Marshall University United States

Pre-Optometry

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 4 Years
Mode On Campus
Level Undergraduate
Degree Bachelors Degree
Next Intake TBA

Course Overview

The Pre-Optometry Bachelors Degree at Marshall University is designed for ambitious students aiming for a career in optometry, a field focused on primary eye care, visual system health, and the diagnosis and management of eye diseases. You will build a strong foundation in the biological and chemical sciences crucial for understanding human anatomy, physiology, and vision. This undergraduate program prepares you for the rigours of optometry school by ensuring you have a comprehensive grasp of foundational scientific principles and the specific coursework required for admission.

This full-time, on-campus program is typically studied over four years, integrating core science courses with electives tailored for pre-professional tracks. You will engage with subjects such as Principles of Biology, Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Human Anatomy, and Physiology, alongside electives like Biostatistics and College Physics. You will graduate with the academic preparedness and specific prerequisite knowledge necessary to successfully apply to and excel in optometry graduate programs.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This pre-optometry program provides a foundational science curriculum designed to prepare students for optometry school. Core coursework includes principles of biology and chemistry, alongside laboratory components. Students will also select from a range of elective courses, such as comparative vertebrate anatomy, organic chemistry, and physics, to further enhance their scientific knowledge base. The program also offers specialized tracks for other health professions, including pre-chiropractic, pre-physician assistant, pre-pharmacy, pre-podiatry, pre-physical therapy, and pre-veterinary studies.

1 Required Courses

Principles of Biology I
Principles of Biology I Lab
Principles of Biology
Principles of Chemistry I
Principles of Chem Lab I
Principles Chemistry II
Principles of Chem Lab II

2 Electives (choose from one of the options listed below)

Comp Vertebrate Anatomy
Organic Chemistry I
Organic Chemistry II
Intro Organic Chm Lab
Introductory Biochemistry
College Physics I
General Physics I Laboratory
College Physics II
General Physics 2 Laboratory

3 Pre-Chiropractic

Comp Vertebrate Anatomy
Organic Chemistry I
Organic Chemistry II
Applied Calculus
College Physics I
General Physics I Laboratory
College Physics II
General Physics 2 Laboratory
Biostatistics

4 Pre-Optometry

Human Anatomy
Human Anatomy Lab
Comp Vertebrate Anatomy
Human Physiology
Human Physiology Lab
Microbiol & Human Disease
Organic Chemistry I
Organic Chemistry II
Applied Calculus
College Physics I
General Physics I Laboratory
College Physics II
General Physics 2 Laboratory

5 Pre-Physician Assistant

Human Anatomy
Comp Vertebrate Anatomy
Human Physiology
Human Physiology Lab
Microbiol & Human Disease
Organic Chemistry I
Organic Chemistry II
Intro Organic Chm Lab
Comp Medical Terminology
Biostatistics

6 Pre-Pharmacy

Human Anatomy
Human Anatomy Lab
Comp Vertebrate Anatomy
Human Physiology
Human Physiology Lab
Animal Physiology
Microbiol & Human Disease
Organic Chemistry I
Organic Chemistry II
Intro Organic Chm Lab
Applied Calculus
College Physics I
General Physics I Laboratory
Biostatistics

7 Pre-Podiatry

Organic Chemistry I
Organic Chemistry II
Intro Organic Chm Lab
College Physics I
General Physics I Laboratory
College Physics II
General Physics 2 Laboratory

8 Pre-Physical Therapy

Animal Physiology
Comp Vertebrate Anatomy
Biostatistics
College Physics I
General Physics I Laboratory
College Physics II
General Physics 2 Laboratory
Child Development

9 Pre-Veterinary

Principles of Microbiology
Microbiology Lab
Animal Physiology
Organic Chemistry I
Organic Chemistry II
Intro Organic Chm Lab
Introductory Biochemistry
College Physics I
General Physics I Laboratory
College Physics II
General Physics 2 Laboratory

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 20,390.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 20,390.00
Third Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 20,390.00
Fourth Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 20,390.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 81,560.00

Currency note: Program costs shown in USD based on the available tuition breakdown.

Living Costs

Food & Groceries USD 3,000.00 - USD 4,560.00
Transport USD 600.00 - USD 1,200.00
Utilities & Bills USD 960.00 - USD 1,800.00
Estimated Total USD 4,560.00 - USD 7,560.00

Living cost estimates are based on Huntington Campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

91%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Biotechnology & GenomicsClinical Trials & DevelopmentEarly Childhood & Primary EducationEdTech & E-LearningMedical Research & Clinical TrialsPublic Health & EpidemiologyQuality Assurance & ControlRegulatory Affairs & ComplianceSecondary & High School EducationVocational & Technical Training

Top Employers Hiring for this course

CVS Health

Heartland Alliance LTD/GTE

Marshall Health Network

Penn State University

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

WVU Medicine

Walgreens

Why Study Pre-Optometry at Marshall University

What makes this program stand out

Very Fast Application response time

Marshall University typically responds to applications within 1 - 2 days, giving you clarity on your options quickly.

Life at Marshall University in United States

What daily life looks like for international students

Language

English

Primary language everywhere

Climate

Mild & Rainy

10-20°C average, pack layers

Safety (Numbeo Safety Index)

Very Safe

Exeter is one of UK's safest cities

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Pre-Optometry at Marshall University

Can I work while studying?

International students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during breaks. On-campus work does not require a separate permit.

What English language score do I need for this course?

Requirements for English tests include a Duolingo score of 90, a TOEFL overall score of 61, or an IELTS overall score of 6. Ensure that you meet these scores to qualify for the program.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Potential job titles include Optometrist, Vision Therapist, and Optical Technician.

What will I actually study in this course?

Optometry is concerned with the eyes and applicable visual systems for defects or abnormalities as well as the correction of refractive error with glasses or contact lenses and treatment of eye diseases. Optometrists usually provide primary eye care through comprehensive eye examinations where they diagnose and manage various vision abnormalities as well as various eye diseases.

There are few optometry schools in the United States, and admission is difficult.

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The Pre-Optometry program has an intake month of September. Make sure to prepare your application ahead of time to meet all deadlines.
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