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College of Letters and Science Pre-Optometry Degree

Major

BUILD YOUR BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES CAREER WITH A DEGREE FROM UW-STEVENS POINT

UW-Stevens Point offers a wide variety of pre-professional programs, and our graduates have an excellent record of acceptance by graduate and professional schools. Many students who plan to enter a professional school, such as Education or Engineering, as undergraduates or who intend to pursue graduate studies in a professional school such as Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Science, Chiropractic, Optometry, or Nursing, follow a program of study specifically designed for that career path. Although not required, we advise students in all pre-professional areas to get a bachelor of science degree before entering a professional school.  If you would like more specific information or advisement, the Department of Biology will assist you in finding an advisor to help you plan your program. 

Department of Biology

Why study Pre-Optometry at UW-Stevens Point?

Our students get hands-on research opportunities with faculty in areas such as cell and molecular biology, microbiology, virology, immunology, cancer biology, molecular ecology, genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, protein structure and function, developmental biology, neurobiology and behavior, ecology, evolutionary biology, organismal biology, and taxonomy. A high percentage of our students participate in laboratory and field research projects with Biology faculty mentors. You will study in our highly specialized teaching and research labs at UWSP in our state-of-the-art, $75 million Chemistry Biology Building.

Sample Graduation Plan Scholarships and Aid Academic and Career Advising

Faculty Expertise and Support

Most of our classes and labs are taught by a Ph.D.-trained instructor with expertise in the field. A high percentage of our students participate in laboratory and field research projects with Biology faculty mentors. Many students also spend the summer conducting research at UW-Stevens Point and at a variety of cooperating institutions. Our undergraduates often publish their findings with our faculty and are listed as co-authors in top-tier biology research journals. We encourage our students to participate in field courses and internships. Students also have the opportunity to attend regional, national, and international conferences!

Outstanding Facilities

WHAT TO EXPECT

From the moment you step on campus and into our classes, you’ll feel at home. Right from the start you’ll get to meet other Biochemistry and Biology majors in your introductory courses. And you won’t only meet each other, but you’ll also meet and mingle with our faculty; learn how to navigate your career path; and figure out how to set yourself up for success as a professional. Our courses are led by 22 total Biology and 16 total Chemistry full-time, Ph.D. faculty members.

Biology courses at UW-Stevens Point begin with studies in plant and animal biology, genetics and ecology. You then select a course in animal, human, plant or cell physiology, and you’re encouraged to follow your interests in electives.

GET INVOLVED ON CAMPUS

Student-run organizations at UW-Stevens Point offer a number of opportunities to get involved with fellow students, professors, and the community. Explore here! Below are just some of the student clubs related to careers in health care.

  • Pre-Med and Allied Health
  • Pre-Physical Therapy
  • Neuroscience
  • Tri-Beta Lambda Omicron Chapter
  • Chemistry Club
  • American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

MEET YOUR FACULTY

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Michael Steury

  • Associate Professor of Biology
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Jennifer Bray

  • Professor
  • Coordinator, Pre-Medical Preceptorship
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