University of Missouri in St. Louis College of Optometry

One University Boulevard St. Louis, Missouri 63121-4499 Phone: 1-888-EYE-UMSL or 314-516-6263 Email: opstuaff@umsl.edu http://www.umsl.edu

The University of Missouri in St. Louis College of Optometry is one of the newest optometry programs to be developed. The college started operating on June 1, 1980 and since has become accredited, and has continued its growth in facilities, equipment, and students. The school also offers a Master's of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degree in Vision Science. Students will experience diverse clinical rotations through the Center for Eye Care facilities, and an external rotation with a specialty choice like Ophthalmic Surgical Care.

Acceptance into the University of Missouri in St. Louis College of Optometry and the class size for the 2011-2012 academic year was 46 students. The application to acceptance ratio was around 5 to 1, with 511 applications and 92 accepted candidates. The average overall GPA was 3.55 and the overall OAT score was 324 for accepted candidates. The college recommends prospective students to have at least a 3.3 cumulative GPA and an overall OAT score of 320.

Tuition

The estimated tuition for at UM-St. Louis College of Optometry for the 2011-2012 academic year was $18,720 for the first year for residents and $34,256 for out-of-state residents. This comes out to about $585.00 per credit hour for Missouri residents, with an estimated total tuition of around $74,880, and $1,070.50 per credit hour for non-residents with an estimated total tuition of around $137,024. There is also a Non-Resident Tax Offset Credit for students who pay Missouri state income tax to help offset the non-resident fee difference. Please check the school for updated and accurate tuition and fees.

Education Requirements

The UM-St. Louis College of Optometry, like many other optometry schools, does not require a Bachelor’s degree but does give preference to applicants that hold them. Applicants must have at least 90 semester hours with no more than 60 of these attained from a two-year institution. These credit hours must also meet the pre-optometry prerequisites that include basic courses like Biology, Microbiology, Physics, Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Calculus.

Admissions Checklist

• School of Optometry Application- OptomCAS + Supplemental
• Essay/Personal Statement
• Official academic transcripts
• OAT Scores
• 3 Letters of recommendation – one should be from an optometrist

2011 Entering Class Profile

• Total Applications: 511
• # of Residents Applied: 24
• # of Non-residents Applied:483
• Number of Applicants Accepted: 92
• # of Residents Accepted: 19
• # of Non-residents Accepted:73
• Number of Students Enrolled: 46
• # of Enrolled with Bachelors degree: 43
• # of Males Enrolled: 16
• # of Females Enrolled: 30
• # of States Represented: 11
• Overall Average GPA: 3.55
• Average OAT AA Score: 321
• Average OAT Total Science Score: 324
• Residents 1st Year Tuition and Fees: $20145
• Non-residents 1st Year Tuition and Fees: $35681
• Offers Advanced Standing: Yes

UMSL College of Optometry Residency

UM-St. Louis Residency in Cornea and Contact Lenses - St. Louis, MO

UM-St. Louis Residency in Pediatric Optometry - St. Louis, MO

Affiliated Optometric Residency

Children's Mercy Hospitals and Clinics Residency in Pediatric Optometry - Kansas City, MO

Kansas City VA Residency in Ocular Disease and Low Vision Rehabilitation - Kansas City, MO

Robert J. Dole VA Residency in Primary Care / Low Vision Rehabilitation - Wichita, KS

St. Louis VA Residency in Primary Care and Geriatric Optometry - Saint Louis, MO

Marion VA Residency in Primary Care - Marion, IL