PRE-OPTOMETRY
1.
Common Prerequisite Coursework
Preprofessional coursework does not constitute a major. You may select a major from
within any college at UW. You will need to complete university studies and degree requirements
in addition to your preprofessional coursework.
MATH
After completing the equivalent of MATH 1400 (College Algebra), students are able to begin their
basic science sequence. Students should plan to take math every semester until they have
completed MATH 2200 and STAT 2050 or STAT 2070. Some majors may require additional math
courses.
Common Prerequisites
Years 1-3
MATH ????
LIFE 1010
CHEM 1020
Variable
General Biology
General Chemistry I
Semester 1
Semester 1
Semester 1
MATH ????
MICR 2021(preferred)
or LIFE 2022
CHEM 1030
Variable
General Microbiology
Animal Biology
General Chemistry II
Semester 2
Semester 2
PSYC 1000
ZOO 2040 & 2041
CHEM 2420
General Psychology
Human Anatomy & lab
Organic Chemistry I
Semester 3
Semester 3
Semester 3
ZOO 3115
CHEM 2440
Human Systems Physiology
Organic Chemistry II
Semester 4
Semester 4
PHYS 1110
MOLB 3610*
General Physics I
Principles of Biochemistry
Semester 5
PHYS 1120
Additional Science
General Physics II
Various
Semester 6
Semester 2
*Pacific University requires a biochem lab. Students may take any 1 of the following to meet
their requirement: MOLB 4710, 4180, 4250, 4260.
2. Get involved! Community service, health care experiences, and leadership activities
are essential. You need lots of experience working with people for people.
3. Observe Optometrists. A few schools have a formal requirement, but all of them want
you to develop an experienced based understanding of the profession.
4. Develop a strong academic record. Keep in mind that no one ever gets admitted with
the minimum grades and scores. Competition assures that only the most highly qualified
students are admitted. Most admitted students have GPAs over 3.4; some programs
have considerably higher expectations and standards. Check your schools carefully.
Revised 5/21/2014
5. Develop relationships with optometrists, faculty, and work/volunteer supervisors. Not
only can they open doors to new opportunities and present amazing opportunities, but
you’ll need letters of evaluation from them. These letters need to be from faculty and
supervisors who know you well.
6. Read and be informed. Know what’s going on in healthcare and in the world.
Students should carefully research the professional school requirements, as some
schools require additional coursework and experience. Information is available in the
Preprofessional Health Advising Office, Health Sciences 110 & 112, (307) 766-6704 & (307) 7663499 or online at www.uwyo.edu/preprof.
Additional Resources
UW Preprofessional Health Advising Office (UPHAO): www.uwyo.edu/preprof/
For ideas on how to get involved, please see:
http://www.uwyo.edu/preprof/events%20and%20opportunities/
-
Preprofessional Health Advising Home Page  Events and Opportunities
Help for Wyoming residents
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Wyoming WICHE Information and residency certification applications:
www.uwyo.edu/hs/wiche-wwami-wydent-program/index.html
WICHE (Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education) www.wiche.edu/psep
Wyoming Rural Payback Program: www.health.wyo.gov/rfhd/rural/loan.html
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Optometry Resources
Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry www.opted.org
OptomCAS (Optometry Centralized Application Service) www.optomcas.org
OAT Information www.opted.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=3444
Contact us:
Lisa Shipley (last names A-G) - lshipley@uwyo.edu or 307-766-6704
Craig Vaske (last names H-Z) – cvaske@uwyo.edu or 307-766-3499
Course Catalog Link: http://www.uwyo.edu/registrar/university_catalog/crsdept.html
Individual Course Catalog Links:
MOLB
http://www.uwyo.edu/registrar/university_catalog/molb.html
CHEM
http://www.uwyo.edu/registrar/university_catalog/chem.html
LIFE
http://www.uwyo.edu/registrar/university_catalog/life.html
MICR
http://www.uwyo.edu/registrar/university_catalog/micr.html
PHYS
http://www.uwyo.edu/registrar/university_catalog/phys.html
STAT
http://www.uwyo.edu/registrar/university_catalog/stat.html
Revised 5/21/2014
MATH
http://www.uwyo.edu/registrar/university_catalog/math.html
ZOO
http://www.uwyo.edu/registrar/university_catalog/zoo_.html
Revised 5/21/2014