Pacific University College of Optometry: A Comprehensive Guide to Requirements

Optometry offers a fulfilling career path with excellent opportunities in various settings. Pacific University’s College of Optometry provides a comprehensive four-year program that prepares students for licensure and practice. This article outlines the requirements for admission to Pacific University's College of Optometry, covering prerequisite coursework, application procedures, and other essential factors.

Pre-Optometry Preparation at Portland State University

For students interested in pursuing optometry, Portland State University (PSU) offers a strong pre-optometry program. While PSU does not have an optometry program itself, it provides the necessary foundation for students to apply to programs like the one at Pacific University. PSU's pre-optometry program helps students complete prerequisite coursework, earn a bachelor's degree, and receive assistance with the optometry school preparation, selection, and application process.

Recommended Courses at PSU

Based on the courses required by Pacific University College of Optometry, PSU recommends the following courses to provide a solid foundation for pre-optometry students:

General (Inorganic) Chemistry: A one-year sequence for science majors, including General Chemistry: CH221Z/227Z, CH222Z/228Z, CH223Z/229Z (15 credits). Prerequisite: MTH 111Z or higher, or a satisfactory score on the math placement assessment. These science courses must be designed for pre-professional or science majors and include a lab component.
Organic Chemistry: A one-year sequence for science majors, including Organic Chemistry: CH334/384, CH335/337/385, CH336/338/386* (16-19 credits). Note: CH223 is the prerequisite for this sequence. CH384, 385, and 386 are recommended 1-credit workshop courses.
Biochemistry: Although not required, Biochemistry (CH350, 4 credits) is strongly recommended. Note: CH336 is the prerequisite for this course.
Microbiology: One course in Microbiology: BI234 + 235 (lab) (6 credits).
Biology: A one-year sequence for science majors, including Principles of Biology: BI 221Z Cells, BI 222Z Organisms, BI 223Z Ecology & Evolution (15 credits). Note: CH221Z/227Z is the pre- or co-requisite for BI221Z. Although Principles of Biology (BI221Z-223Z) is not required by Pacific University as a prerequisite, you will be tested on information from this sequence on the OAT, and BI221Z also serves as a prerequisite for BI301-303.
Human Anatomy & Physiology: A one-year sequence with labs, including Human Anatomy & Physiology + labs: BI301, 302, 303 (12 credits). Note: BI221Z Principles of Biology Cells is the prerequisite.
General Physics: A one-year course sequence (does not need to be Calculus based), including General Physics: PH201/214/284, PH202/215/285, PH203/216/286* (15-18 credits). *This is the first course in a sequence of three: Ph 201, Ph 202, and Ph 203 and must be taken in sequence. Prerequisite: MTH112Z or MTH 251Z or math placement assessment score 76 or higher.
One course from the Department of English or Writing.
A complete Human Anatomy and Physiology sequence with labs. This requirement may be satisfied with either a combined series of Human Anatomy and Physiology with labs or separate semesters of Anatomy (lab required) and Physiology (lab required).

Successful completion of this course list does not guarantee acceptance into an Optometry program, as admission is limited and competitive. In addition to completing the courses listed above, most pre-optometry students will also complete the requirements for a major and other graduation requirements. Most optometry schools require a “C” or higher in all prerequisite courses.

Admission Requirements for Pacific University College of Optometry

Pacific University’s College of Optometry seeks to identify and admit the most promising future doctors of optometry. The admissions process considers various factors, including academic performance, test scores, experiences, and personal qualities.

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Academic Prerequisites

Optometry programs require applicants to complete specific prerequisite courses before enrollment. While some programs may not require a baccalaureate degree prior to matriculation, most accepted students have completed an undergraduate degree. Completing a baccalaureate degree before optometry school is strongly recommended.

Prerequisite Coursework: All prerequisite coursework must be completed with a grade of "C" or higher prior to enrollment. In-depth experience in the sciences within the last ten years may be substituted for expired coursework on a case-by-case basis. Examples include applicants pursuing a doctorate degree in the sciences whose general science prerequisites were completed more than ten years ago.
Credit Acceptance: Credit will be accepted from any regionally accredited institution, including universities and community colleges. The College of Optometry recommends online prerequisite coursework for no more than five prerequisite courses.
AP/IB Credit: A maximum of 8-semester credits of AP or IB credit can be used toward the prerequisite requirements for applicants with qualifying scores (4 or 5 on the Advanced Placement test or 5 or higher on the IB examination).
Graded Basis: Prerequisite courses must be taken on a graded basis unless the course was switched to pass-fail grading by an institution due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Bachelor's Degree Completion Option: Applicants can apply to Pacific University College of Optometry without earning a bachelor's degree prior to the intended year of entry. Applicants seeking admission under the bachelor's degree completion option must fulfill all of the prerequisite requirements, in addition to an overall total of at least 90-semester credits from a regionally accredited college or university. There is no separate application process for applicants applying through the bachelor’s degree completion option.

Application Process

Complete and Verified Application: Complete an application through the OptomCAS system by March 1.
Official Transcripts: Submit official transcripts from every college and university you have attended.
Letters of Evaluation: Submit letters of evaluation from one non-relative optometrist and one college-level instructor. Committee letters will be accepted as long as it includes the required letters of evaluation. Applicants who have been out of school for more than 2 years may submit a letter of evaluation from a direct supervisor or laboratory manager in lieu of a college instructor.

Standardized Test Scores

OAT/GRE Scores: Valid OAT (Optometry Admission Test) or GRE (Graduate Record Examinations) scores are required. Your most recent set of OAT or GRE scores must be no earlier than two years (24 months) prior to the opening of the current OptomCAS session in order to be valid. Submit your official scores directly to Pacific University. MCAT, DAT, and Canadian DAT are also accepted.

Experiences

Observation Hours: A minimum of 10 hours of direct observation with an optometrist is strongly encouraged.

Essays and Supplemental Questions

Essays and Supplemental Questions: Complete the essays and supplemental questions within the OptomCAS application.

Interview

Attend an Interview: Highly qualified applicants will be invited to participate in an interview. The interview allows the selection committee to assess essential skills and traits that may not be reflected in the application. In the interview, consideration is given to knowledge of the profession, motivation toward a career in optometry, ability to think clearly and logically, poise, self-confidence, warmth, and verbal expression of ideas.

Criminal Background Check and Immunizations

Complete a Criminal Background Check: Upon acceptance and prior to classes begin, students will undergo a criminal background check. Legal offenses that are reflected in a criminal background check may preclude a student’s ability to enroll in the program or to participate in a rotation, which would be a prerequisite to completion of the program. Because each jurisdiction has control over licensure of optometrists, Pacific University is unable to provide its students with legal advice concerning license restrictions for any given jurisdiction related to results of a criminal background check. Admission into Pacific University’s College of Optometry is not to be interpreted as assurance of acceptance into a required clinical rotation or likelihood of subsequent licensure.
Verify Immunizations: Optometry students must be properly immunized to protect their health and the health of their patients. Students will have contact with patients starting in the first year, so it is important to be current on all required immunizations.

What Pacific University Looks For

Pacific University seeks applicants who demonstrate intellectual ability, a commitment to service, and a passion for optometry. The admissions committee considers the strength and breadth of an applicant's academic record, GPA, and OAT or GRE scores. They also look for applicants who bring additional value to the Pacific University community through their involvement in extracurricular activities, leadership roles, and volunteer experiences. The most competitive applicants bring additional value to the Pacific University family. It may be a love of music, an athletic ability that takes our intramural basketball team to the top or a spirit of service that compels you to become president of Amigos EyeCare, our student-run international outreach organization.

Financial Information

Understanding the financial aspects of the program is crucial for prospective students. Here are the financial estimations for students starting Fall 2025:

Year	In-State Tuition	Out-State Tuition	Additional Fees	Cost of Living Score*
First Year	$52,340	$52,340	-	128.1
Second Year	$52,325	$52,325	-	-
Third Year	$52,325	$52,325	-	-
Fourth Year	$52,353	$52,353	-	-

*All cost of living scores are according to bestplaces.net and provide a rough estimate compared to the average of the United States (a score of 100 is considered average for the United States. Scores lower than 100 would indicate a cost of living lower than average.

Optometry as a Career

Optometrists are healthcare professionals specializing in the examination, diagnosis, and care of the visual system. They have excellent career opportunities in various settings, including private practice, group practice, retail/optical, corporate/industrial, military, VA medical centers, public health/hospitals/interdisciplinary settings, academics, and research. Also, being an optometrist allows for a flexible schedule and regular hours (the average optometrist works 37.3 hours per week). Data from the American Optometric Association shows that average net incomes range from $140,013 for the primary practice of optometry to $172,356 for optometrists who own all or a portion of their practice.

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