School of Optometry Admission Requirements

• Admission Requirements

  The College of Optometry selects students based on the candidate’s applications content, pre-professional academic performance, Optometry Admission Test (OAT) scores, letters of evaluation and personal interviews.

  Prior to matriculation, applicants must have completed a minimum of 90 semester hours (30 of which must be taken at a four year institution) of specified coursework at a regionally accredited college or university with a minimum 2.8 GPA on a four point scale.

  The College of Optometry requires students to earn a grade of 2.0 or better in each of the following courses.

  Required Prerequisite Courses:

  course	semester hours	quarter hours
  Mathematics: Calculus	3	4
  Physics with laboratory	8	12
  Biology with laboratory	8	12
  General chemistry with laboratory	8	12
  Organic chemistry with laboratory	4	6
  Microbiology	3	4
  Biochemistry	3	4
  Anatomy and Physiology*	3	4
  Social/Behavioral Sciences/Humanities	15	22
  English (composition, literature, etc.)	6	9

  * If the combined course is not taken, separate courses in anatomy and physiology must be taken.

  Additional Courses:

  course	semester hours	quarter hours
  Statistics	3	4
  Computer Literacy	3	4
  Psychology	3	4

   

  (Upon review of a student’s individual record, the Committee on Admissions may require additional coursework and testing as condition of acceptance.)

  Preference will be given to students with a baccalaureate degree and/or a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. However, the Dean is empowered to evaluate the total qualifications of every student and to consider any unusual circumstances.

  There is no requirement that a student major in a specific area. However, a background in the biological sciences in recommended.

  All applicants are required to submit official transcripts to the School of Optometry application service. The Optometry Admissions Test (OAT) scores must be released to Hawaii On Line University College of Optometry.