Distinctions & Opportunities
Opportunities Outside the College
School of Optometry
Introduction
The School of Optometry offers three degree programs: the two-year Associate of Science degree in Optometric Technology/Opticianry for optometric technicians and opticians, the Doctor of Optometry program for the education of optometrists, and the graduate program in vision science, which leads to the Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees for those interested in research and teaching.
Optician/Technician Program
Students completing the program are qualified to begin a career as an optometric technician or an optician. The general nontechnical courses, such as English Composition and required electives, may be completed either before or after the optician/technician courses. An additional option allows students to become laboratory opticians by completing courses in lens surfacing and fabrication (optician’s laboratory concentration).
Doctor of Optometry Program
A student may be admitted to the school’s Doctor of Optometry program after earning a Bachelor’s degree or after completing a minimum of 90 credit hours in the College of Arts and Sciences. Major areas of concentration are typically in the physical, biological, or behavioral sciences, but other fields may be selected. General courses specifically required for admission to the optometry program are listed in the School of Optometry bulletin.
Bachelor’s Degree—O.D. Program
A student who is admitted to the School of Optometry after completing 90 credit hours in the College of Arts and Sciences and who has satisfied the Foundations, Intensive Writing, Foreign Language, Breadth of Inquiry, and major concentration requirements may apply 32 credit hours in optometry as electives toward the Bachelor’s degree from the College. The requirements listed under “
Requirements for All Bachelor Degrees” (under the section of this
Bulletin entitled “Degree Requirements”) are still in effect.
Courses for the Nonmajor
Certain courses offered by the School of Optometry, such as those that examine fundamental aspects of vision, may have application to the career fields of students completing majors in other degree programs. With the necessary prerequisites and permission of both the instructor and the dean of the School of Optometry, a nonmajor may be allowed to register for one such optometry course per semester or summer session. For advice on optometry courses that might fulfill a specific objective, the student should consult the Office of Student Administration, School of Optometry 310, (812) 855-1917.
