Students often select a course of study that is somewhat related to the professional area of study, such as biology, chemistry, or zoology, but there really are no limits as long as the necessary prerequisite course work is integrated into the undergraduate major. Although the majority of optometry applicants complete an undergraduate degree and then apply for admission to the professional program, a bachelor's degree is not required for admission to the College of Optometry. All students pursue an undergraduate major when they start as a freshman and work on their three years of prerequisite course work for admission to optometry. Students admitted to the College of Optometry without an undergraduate degree may complete a BS or BA degree in physiological optics during the first year of the professional program provided that university and college requirements have been met. The GEC is a body of courses designed to ensure that each student becomes acquainted with the basic areas of academic study.
Some majors also require completion of a foreign language requirement.
How To Prepare for Optometry School at Ohio State Admission to the College of Optometry is competitive. The undergraduate preparation for the College of Optometry requires a solid science foundation with a rounding out of course work in the social sciences, humanities, speech, and writing, for example, that will ensure a truly comprehensive basis for the College of Optometry. This interaction will help students to confirm that optometry is the right career choice for them. In addition, students are encouraged to become actively involved in the Pre-Optometry Club at Ohio State. Membership to the club is open to both precollege and college students.