The College of Optometry at the University of Missouri-St. Louis npw partner with Maryville University in West County. The collaboration, called the 3+4 Program, allows students to obtain a bachelor of science degree from Maryville University and a doctorate in optometry from UMSL in seven years rather than eight.
The program will be available to students entering Maryville University in fall 2009. It will be similar to programs currently available for pre-optometry students in the Pierre Laclede Honors College or majoring in biology and physics at UMSL.
“The 3+4 Program is an excellent way for UMSL’s College of Optometry to recruit bright students who have a clear direction for their career aspirations,” said Dr. Larry Davis, dean of the college. “The program also is beneficial to students eager to more quickly enter the profession of optometry.”
Through the 3+4 Program, pre-optometry students at Maryville University apply to the UMSL optometry program during the fall semester of their third year. If accepted, the students will begin the optometry program at UMSL during the fall semester of their fourth year.
At the completion of their fifth year overall (or second year at UMSL), the student receives his or her bachelor degree from Maryville University. Students who remain on track with their courses and professional training can then earn their O.D. at the completion of their fourth year at UMSL.
Dr. Dan Sparling, dean of Maryville’s College of Arts and Sciences, believes that students in the 3+4 program will benefit from Maryville’s excellent record in preparing students for careers in the medical field.
“This program also supports Maryville’s mission of integrating liberal and professional learning,” Sparling said. “We are excited to be able to offer students this new option for entering the field of optometry.”
Pre-optometry students at Maryville University have the option of enrolling in three programs: biology, biology/biotechnology or biomedical science. The students also are invited to participate in the Pre-Optometry Student Club at UMSL.
Visit http://www.umsl.edu/bulletin/as/preprofessional.html to learn more about UMSL’s pre-optometry program options.
Spring Career Fair
Missouri Career Centers of Saint Louis County is hosting Career Fair on Wednesday, March 18 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the St. Ann Community Center (1 Community Center Drive, St. Ann, Missouri 63074.) Over 50 area employers are expected to attend.
If you are an employer interested in participating in the Spring Career Fair, contact Michele Cooper, Business Development Officer, at (314) 615-4682 during normal business hours. There is no fee for registration; however, booth space is reserved on a first-come, first-serve basis. A second, County-wide Career Fair is scheduled for July 15.
Contact Gene Gorden, Executive Director, Division of Workforce Development Missouri Career Center – Saint Louis County at (314) 679-3300 for further information.
