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Dec 05, 2025
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2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog
Pre-Optometry
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For more information about optometry contact: The Academic & Career Planning Center, 605-658-3600; or the Health Professions Advisor, 605-658-6334.
Brittany Schultz
Department of Public Health and Health Sciences
Professional Academic Advisor
Center for Health Education Room 226
605.658.6334
Brittany.Schultz@usd.edu
Amy Nelson
Department of Public Health and Health Sciences
Program Director
Center for Health Education Room 224
605.658.5951
Amy.M.Nelson@usd.edu
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Pre-Optometry Suggested Subjects and Courses
RECOMMENDED PRE-PROFESSIONAL CURRICULUM
Students interested in optometric medicine (Doctor of Optometry - OD) should research the individual program/s to which they plan to apply for specific admissions requirements. Students may pursue any major of interest. Optometry schools like to see significant extracurricular activity such as experience with optometry professionals, volunteer, leadership, and research. Students must take the Optometry Admission Test (OAT) for admission to optometry school. A list of optometry programs can be found at the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO). Additional information about optometry schools and education can be found at ASCO: https://optometriceducation.org/. Pre-optometry students at USD may use the following curriculum as a guide in completing optometry program prerequisites. Students are strongly encouraged to choose schools to which they would like to apply and work with an advisor to design an appropriate pre-optometry curriculum. General Chemistry (8 hours)
Organic Chemistry (*4-5 hours)
OTHER SUGGESTED COURSE OFFERINGS
It is highly recommended that students also complete additional coursework in Cell Biology and Genetics. Please note that some optometry schools may require courses in these fields as part of their pre-optometry curriculum. Additional Organic Chemistry (some programs may require 8 hours/2 semesters of organic chemistry with labs)
Students should thoroughly research the requirements of programs to which they plan to apply. Note:
Students are also encouraged to take coursework in the following subjects: humanities, social sciences, computer science, business, economics, and speech. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Real world experience: A good understanding of optometric medicine through discussion with professionals in the field and through observation of patient care in a clinical setting is expected. Meaningful activities: Competitive applicants are involved in activities outside the classroom that indicate a well-rounded background. Meaningful activities such as volunteering/service to community, leadership, research, and other activities/hobbies are encouraged. Communication: Competitive applicants demonstrate strong interpersonal and communication skills. Practice for your interview: It is highly recommended that applicants practice their interviewing skills prior to their professional interview/s. At USD, the pre-health advisors from the Academic and Career Planning Center offer mock interview services for anyone wishing to practice before their professional health program interview. |
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