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About The Program

Pre-Optometry

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With a career in optometry, you’ll make a clear difference in people’s lives, ensuring the visual health of your patients. While pre-optometry is not a major itself, we’ll match you with a degree program and the necessary coursework required to prepare you for admission into a school of optometry.

Wondering if this program is for you?

This program will be a good fit if you:

Are able to adapt to new techniques and instruments
Have strong communication skills
Are detail oriented
Have a strong mathematical and scientific background
Have good coordination
Are service-oriented
Have strong decision-making skills

Careers

With an optometry degree, you could work in the areas of:

Pediatric optometry
Geriatric optometry
Vision therapy

Internships

At Northern, we believe getting you out of the classroom and into a real-world workplace setting is a critical part of your education. You'll have several opportunities for internships and other forms of experiential learning throughout your time at Northern. Learn more!

Scholarships

The NSU WolfPACT is the highest guaranteed, four-year scholarship in the region. But that isn't the only scholarship available at Northern. Click here to learn about other scholarship opportunities!

Courses

Course Requirements

Sample Four-Year Course Plan

Suggested Majors and Minors

Students in our pre-optometry program often major in:

Study Abroad

Experience the world while earning your degree through NSU Study Abroad! With hundreds of opportunities available around the globe, Northern can make your study abroad dream become a reality. Learn more!

Undergraduate Research

At Northern, you'll have the chance to conduct cutting-edge research that can have real-world impacts - while still an undergraduate student. Now with our brand new, state-of-the-art Jewett Regional Science Education Center, the sky is truly the limit. Learn more!

Contact Information

Ready to take the next step? Contact us today:

Pre-Optometry Faculty Advisor: Dr. Andrew Russell, 605-626-2352 or andrew.russell@northern.edu.

Want to learn more about living and learning at Northern? Contact NSU Admissions today 605-626-2544 or admissions@northern.edu!

Still unsure of a major? We can help! Contact NSU Career Services at 605-626-3007 or careerservices@northern.edu.

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Our Faculty

Guangwei Ding

Department

College of Arts and Sciences

Science and Mathematics

Programs

Chemistry

Chemistry Education

Pre-Chiropractic

Pre-Dentistry

Pre-Engineering

Pre-Medicine

Pre-Mortuary Science

Pre-Nursing

Pre-Occupational Therapy

Pre-Optometry

Pre-Pharmacy

Pre-Physical Therapy

Pre-Physician’s Assistant

Pre-Veterinary Sciences

Postdoc. South Dakota State University

Ph.D University of Massachusetts at Amherst

MSc. University of London

DIC. University of London

MSc. Beijing Agricultural University

BSc. Shanxi Agricultural University

Resume/CV

Dr. Guangwei Ding joined Northern's chemistry department in 2005. He has served on the editorial boards for the Scientific World Journal and the Journal of Experimental Chemistry, and as a reviewer for Geoderma, Chemosphere, and Organic Geochemistry.

Courses Taught

Chemistry Survey

General Chemistry I

General Chemistry II

Analytical Chemistry

Physical Chemistry I

Physical Chemistry II

Inorganic Chemistry

Environmental Chemistry

Research interests/expertise

Identifying the structure of Natural Organic Matter (NOM) by using solid-state C-13 nuclear magnetic resonance, infrared spectroscopic techniques, and remote sensing techniques

Studying the sorption/desorption behavior of hydrophobic organic compounds to natural organic matter

Understanding the hysteresis and the sorption mechanisms

Applying spectroscopic technique and remote sensing approach to monitor the plant physiological property

Assessing the carbon sequestration associated with global change and policy

Selected Publications

Junjian Li, Z. Xin, J. Yan, H. Li, J. Chen and G. Ding. 2018. "Physicochemical and microbiological assessment of soil quality on a chronosequence of a mine reclamation site." European Journal of Soil Science, 2018. doi: 10.1111/ejss.12714.

Meichen...

Amy Dolan

Department

Science and Mathematics

College of Arts and Sciences

Programs

Biology

Biology Education

Pre-Nursing

Pre-Pharmacy

Pre-Medicine

Pre-Dentistry

Pre-Physician’s Assistant

Pre-Optometry

Pre-Physical Therapy

Pre-Occupational Therapy

Pre-Veterinary Sciences

Pre-Chiropractic

Pre-Mortuary Science

Pre-Engineering

Ph.D. Portland State University

B.A. University of Oregon

Dr. Amy Dolan joined Northern's faculty in 2018. She grew up on a homestead in Nikiski, Alaska. Dr. Dolan attended the University of Oregon and graduated with a bachelor's degree in biology and Spanish. She went on to earn a Ph.D. in biology at Portland State University, studying genetics, reproductive biology, mate choice, and reproductive success of eastern kingbirds. Dr. Dolan lives on a farm with her husband Ryan, and their three children: Oliver, Ruthie, and Zet.

Courses Taught

Biology Survey

General Biology

Environmental Biology

Human Biology

Anatomy

Gross Anatomy

Bioethics

Hematology

Histology

Publications

Christopher M, Chutter, Lucas J. Redmond, Nathan W. Cooper, Amy C. Dolan, Deborah Duffield, and Michael T. Murphy. "Paternal behaviour in a socially monogamous but sexually promiscuous passerine bird." BEHAVIOUR, 153: 443-466, APR 2016.

Cooper NW, Murphy MT, Redmond LJ, Dolan AC. "Reproductive correlates of spring arrival date in the Eastern Kingbird Tyrannus tyrannus." JOURNAL OF ORNITHOLOGY, 152 (1): 143-152, JAN 2011.

Redmond LJ, Murphy MT, Dolan AC, Sexton K. "Parental investment theory and nest defense by Eastern Kingbirds." WILSON JOURNAL OF ORNITHOLOGY, 121 (1): 1-11, MAR 2009.

Dolan AC, Murphy MT, Redmond LJ, Duffield D. "Maternal characteristics and the production and recruitment of sons in the eastern kingbird (Tyrannus tyrannus)." BEHAVIORAL ECOLOGY AND SOCIOBIOLOGY, 63 (10): 1527-1537, AUG 2009.

Cooper NW, Murphy MT, Redmond LJ, Dolan AC. "Density-dependent age at first reproduction in the eastern kingbird." OIKOS, 118 (3): 413-419, MAR 2009.

Redmond LJ, Murphy MT, Dolan AC, Sexton K. "Public information facilitates habitat selection of a territorial species: the eastern kingbird." ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR, 77 (2): 457-463, FEB 2009.

...

Alyssa Kiesow

Department

College of Arts and Sciences

Science and Mathematics

Programs

Biology

Biology Education

Medical Laboratory Science

Pre-Chiropractic

Pre-Dentistry

Pre-Engineering

Pre-Medicine

Pre-Mortuary Science

Pre-Nursing

Pre-Occupational Therapy

Pre-Optometry

Pre-Pharmacy

Pre-Physical Therapy

Pre-Physician’s Assistant

Pre-Veterinary Sciences

Ph.D. University of South Dakota

M.S. South Dakota State University

B.S. South Dakota State University

A.A. Winona State University

Dr. Alyssa Kiesow joined Northern’s faculty in August 2007. Born in Little Falls, Minn., and raised in St. Cloud, Minn., she serves as interim Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, assists with sponsored grants and research, and serves on the South Dakota Academy of Science Executive Committee. She received multiple degrees from state institutions. Dr. Kiesow earned her Ph.D. in biological sciences with a research focus in genetics from the University of South Dakota.

Research Interests

Dr. Kiesow's primary research interests range from genetic structure of animal populations to epigenetics of developing embryos. Recent research focuses on the effects of various toxins on embryonic development in sea stars, sea urchins, and Xenopus laevis.

Courses Taught

Anatomy

Developmental Biology

Genetics

Physiology

Selected Publications

*Denotes undergraduate student research

Surovek, A., Rowland, P., A. M. Kiesow, M. Redlin, M. Emery, C. Anderson, and A. Liebl. Exp. Summer 2020. A statewide policy driven approach to gender equity. Accepted April 2020. (American Society for Engineering Education).

*Keryakos, J., *A. VanOosbree, and A. M. Kiesow. 2019. The association of TAS1R2 to dental and cardiovascular health. American Journal of Undergraduate Research 16: 47-54.

Kiesow, A. M., and H. B. Britten. 2018. Comparison of northern flying and red squirrel phylogenies with focus on the insular...

John Long

Department

College of Arts and Sciences

Science and Mathematics

Programs

Biology

Biology Education

Pre-Chiropractic

Pre-Dentistry

Pre-Engineering

Pre-Medicine

Pre-Mortuary Science

Pre-Nursing

Pre-Occupational Therapy

Pre-Optometry

Pre-Pharmacy

Pre-Physical Therapy

Pre-Physician’s Assistant

Pre-Veterinary Sciences

Ph.D. Montana State University

M.S. Montana State University

B.S. State University of New York

Dr. John Long joined the Department of Science and Mathematics at Northern in May 2015. He received a Ph.D. in ecology and environmental sciences from Montana State University in 2014; an M.S. in ecological and environmental statistics from Montana State University in 2011; and a B.S. in applied mathematics from State University of New York in 2008.

Courses Taught

Biological Statistics I

Biological Statistics II

Introduction to Physics I

Introduction to Physics II

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) I

Geographic Infromation Systems (GIS) II

Remote Sensing

Biogeography

Research Interests

Dr. Long's research focuses on investigating environmental and ecological systems, primarily from a mathematical perspective. He is currently modeling crop rotation patterns in the Northern Great Plains agricultural systems within a spatiotemporal context.

Publications

Long, J.A. & Stoy, P.C. (2018). "Tornado Seasonality in the Southeastern United States." Weather & Climate Extremes, 20, 81-91.

Lawrence, R.L., Savage, S., Bode, E. & Long, J.A. (2017). "Manual for Remote Sensing Image Analysis in R: Including Agnostic Image Analysis."

Long, J.A. & Lawrence, R.L. (2016). "Mapping percent tree mortality due to Mountain Pine Beetle damage." Forest Science, 62(4), 392-402.

Long, J.A. & Stoy, P.C. (2014). "Peak tornado activity is occurring earlier in the heart of Tornado Alley." Geophysical Research Letters, 41, 6259-6264. [doi:10.1002/2014GL061385].

Long, J.A., Lawrence, R.L., Miller, P.R., Marshall, L.A., & Greenwood, M.C. (2014). "Adoption of cropping sequences in northeast Montana: A spatio-temporal analysis." Agriculture, Ecosystems and Environment, 197, 77-87. [doi: 10.1016/j....

Jon Mitchell

Department

College of Arts and Sciences

Science and Mathematics

Programs

Biology

Biology Education

Biotechnology

Pre-Chiropractic

Pre-Dentistry

Pre-Engineering

Pre-Medicine

Pre-Mortuary Science

Pre-Nursing

Pre-Occupational Therapy

Pre-Optometry

Pre-Pharmacy

Pre-Physical Therapy

Pre-Physician’s Assistant

Pre-Veterinary Sciences

George Nora

Department

College of Arts and Sciences

Science and Mathematics

Programs

Chemistry

Chemistry Education

Pre-Chiropractic

Pre-Dentistry

Pre-Engineering

Pre-Medicine

Pre-Mortuary Science

Pre-Nursing

Pre-Occupational Therapy

Pre-Optometry

Pre-Pharmacy

Pre-Physical Therapy

Pre-Physician’s Assistant

Pre-Veterinary Sciences

Dr. George Nora began at Northern State University in 2010 and has been promoted to associate professor of chemistry.

Courses Taught

Organic Chemistry

Eric Pulis

Department

College of Arts and Sciences

Science and Mathematics

Programs

Biology

Environmental Science

Pre-Chiropractic

Pre-Dentistry

Pre-Engineering

Pre-Medicine

Pre-Mortuary Science

Pre-Nursing

Pre-Occupational Therapy

Pre-Optometry

Pre-Pharmacy

Pre-Physical Therapy

Pre-Physician’s Assistant

Pre-Veterinary Sciences

Ph.D. University of Southern Mississippi

M.S. University of North Dakota

B.S. University of North Dakota

Dr. Eric Pulis joined Northern's faculty in 2018. Originally from central Minnesota, he attended the University of North Dakota, where he received his B.S. in fisheries and wildlife biology and his M.S. in biology. Dr. Pulis earned his Ph.D. at the University of Southern Mississippi's Gulf Coast Research Laboratory in Coastal Sciences, where his research focused on the taxonomy and systematics of some parasitic flat worms found in fishes. He is currently the advisor for the NSU Environmental Club.

Research Interests

Dr. Pulis's primary research interests are in the ecology, evolution, and diversity of parasites of wildlife and fishes. A large part of the work he does involves describing new species and making phylogenetic hypotheses about the relationships among species using a combination of field, microscopy, and molecular methods. Dr. Pulis has also worked on the conservation and ecology of marine mammals and turtles.

Courses Taught

Invertebrate Zoology

Vertebrate Zoology

General Biology II

Senior Seminar

Environmental Biology Labratory

Survey of Biology Labratory

Selected Publications

Pulis, E.E., Wells, R.S., Schorr, G.S., Douglas, D.C., Samuelson, M.M., Solangi, M. 2018. "Movements and dive patterns of pygmy killer whales (Feresa attenuata) release in the Gulf of Mexico following rehabilitation." Aquatic Mammals 44 (5).

Pitchford, J.L., Garcia, M., Pulis, E.E., Ambert, A.M., Heaton, A.J., Solangi, M. 2018. "Gauging the influence of increased search effort on reporting rates of bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) strandings following the deepwater horizon oil spill." PloS One 13 (6), e0199214.

Heaton, A.J., Pulis, E.E., Pitchford, J.L., Hatchett, W.L., Carron, A.M., Solangi, M. 2016. "Prevalence and transience of ingested fishing hooks in Kemp’s...

Kelly Pulis

Department

Science and Mathematics

College of Arts and Sciences

Programs

Biology

Pre-Nursing

Pre-Pharmacy

Pre-Medicine

Pre-Dentistry

Pre-Physician’s Assistant

Pre-Optometry

Pre-Physical Therapy

Pre-Occupational Therapy

Pre-Veterinary Sciences

Pre-Chiropractic

Pre-Mortuary Science

Pre-Engineering

B.S. Biology, minor Psychology, University of North Dakota

A.A. Exotic Animal Training and Management, Moorpark College

Ms. Kelly Pulis, hailing from Vinton, Iowa, joined NSU's faculty in 2019.

Jodie Ramsay

Department

College of Arts and Sciences

Science and Mathematics

Programs

Biology

Biology Education

Environmental Science

Pre-Athletic Training

Pre-Chiropractic

Pre-Dentistry

Pre-Engineering

Pre-Medicine

Pre-Mortuary Science

Pre-Nursing

Pre-Occupational Therapy

Pre-Optometry

Pre-Pharmacy

Pre-Physician’s Assistant

Pre-Veterinary Sciences

Ph.D. University of South Dakota

M.S. North Dakota State University

B.S. North Dakota State University

Dr. Jodie Ramsay started at NSU in 2001. Her area of expertise is plant science. She grew up in Minnesota and spends much of the summer there, where she co-owns a greenhouse. Dr. Ramsay is the director of NSU Regional Science Fair and serves as the faculty mentor for Rising Scholar (dual credit) biology courses taught across eastern South Dakota.

Courses Taught

Biogeography

Ecology

Environmental Biology

Environmental Science and Conservation

Freshman Seminar

General Biology I

General Biology II

Plants and Civilization

Plant Structure and Function

Plant Systematics

Senior Seminar

Soils and the Environment

Success in Science

Select Publications

Jodie Ramsay and Julie Schroer. “Environmental Biology” 2020. Kendall Hunt Publishing, Dubuque, IA.

Jodie L. Ramsay. 2012. "An Overview of Plant Anatomy and Diversity: A Botany Lab Manual, 2^nd edition." Kendall Hunt Publishing, Dubuque, IA. 104 pgs.

Jodie L. Ramsay. 2009. "An Overview of Plant Anatomy and Diversity: A Botany Lab Manual, 1^st edition." Bent Tree Press, Reno, NV. 104 pgs.

Jodie L. Ramsay. 2008. "Landscaping Habitat for Humanity Homes: A Community Outreach Project." Journal of College Teaching & Learning 5(4): 7-11.

Jodie L. Ramsay. 2005. "Landscaping Habitat for Humanity Homes: A Community Outreach Project (Abstract)." Proceedings of the American Society of Plant Biologists Annual Meeting, Seattle, WA. Page 318.

Richard Faflak and Jodie Ramsay. 2004. "Dust Fraction in Catchment Sediments, Prairie Pothole Region, South Dakota (Abstract)." Proceedings of the South Dakota Academy of Science 83:259.

Karen L....

Linda Richards

Department

Science and Mathematics

College of Arts and Sciences

Programs

Pre-Nursing

Pre-Pharmacy

Pre-Medicine

Pre-Dentistry

Pre-Physician’s Assistant

Pre-Optometry

Pre-Physical Therapy

Pre-Occupational Therapy

Pre-Veterinary Sciences

Pre-Chiropractic

Pre-Mortuary Science

Pre-Engineering

Andrew Russell

Department

College of Arts and Sciences

Science and Mathematics

Programs

Biology

Biology Education

Medical Laboratory Science

Pre-Chiropractic

Pre-Dentistry

Pre-Engineering

Pre-Medicine

Pre-Mortuary Science

Pre-Nursing

Pre-Occupational Therapy

Pre-Optometry

Pre-Pharmacy

Pre-Physical Therapy

Pre-Physician’s Assistant

Pre-Veterinary Sciences

Ph.D., Indiana University

B.S., Hillsdale College

Dr. Andrew Russell joined NSU's faculty in 2014.

Courses taught

Microbiology

Cell and Molecular Biology

Immunology

Medical Microbiology

Parasitology

Biology of Beer

Research Areas

Microbial biofilm formation

Host-microbe interactions

Disease resistance mechanisms

Genetic and molecular basis of host specificity

Intersection between symbiosis and pathogenicity

Summary of Research Interests

For several years, I have been researching the molecular mechanisms underlying host-microbe interactions. Specifically, my work has focused on two main questions: 1.) How do pathogens use molecular weaponry to promote virulence on susceptible hosts, and 2.) How do resistant hosts detect pathogen molecules to trigger an immune response?

My research has shown that the answers to these questions often go hand-in-hand; a pathogen protein that promotes growth on a susceptible host frequently activates defenses in a resistant host. Consequently, a pathogen must have the right combination of molecular weapons to evade host defenses. Not enough fire power and you will be overwhelmed by the host's arsenal. Too many weapons and you lose your ability to fly under the radar of host detection mechanisms.

Most of the focus in my field has been on studying how a single molecular weapon can influence pathogen growth. While it is...

Julie Schroer

Department

College of Arts and Sciences

Science and Mathematics

Programs

Biology

Pre-Chiropractic

Pre-Dentistry

Pre-Engineering

Pre-Medicine

Pre-Mortuary Science

Pre-Nursing

Pre-Occupational Therapy

Pre-Optometry

Pre-Pharmacy

Pre-Physical Therapy

Pre-Physician’s Assistant

Pre-Veterinary Sciences

M.S. North Dakota State University

B.A. University of Minnesota, Morris

Ms. Julie Schroer started at Northern in 2015, the year Northern's first greenhouse opened. Her area of expertise is plant biology. She grew up in Minnesota, where she co-owns a garden center, and spends summers there. She is passionate about the environment and helps with recycling on campus.

Courses Taught

Biology Survey

Environmental Biology

Success in Science

Freshman Seminar

Asa Toombs

Department

Science and Mathematics

College of Arts and Sciences

Programs

Chemistry

Chemistry Education

Pre-Nursing

Pre-Pharmacy

Pre-Medicine

Pre-Dentistry

Pre-Physician’s Assistant

Pre-Optometry

Pre-Physical Therapy

Pre-Occupational Therapy

Pre-Veterinary Sciences

Pre-Chiropractic

Pre-Mortuary Science

Pre-Engineering

B.S., Chemistry, Newman University

B.A., Biology, Newman University

Ph.D., Chemistry, Iowa State University

Dr. Asa Toombs joined Northern's faculty in August of 2018 as an instructor and chemistry lab manager. He grew up in the Wichita area, and attended Newman University in Wichita for his undergraduate degrees in biology and chemistry. Dr. Toombs later earned his Ph.D. in chemistry performing synthetic and computational research on solid-state intermetallic compounds at Iowa State University. His primary interests are in general chemistry and inorganic chemistry, specifically symmetry and crystal structure of extended solids; as well as acid-base chemistry.

Courses Taught

General Chemistry I

General Chemistry II

Chemistry Survey Lab