B.S.,
Natural Science,
Pre-Optometry Track
College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
What You'll Do
A student who sees a career in optometry in his or her future will appreciate the accelerated, three-year program at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. As a Natural Science major pursuing the Pre-Optometry track at IUP, you’ll receive an excellent educational preparation that will allow you to leave IUP after three years to pursue further studies at Pennsylvania College of Optometry in Elkins Park, near Philadelphia.
You’ll benefit from special arrangements IUP has made that allow you to transfer credits from your first year at this optometry school to IUP to satisfy your senior-year graduation requirements. A maximum of 30 credits of the 120 needed for your IUP bachelor’s degree can be applied from your first year at the Pennsylvania College of Optometry.
At IUP, you’ll take a block of classes in biology, chemistry, and physics to give you a solid foundation for optometry school. You’ll also take at least 24 credits in the humanities and social sciences. If you prefer to finish your bachelor’s degree in four years at IUP, there are other options and other IUP majors you may want to consider.
What You'll Become
The Bachelor of Science degree in Natural Science achieved in pursuit of the Pre-Optometry track will prepare you for admission to Pennsylvania College of Optometry after three years at IUP.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of optometrists is expected to increase at an average rate of about 11 percent from 2006 through 2016. Increases in employment may come from the needs of a growing and aging population, an emphasis on the importance of vision care, and the growth of employee vision care plans, according to the report.