College of Health Professions · Pre-Professional Program

Pre-Optometry

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Program Overview

A solid foundation for optometry school and your career.

Maryville University's Pre-Optometry program provides the academic preparation needed for optometry school while helping you build a competitive application through personalized advising, undergraduate research, job shadowing and volunteer experiences. Qualified students can also accelerate their education through Maryville's partnership with the University of Missouri–St. Louis College of Optometry.

What sets the program apart

    • Complete the prerequisite coursework required for optometry school
    • Receive guidance from the Pre-Health Professions advisor and advisory committee
    • Participate in undergraduate research opportunities
    • Gain job shadowing and volunteer experience with eye care professionals
    • Accelerate your education through Maryville's 3+4 partnership with UMSL College of Optometry

Pre-Optometry at Maryville

 
(cymbals crashing) Hi, my name is Dr. Ramya Natarajan, and I graduated from Maryville in 2014 with a major in biochemistry. And currently, I'm an optometry resident at the Fayetteville Arkansas Veterans Affairs Medical Center. My personal experience in the pre-optometry program, I felt that the classes were challenging but fun. And I could always go up to the professors. They were always available during hours. I could ask them what doctors I could shadow before entering optometry school. The pre-health committee at Maryville has a mock interview during your junior year where they go through your resume, help, ask you questions that your prepare you for the admissions interview that you'll have during optometry school. And that really helped me a lot, because I felt really ready to answer all the questions that came at me during my actual interview process. If you're interested in learning more about being a pre-optometry major at Maryville, stop by and take a tour. (upbeat music)
Why Maryville

Our partner program means early acceptance to medical school.

Class Size14

Average Class Size

SupportLife Coaching Team

A dedicated team of life coaches helps you personalize your education

Career Outcomes98%

Career outcomes rate for Maryville graduates

Financial Aid$59M+

Awarded in scholarships and aid last year

Get Started

Ready to apply or want to visit campus?

We've made it easy: free transcript evaluation, quick admission decisions, and no application fee.

  • Upcoming term starts:
  • Fall 2026 Start Date: August 24
  • Spring 2027 Start Date: January 11
Apply nowSchedule a campus visit
Career Outlook

What can I do with this degree?

Osteopathic physicians (DOs) diagnose and treat illnesses while emphasizing whole-person care, preventive medicine and the body's ability to heal itself. They practice in every medical specialty, with many choosing careers in primary care.

Osteopathic physicians earn a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree after completing a bachelor's degree and medical school, followed by residency training and state licensure.

Career Paths

Provide comprehensive primary healthcare for patients of all ages while emphasizing preventive care and wellness.
Diagnose and treat diseases affecting adults while managing chronic and complex health conditions.
Provide preventive and acute healthcare services for infants, children and adolescents.
Diagnose and treat life-threatening illnesses and injuries in emergency departments.
Diagnose and treat mental, emotional and behavioral disorders using medical and therapeutic approaches.
Perform operations to treat injuries, diseases and congenital conditions while working as part of multidisciplinary healthcare teams.
$239,200+Median annual wage

The median annual wage for physicians and surgeons was equal to or greater than $239,200 in May 2024.

3%Projected employment growth

Employment of physicians and surgeons is projected to grow 3% from 2024 to 2034.

Salary and employment data are from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and may vary by location, experience and specialty.

Admission Requirements, Curriculum & Courses
Undergraduate Admissions Requirements Discover requirements for a freshman, transfer, or international student.Course Descriptions Explore our catalog for details about the course requirements and electives.Degree Planning Sheet A sample plan of study

Our partner program means early acceptance to medical school.

At Maryville, you can major in biology or biochemistry or choose from other science programs, and then move right into your optometry training in our partner program at the University of Missouri-St. Louis. The collaboration, called the 3+4 Program, allows qualified students to complete a Bachelor’s and a Doctor of Optometry in seven years instead of the usual eight.

Jump Start Your Career

Save Time

Shorten the time to complete your Bachelor’s and Doctor of Optometry by one year.

    • Complete your Bachelor’s degree and Doctor of Optometry in seven years instead of eight.
    • Begin your professional optometry education one year earlier.
    • Start your career sooner through Maryville's 3+4 partnership with UMSL.

Save Time and Money

Lower Tuition

The 3+3 program allows students to save a year of tuition and time towards degree completion.

    • Save a full year of tuition by completing your education through the accelerated 3+4 pathway.
    • Reduce both the time and cost required to earn your degrees.
    • Graduate sooner with less overall educational expense.

Build Your Professional Foundation

Eyes on the Future

Get a solid educational foundation and choose from a wide variety of externships to help you grow professionally.

    • Build a strong scientific foundation before beginning optometry school.
    • Choose from a wide variety of externships during your professional training.
    • Develop the clinical skills and experience needed for a successful optometry career.

Want to learn more about our course offerings?

Detailed course descriptions and prerequisites are listed in our catalog.

Read full course descriptionsExplore the full catalog
Tuition, Cost & Savings

How you can afford an education.

An investment in your future shouldn't be out of reach. Maryville offers multiple paths to reduce your out-of-pocket cost — and our team will help you find every one you qualify for.

Ways to Save

Scholarship OpportunitiesMerit and need-based awards for qualifying students.
Transfer CreditApply previously earned credits toward your degree.
Benefits for MilitaryTuition assistance and GI Bill benefits for those who served.

Estimated tuition cost breakdown

Full-Time Tuition$25,766
Fees*$2,600
Estimated total cost**$28,366

*Fees can include digital course materials and textbooks/lab materials.

**Estimated cost does not include room and board or meal plans.

Explore additional tuition and costs

Need help financing your education? Get in touch!

Our financial aid advisors are here to walk you through scholarships, grants, and aid options for the Pre-Optometry program.

Financial Aid InformationContact the Financial Aid Office
Accreditation

Maryville is accredited.

Maryville University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Honors & Rankings

  • Kiplinger Best College Values 2019Ranked among the best values in private colleges by Kiplinger's Personal Finance.
  • Forbes America's Top Colleges 2018Ranked among “America's Top Colleges” by Forbes.
  • Ranked No. 1 in social mobility among private universities in St. Louis.
  • Best for Vets Colleges 2022 Military Times. We made the list!Named Best for Vets among colleges by Military Times.
Review Maryville's full list of honors and rankings
Take the Next Step

Ready to take the next step?

Apply today, request more information, or schedule a visit to see if Maryville is the right fit for you.

Apply nowRequest more informationSchedule a campus visit

Frequently Asked Questions

No. Students commonly major in biology or biochemistry, but other science majors may also complete the prerequisite coursework required for admission to optometry school.
Yes. You'll work with the Pre-Health Professions advisor and advisory committee to prepare for optometry school, complete prerequisite coursework and strengthen your application.
Maryville's partnership with the University of Missouri–St. Louis College of Optometry allows qualified students to earn both a bachelor's degree and a Doctor of Optometry in seven years instead of the traditional eight.
Yes. Students are encouraged to participate in undergraduate research and other hands-on learning experiences that strengthen their preparation for optometry school.
Yes. The program helps students identify job shadowing and volunteer opportunities with optometrists and other healthcare professionals to build valuable clinical experience.
After completing a bachelor's degree, students earn a Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree from an accredited optometry program and become licensed before practicing.