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Explore all Undergraduate Programs

Pre-Optometry

This program prepares you for a future career in optometry and positions in the natural sciences. As a pre-optometry major, you’ll learn the science and inner workings of one of the most vital human senses: vision.

two medical professionals in conversation
two medical professionals in conversation

Types

Pre-Professional

Location

On-Campus

Credits

53*

Cost

$9,875

Make a difference in the eyes of others through a career in optometry!

As a pre-optometry student at Cumberlands, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge and skills you need to take on the rigors of more advanced studies in optometry school or in a natural science discipline. Earning a pre-optometry degree can bridge your undergraduate education to your graduate education with specialized focus in your personal areas of interest. Whether you find yourself serving the needs of the vision-impaired or working in general vision, your career in optometry is sure to be a rewarding one.  

Not only is this a career with impeccable financial benefits, but improving the vision quality and overall vision health of your patients will result in an incredibly fulfilling career. From helping preserve and better patients’ vision to contributing to medical and pharmaceutical studies with the potential to cure diseases, the possibilities for pre-optometry majors are boundless.   

Anchor: Stats

By the Numbers

$124,300

Average Salary

10%

Industry Growth

5

National Rankings

100%

Student Focused
Anchor: Programs & Requirements
Programs & Requirements

Programs & Requirements

* The credit hours listed on this page only reference the specific program requirements and is not reflective of the total hours necessary to receive your degree. Cumberlands requires all students obtain a minimum of 60 hours for an associate’s degree and a total of 120 hours for a bachelor’s degree. Transfer and prior learning credits may be counted toward those totals.

To learn more about our General Education Requirements, please visit the page referenced below or explore our Academic Catalog. 

General Education Requirements

While you have the option as a pre-optometry student to choose a major in almost any subject, most professional optometry graduate programs prefer students who have successfully completed courses in physics, chemistry, biology, and mathematics, as well as having a strong background in English, humanities, and social sciences. The ability to solve scientific problems and a broad-based undergraduate education are considered essential for optometry students. If you want a well-rounded undergraduate background preferred by most professional schools of optometry, then Cumberlands' Bachelor of Science with a Major in Biology - Pre-Professional Health Emphasis is the perfect program for you.

 

Course Requirements

Students interested in applying to medical, dental, or veterinary school are strongly encouraged to complete these courses. It is important to review the admissions requirements requirements for each program to which you will apply because the prerequisites for admission may be slightly different among professional schools.

A Bachelor of Arts degree requires completing the same courses as a Bachelor of Science with the addition of completing one foreign language sequence through the intermediate level.

  • FREN 131     Elementary French I
  • FREN 132     Elementary French II
  • FREN 231     Intermediate French I
  • FREN 232     Intermediate French II
     
  • SPAN 131     Elementary Spanish I
  • SPAN 132     Elementary Spanish II
  • SPAN 231     Intermediate Spanish I
  • SPAN 232     Intermediate Spanish II

Take the Next Step

Anchor: Mission & Goals

Mission and Goals

The mission of the pre-optometry program at University of the Cumberlands is to provide the knowledge and skills that will prepare you for optometry school and help you succeed in various fields of service in healthcare and related sciences.

Gain fundamental knowledge in modern concepts of biology, chemistry, and mathematics.
Effectively use informational resources, perform research, and interpret data.
Demonstrate critical and analytical thought within the context of the scientific method.
Sharpen your communication, problem-solving, and teamwork skills.
Begin learning the basics of optometry – including the emotional care of patients.
Anchor: Career Outcomes

Pre-Optometry Careers & Outcomes

All stats from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Optometrist: $124,300

Optometrist: $124,300

Optometrists diagnose, manage, and treat conditions and diseases of the human eye and visual system, including examining eyes and prescribing corrective lenses. 

Optician: $37,570

Optician: $37,570

Opticians help fit eyeglasses and contact lenses, following prescriptions from ophthalmologists and optometrists. 

Ophthalmologist: $219,810

Ophthalmologist: $219,810

Ophthalmologists diagnose and perform surgery to treat and help prevent disorders and diseases of the eye. May also provide vision services for treatment including glasses and contacts. 

Natural Sciences Manager: $137,900

Natural Sciences Manager: $137,900

Natural sciences managers supervise the work of scientists, including chemists, physicists, and biologists.

Medical Scientist: $95,310

Medical Scientist: $95,310

Medical scientists conduct research aimed at improving overall human health. 

Laboratory Director: $101,340

Laboratory Director: $101,340

Medical and health services managers plan, direct, and coordinate the business activities of healthcare providers. 

Anchor: FAQs

Common Questions

Pre-optometry is a program of study uniquely designed for preparing future optometry and graduate school students for a successful career in the fields of optometry or natural science.  

With a pre-optometry credential, students can continue on to a professional school of optometry or pursue advanced studies in a natural science discipline. Program graduates can ultimately take on roles in the optometry field or branch into a variety of natural science careers. 

To the right people, pursuing a major in pre-optometry is absolutely worth it! Benefits of pursuing your pre-optometry degree at University of the Cumberlands include having expanded career opportunities and dedicated advisors, the possibility for an incredibly rewarding career, and meeting requirements for optometry school early. 

Besides a focus on courses in the sciences – including physics, chemistry, and biology – pre-optometry students also explore studies in English, mathematics, social sciences, and the humanities, which are all areas of study preferred by professional schools of optometry.  

Absolutely! Through pre-professional coursework and specialized programs of study, our pre-optometry students are prepared for the rigors of more advanced study in optometry school programs. Following a biology or chemistry track, the program provides pre-optometry majors with the well-rounded undergraduate background preferred by most professional schools of optometry. 

Anchor: Faculty

Faculty Experts in Pre-Optometry

Get to know about the pre-optometry faculty you'll interact with at Cumberlands.

Kara Stanley

Ms. Kara Stanley

Adjunct Professor
Biology

Ms. Kara Stanley

Contact Information

kara.stanley [at] ucumberlands.edu
Remote
Jeffrey Schwarz

Jeffrey Schwarz

Associate Professor
Chemistry

Jeffrey Schwarz

Contact Information

606-539-4318
jeffrey.schwarz [at] ucumberlands.edu
Correll Science Complex C106
Dr. Leif Deyrup

Dr. Leif Deyrup

Assistant Professor
Biology

Dr. Leif Deyrup

Contact Information

606-539-4309
leif.deyrup [at] ucumberlands.edu
Correll Science Complex B116
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