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Pre-Optometry Major (Biology)

Earn a biology degree that will help you prepare for optometry school.

Bachelor of Science (BS) in Pre-Optometry Biology

The Pre-Optometry Program at MVNU is designed to enable students to prepare a file that is competitive for entry into optometry school. While in the program, students are guided through academic, spiritual character, and life-skill development.

Students are informed of expectations within the program, as well as the expectations of the admissions officers within the optometry schools. A semester-by-semester approach provides students with feedback for self-assessment regarding the extent of preparation as they progress. Seminars, documentation, and one-on-one meetings provide information about the preparation necessary, the application progress, and professional competencies and expectations.

An online resource is available to current students and alumni who are desiring to apply to optometry school. This tool is housed within the campus learning management system (Moodle). As a result, students and alumni with Internet access have unrestricted access to the content.

Biology (Pre-Optometry) Curriculum

Take courses that help you see your future in optometry through a new lens.

Faith & learning at MVNU

At MVNU, our Christian faith is at the core of everything we do. Whether it’s opening class with prayer, diving into Scripture, or examining real-world moral and ethical challenges, we’re committed to shaping students who live out their faith with purpose. Here, you won’t just learn — you’ll be transformed.

Travel

Our travel and study afar programs are more than just an opportunity to see the world — they’re a chance to grow in your faith while experiencing new cultures. Whether you’re serving in communities across the U.S. or learning abroad, each journey is designed to broaden your perspective, deepen your compassion, and equip you to live out your callings in a global context — all while adding valuable experience to your résumé.

Service Learning:
  • Belize
  • Swaziland
  • Haiti
  • Croatia, Austria & Hungary
  • Italy
  • Spain, Portugal & France
  • Greater Columbus Area
  • Orlando
  • San Francisco
  • New Orleans
  • Washington, D.C.
  • Guyana
  • Guatemala

Scholarships

Need a little help with finances? We’ve got you covered. Explore scholarships, grants, and other resources to help you pay for your education.

MVNU has many endowed scholarships available for students of a wide variety of backgrounds and majors.

Careers

This program is designed to provide the preparation that is needed to apply to optometry schools. Students take courses that are required for entrance, as well as recommended courses. This academic preparation provides part of the necessary components. In addition, students are given instruction and guidance to complete an application profile that is competitive, including extra-curricular activities, volunteerism, clinical exposure, and undergraduate research. Finally, seminars are available for training in professionalism, the application process, interview preparation, and development of essential competencies.

OPTOMETRIST

Conduct eye exams and diagnose and treat visual problems and manage diseases, injuries, and other disorders of the eyes.

pre-optometry MVNU Mount Vernon Nazarene University vision

MVNU alumni have been accepted into optometry education programs at the following institutions:

  • The Ohio State University College of Optometry
  • University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Optometry
  • Indiana University School of Optometry
  • Michigan College of Optometry at Ferris State University
  • Salus University Pennsylvania College of Optometry
  • University of the Incarnate Word Rosenberg School of Optometry
  • Illinois College of Optometry
  • University of Pikeville College of Optometry

Meet the Faculty

MVNU professors are knowledgeable and experienced, and engage with students. Participation in meetings of the National Association of Advisors for the Health Professions (NAAHP), the Central Association of Advisors for the Health Professions (CAAHP), and the Ohio Health Professions Advisors (OHPA), and leadership roles within these organizations enable faculty to be experts in the process of preparation for application and entrance into the optometry field.

Hands-on learning in our labs

You will work in our laboratories, which round out the learning environment by mimicking the professional settings that students will work in after graduation.

At MVNU, we use all of our resources to help you develop your skills as a scientist and researcher — including our natural resources!

biology MVNU Mount Vernon Nazarene University biologist (2)

Regardless of which Biology track you follow, our faculty want to see you success and prepare for your calling.

biology MVNU Mount Vernon Nazarene University biologist

The Biology curriculum is designed to encourage students to understand scientific theories within a Christian worldview.

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