B.S. with a Major in Chemistry: Pre-Optometry Option

About this field

The Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry with a Pre-Optometry option prepares you for admission to optometry schools across the country, where you can earn a Doctorate in Optometry (OD) to become an optometrist. In optometry school, you can study sports vision, vision therapy, neuro-optometry, or other specialties. With a Chemistry Pre-Optometry degree, you will problem solve, improve patients’ vision, promote their health and well-being, and contribute to the greater good of society.

The Valdosta State Difference

As a student in VSU’s Pre-Optometry Chemistry degree program, you will work closely with faculty mentors in a student-focused, supportive, and caring environment. Students pursuing the Pre-Optometry option develop a strong foundation in Chemistry. We design the degree program to be flexible so that students can also take additional courses in biology to boost their performance on their admissions exam and optometry school coursework. Research-quality scientific instrumentation and laboratory space is available for you to learn and gain practical, hands-on experience. You can even perform your own research with a faculty mentor. Our Pre-Optometry option gives you the opportunity to build your resume and, more importantly, prepares you for success in your optometry career.

What You'll Learn

Our Chemistry degree with a Pre-Optometry option provides you with a well-rounded education in chemistry while also giving you the chance to learn other subjects that interest you, such as biology, health care policy, or business. Our faculty will share their knowledge with you so you learn theory in the classroom then apply that knowledge in laboratory courses and field work. Yearly seminar series help you learn effective study skills, find an internship, give presentations with confidence, and prepare for optometry school.

Careers

• Optometrist
• Healthcare administrator
• Medical science liaison
• Vision consultant
• Public health advocate
• Vision product developer

Cost and Length of Program

Students meeting pre-requisites for first-year courses can graduate within four years with a Bachelor of Science (BS) Degree in Chemistry, Pre-Optometry option.

For more information contact
Kurt Winkelmann, Department Head
229-333-5801 | Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
1500 N Patterson Street Valdosta, Ga 31698