A candidate for admission to Southern College of Optometry is required to present at least three years of undergraduate work that includes a minimum of 90 semester or 135 quarter hours. A minimum of 30 semester or 45 quarter hours must be completed at a four-year college or university. The following courses or their equivalents must be completed prior to enrollment to optometry school at SCO. Please note that prerequisites do not have to be completed in order to apply or to be offered tentative acceptance. However, they must be completed prior to enrollment.
Preference will be given to applicants with baccalaureate or higher degrees. All applicants must be in good academic standing.
Science Courses
Because the science prerequisite courses provide a significant foundation for the Southern College of Optometry curriculum, as well as the OAT, students who have not been enrolled in any science courses—or as a full-time student—for two years or longer are encouraged to contact the Admissions Office to discuss their situation.
Online Courses
The college accepts credits for prerequisites that are completed online as long as the courses are offered by a regionally accredited college or university. However, it is recommended that all science prerequisites be completed in a classroom setting.
If an applicant must take an online science course, it is strongly recommended that the laboratory component be in a physical lab and not a virtual lab. Please contact the Admissions Office with questions as to whether an online course is an advisable option.
AP/CLEP Courses
Advanced Placement (AP) and/or CLEP credit is acceptable if documentation is provided on the undergraduate transcript or through official score reports. However, the admissions committee may recommend/require additional science coursework covering the AP or CLEP credit based upon overall academic performance and/or OAT scores. Please contact the Admissions Office if you have questions regarding AP or CLEP credits.
Hear from an SCO student about optometry school: