Program Overview

---

Introduction to the Dual Admission Optometry Program

The Dual Admission Optometry program at Nova Southeastern University is designed for future optometrists, providing a streamlined path to a career in this in-demand field. With a growing need for skilled optometrists, this program offers students the opportunity to earn their Doctor of Optometry degree in either seven or eight years.

Program Overview

The Dual Admission Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) program takes seven or eight years to complete. The seven-year program (3+4) is a combined program where students follow a three-year prescribed course of study in the undergraduate major, and a bachelor's degree is awarded after successful completion of the first year of professional education at the College of Optometry. In the eight-year program (4+4), students complete the four-year undergraduate major and are awarded a bachelor's degree before starting the optometry program.

Degrees Earned

Students can earn any bachelor's degree and their Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) degree.

Program Length

The program can be completed in either seven years (3+4) or eight years (4+4).

Interview Required

Students applying for dual admission must interview during Shark Preview, an exclusive admitted student event.

Deadline to Apply

The deadline for fall admission is February 1.

Eligibility

To be considered for Dual Admission, students must meet certain requirements.

Undergraduate Admission Requirements

These requirements are for first-time in college students applying to earn a bachelor's degree. The Dual Admission program is only for first-time in college students, although college credits earned through advanced high school programs may apply.

Graduate Admission Requirements

These requirements are the standards students need to maintain while earning their undergraduate degree to remain eligible for the graduate or professional program.

Undergraduate Admission Requirements

• GPA: 3.5 Weighted GPA in High School
• ACT/SAT:
  • 3+4: 30 Composite ACT, 1360 SAT
  • 4+4: 24 Composite ACT, 1170 SAT
• CLT Equivalent
• Courses:
  • Biology*
  • Chemistry
  • Pre-Calculus or Trigonometry *Anatomy and Physiology, and Living Environment may be substituted for Biology

Graduate Admission Requirements

To keep dual admission status while earning a bachelor's degree, students must complete a graduate application once they finish their bachelor's degree.

Degree Required

For the 3+4 program, a degree is not required prior to transitioning to the graduate program. For the 4+4 program, students must complete a bachelor's degree, including some science courses.

Undergraduate GPA

Students must maintain a 3.2 cumulative and science GPA. They must also earn at least a C in each prerequisite course.

Required Test Scores

• OAT: Students must have at least a 310 total science and academic average. All minimum test scores must be achieved on the same test attempt.

Credits Required

• For the seven-year track, 90 major and general education credits must be completed.
• For the eight-year track, it's 120 credits.

Additional Requirements

Transfer Credits Through High School

College credits earned through advanced high school programs such as AP, IB, or college academy, or in summer coursework following high school graduation, prior to attending NSU, may transfer to NSU.

Placement Information

A student's initial course placement in mathematics, science, or composition may impact the timing of the completion of all dual admission prerequisites and major courses, and could result in the need to take summer courses.