Optometry
Knox-Illinois College of Optometry
Combined Degree Program
This program provides you with the opportunity to work toward your Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) degree at Illinois College of Optometry (ICO) after three years at Knox. Applicants are selected by ICO in their third year after successfully completing curriculum requirements. In addition to demonstrating a strong academic record, applicants will be interviewed by a Knox selection committee and ICO representatives prior to admission.
To be eligible, you must complete your academic major and fulfill all general education requirements for your Knox bachelor's degree in three years. Your first year in the optometry program will count as your final year at Knox, and you'll receive your bachelor's degree with your graduating class. You also must:
- complete at least 27 credits with at least a 3.1 grade point average
- be in residence on the Knox campus at least six terms and have earned at least 18 Knox credits
- complete all requirements for the Knox degree except that the last credit and terms before the degree be in residence
- be recommended for the program by the Dean of the College or, upon request, by the faculty program advisor
Knox-Illinois College of Optometry Course Requirements | |
| ICO Prerequisite | Knox Course Number and Title |
| General Biology | BIOL 110 Evolution, Ecology and Biodiversity and BIOL 120 Cell Biology and Physiology and BIOL 130 Molecular Biology and Genetics |
| Microbiology | BIOL 323/333 Microbiology |
| Chemistry | CHEM 101 General Chemistry I and CHEM 102 General Chemistry II and CHEM 211 Organic Chemistry I |
| Physics | PHYS 110 Mechanics and PHYS 120 Heat, Waves, and Light and PHYS 130 Electricity and Magnetism |
| Calculus | MATH 140 Calculus for Social and Life Sciences I or MATH 151 Calculus I |
| Statistics or Research Methods | STAT 200 Introductory Statistics or BIOL 210 Introduction to Research or PSYC 281 Research Methods and Statistics I |
| Psychology | One course in psychology |
| Social Science | One course in the social sciences |
| Upper Level Biology | BCHM 265 Cell Biology or BIOL 325 Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy or BIOL 328 Physiology or BIOL 329 Histology |
| All required courses must be completed with a grade of C or better. | |