL 150L or CHEM 116 and CHEM 116L or CHEM 121 and CHEM 121L. F,S.

Leaders in Health

Develop the skills to shape the future of healthcare.

Explore More Options

Connect with your pre-health advisor or find additional pre-professional choices at UND.

We use cookies on this site to enhance your user experience.

By clicking any link on this page you are giving your consent for us to set cookies, Privacy Information.