Which degree to pursue?

[Cafeda]

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Do you think it would be better to pursue a BA or BS? I'm currently working towards a BS in chemistry with certification by the American Chemical Society. The degree is more math and research intensive, but it seems to be that calculus 1 is the highest math required for optometry. Would the BA be better then since I could fit more biology and humanities in my degree course? Or does it not particularly matter?

Also, what's the most common major for optometry? Thanks.

 

[BandanaGuy]

Do you think it would be better to pursue a BA or BS? I'm currently working towards a BS in chemistry with certification by the American Chemical Society. The degree is more math and research intensive, but it seems to be that calculus 1 is the highest math required for optometry. Would the BA be better then since I could fit more biology and humanities in my degree course? Or does it not particularly matter?

Also, what's the most common major for optometry? Thanks.

The most common major I'd say was biology or chemistry. I've seen students with majors in psychology, business, nutrition... etc. The main thing is that you complete the CORE classes for optometry. I think the quickest way to graduate, and start optometry school, is to just be a biology major with a chemistry minor. Math classes are a good idea, as some of the optical calculations in theory classes can be quite complex.

However, multiple schools will allow you to begin optometry school without earning a bachelors degree. This is what I did. Saved me a year of classes and loans. This is reserved for strong students with GPAs and OATs to back it up. You must complete no less than 90 college credits with all of the core credits as part of that. The school with give you a BS of visual science or science in optometry after you complete the 1st or 2nd year of optometry schooling.

Hope this helps.

 

[ATXDesi]

Do you think it would be better to pursue a BA or BS? I'm currently working towards a BS in chemistry with certification by the American Chemical Society. The degree is more math and research intensive, but it seems to be that calculus 1 is the highest math required for optometry. Would the BA be better then since I could fit more biology and humanities in my degree course? Or does it not particularly matter?

Also, what's the most common major for optometry? Thanks.

you can technically have a degree in anything you want as long as you have the required pre-req classes for the school that you apply too. We have many bio/chem majors, along with Psych, engineering, nutrition...etc. It doesnt matter...just an fyi though, a BS degree would probably make it easier on your degree path as you would have to take the same science classes that are required for OD school...

good luck

 

[KHE]

Do you think it would be better to pursue a BA or BS? I'm currently working towards a BS in chemistry with certification by the American Chemical Society. The degree is more math and research intensive, but it seems to be that calculus 1 is the highest math required for optometry. Would the BA be better then since I could fit more biology and humanities in my degree course? Or does it not particularly matter?

Also, what's the most common major for optometry? Thanks.

You should pick a degree that will allow you for a career that you'll enjoy on the chance you don't get admitted to school.

 

[thecgrblue]

The lines between a BS and BA are really starting to blur in some disciplines. I will reinforce what has been said; find something that you enjoy and succeed in, can provide you a back-up if you decide against optometry, and that won't cause you to take out student loans.

Keep in mind the value of most undergrad degrees, or lack thereof. If optometry school is your end-all career the only stupid decision I see that someone can make in degree choice is going to a University that costs $10k/semester vs. one that is $3k/semester for a degree in Chemistry (or any other), especially when you're going into student loan debt for it. Cost is not directly proportional to quality and prestige really doesn't matter as much as you'd think.

My degree in Physiology and Developmental Biology is pretty much useless to (unless I wanted to be a store manager at Walgreen's or Rite-Aid, I guess), but thanks to PELL grants and others I was actually paid (albeit a small amount) to go to school each semester.

 

[shannon804]

You should pick a degree that will allow you for a career that you'll enjoy on the chance you don't get admitted to school.

I second this advice. Also consider that BS degrees generally have more labs and require more time-sucking clases than BA degrees, and there is generally not a huge difference between what you can do with one versus the other.