SUNY College of Optometry 3/4 B.S./O.D. Joint Degree Program
Bachelor of Science Degree from Adelphi University/Doctor of Optometry degree from SUNY College of Optometry
Adelphi University and SUNY College of Optometry jointly select students each year who will select a major at Adelphi and who will enter the SUNY College of Optometry at the end of their third year of undergraduate study. Adelphi University will confer the bachelor’s degree after the successful completion of the first year of optometry school, upon petition by the student.
Applicants to the joint degree program in optometry must first apply to Adelphi University and indicate interest in the optometry program. To be considered for this program directly from high school, candidates must have the following:
- SATs of at least 1360 with the Math score of at least 700
- A high school grade-point average of at least 93 out of 100
- In the upper 10% of their high school class (depending on the reputation of the high school)
- A definite interest in the profession of optometry and have explored it
- Evidence of community involvement
- Reasonable communication and interpersonal skills
- An interview
Most students major in the natural sciences (biology, chemistry, etc.) because the prerequisites for optometry school are science intensive. However, prospective students can major in any degree discipline as long as they complete all the prerequisite courses for optometry:
- General Biology with Labs (1 year)
- General Chemistry with Labs (1 year)
- Organic Chemistry with Lab (1 year) (Biochemistry with Lab may substitute for 1 semester)
- General Physics with Labs (1 year)
- Calculus (1 semester)
- Psychology (1 semester)
- Statistics (1 semester)
- English (1 year)
- Social Science (1 year)
To be considered once attending Adelphi University, candidates must have the following:
- An overall GPA of at least 3.3
- An overall GPA of at least 3.3 in all math and science prerequisites taken with no individual grade below a C
- A definite interest in the profession of optometry and have explored it
- Evidence of community involvement
- Reasonable communication and interpersonal skills
- An interview
If admitted into the 3/4 program, the following are required while attending Adelphi University:
- Maintain at least a 3.3 overall GPA
- An overall GPA of at least 3.3 in all math and science prerequisites taken with no individual grade below a C
- Take the Optometry Admissions Test in the third undergraduate year and all OAT scores including Total Science of 330 or above
- Letters of recommendation
- Transcripts of all academic work
- Evidence of community involvement
- Explore the profession extensively by visiting several optometric practices
- Submit the routine application required of all students during the junior year
- Participate in a final interview at the SUNY College of Optometry during the junior year
- Meet all the General Education and major requirements of graduation from Adelphi University
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