Contact Information
Dr. Bill Shay, professor
William.Shay@ndscs.edu
701-671-2341
Haverty Hall 228
Delivery Methods
Face-to-Face: Wahpeton
Online: Some Classes
Combination
The Optometry transfer curriculum plan students generally major in an area of science. Students should keep in mind, however, not all optometric school applicants are accepted. Therefore, it is important to select a major that will prepare you to pursue alternative career goals for occupational flexibility.
The optometric schools in the United States have no uniform requirements for pre-professional study. They do, however, recommend a bachelor’s degree and a broad, general education that includes basic science requirement and the development of skills in reading, writing, and speaking. Course work must be completed in biology/zoology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, mathematics, and English. It is also noted that most, if not all, schools require anatomy and physiology, biochemistry, and microbiology. A student should contact the college or university of their choice to confirm a list of recommended courses.
Students are chosen for admission to optometric school primarily on the basis of their undergraduate grades, scores on the Optometry College Admission Test, and letters of recommendation.
Students entering the Optometry transfer curriculum plan who do not have the proper prerequisites may need additional preparatory classes.
The Optometry plan provides preparation for the professional curriculum. This plan also meets the Liberal Arts Program Purposes listed in the NDSCS Catalog.
In addition to the Optometry transfer curriculum plan, other programs a student may transfer into are biology, microbiology, chemistry, biochemistry, and natural science.
Admission Requirements
The applicants must be high school graduates or equivalent. Helpful courses to prepare for this program are biology, computer science, chemistry, zoology, mathematics, physics, and English. Courses that develop reading and communications skills and two years of a foreign language, if available, also are recommended. Applicants may be required to complete a basic skills evaluation during the admissions process.
Award
Upon successful completion of the required courses, students will be awarded an Associate in Science degree in Liberal Arts.
Required Courses
This curriculum meets the North Dakota University System general education requirements as indicated in the NDSCS Catalog under the heading NDUS: General Education Transfer Agreement.