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Oct 15, 2025
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2025-2026 Course Catalog
3+4 Biology B.S. to Doctor of Optometry, New England College of Optometry
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The University of Saint Joseph offers a dual degree program leading to a Biology, B.S. and a Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree. Students who qualify for this program are able to earn their bachelor’s degree at the Univeristy of Saint Joseph and then move to their OD program at the New England College of Optometry in 7 years. The last year’s requirements for the bachelor’s degree will be earned at New England College of Optometry (NECO) and the credits transferred back to USJ.
Students complete their prerequisite courses for the Optometry program while completing their Health Science degree at USJ and then apply to the NECO Doctor of Optometry Four-Year program. NECO will accept all USJ Health Science graduates that meet the progression standards and prerequisites.
Students are required to complete all requirements in the general track of the Biology, B.S. . The total number of credits completed at USJ will be a minimum of 90 credits, depending on course selection and how those courses satisfy a core requirement. The remaining credits/requirements for the Biology B.S. will be completed at NECO and will count toward the USJ degree as long as the minimum GPA from NECO is at a 2.0 based on a scale of 4.0. The USJ Bachelor’s Degree will be conferred after the required NECO coursework is complete and an official transcript has been sent to USJ for evaluation. USJ confers degrees in May, December, and August.
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Requirements
- An overall cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.30 at the time of matriculation at NECO
- A science/math GPA of 3.20 at the time of matriculation at NECO
- Completed at least 90 credits (including the prerequisite courses) prior to matriculating at NECO
- Met the academic prerequisites for NECO admission in place at the time of their formal admission
Required Prerequisite Courses for OD (51)
Additional Requirements for the Biology Major (20)
Additional OD Requirements
- Meet the academic prerequisites for NECO admission in place at the time of their formal admission into the affiliation program
- Receive a 320 or above for the Academic Average on the Optometry Admission Test (OAT) with no OAT sub-score below 290
- Demonstrate strong evidence of commitment to the field of optometry through a shadowing experience with a practicing optometrist
- Complete and submit their application through PtomCAS including strong letters of recommendation from faculty and/or Pre-Health Professions Advisory Committee and the optometrist who was shadowed by NECO’s application deadline prior to the intended fall entrance date
- A successful interview, in person or virtual, with NECO is required prior to receiving a final admissions decision
- NECO strongly recommends that students study and take the OAT the summer before their junior year and submit their OptomCAS application in the fall of junior year. Students should stay in touch eith their Admissions contact during this time to ensure they are on track.
- Submit all required materials before enrolling (including background check, immunization form, official transcripts, and any other items requested from the Admissions Office).
- NECO reserves the right, at their sole discretion, to withdraw or reverse an admit status for any USJ 3+4 student who, after the offer of admissions, fails to remain in good academic and disciplinary standing.
New England College of Optometry Coursework
The following courses (30 credits) may be used at USJ to complete the Biology, B.S. requirements: - BSD 10009 - Neuroanatomy 2.75 Credits
- BSD 10300 - Cell Biology 3.5 Credits
- BSD 10320 - Anatomy/Physiology I 3.75 Credits
- BSD 10321 - Anatomy and Physiology II 2.5 Credits
- BSD 10721 - Ocular Disease Principles I 2.0 Credits
- PC 12021 - Principles and Practices of Optometry 3.5 Credits
- VS 11001 - Optics I 4 Credits
- VS 11002 - Optics II 4.5 Credits
- VS 112211 - Visual Sensation and Perception 3.5 Credits
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