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Degree Requirements

Bachelor of Science in Visual Science Degree

The Bachelor of Science in Visual Science (BSVS) degree is available only to those students who entered ICO without a bachelor’s degree. However, the BSVS Degree is not a terminal degree and does not connote graduation from the Illinois College of Optometry. The degree is only awarded with the Doctor of Optometry degree at Commencement, and it requires an application available from the Registrar’s Office. All of the following are required to be eligible for the BSVS degree:

Confirmation that an undergraduate bachelor’s degree has not yet been earned.
Satisfactory completion of all the ICO Admissions course requirements.
Satisfactory completion of the ICO second professional year courses.
6 SEM or 9 QTR of “C” or better outside credits of Humanities (in addition to what was required by ICO Admissions).
6 SEM or 9 QTR of “C” or better outside credit of Social Studies (in addition to what was required by ICO Admissions).
6 SEM or 9 QTR or “C” or better outside credit of Human-Related Biological Sciences (in addition to what was required by ICO Admissions).
An ICO student in Good Academic Standing both at the time of BSVS application and Commencement.
Confirmation that the Doctor of Optometry degree has not been awarded yet.
Payment of the $100 baccalaureate fee.

Applications for the BSVS degree are accepted whenever the student has completed all of the above requirements. Students are encouraged to submit the application no later than two quarters prior to Commencement if they wish the BSVS degree to be designated in the commencement program. Earlier application is encouraged as it will enable a review of academic records to provide guidance and counseling to ensure that all requirements have or will be completed by the deadline.

Doctor of Optometry Graduation Requirements

A candidate for the degree of Doctor of Optometry from the College must have:

Completed all academic and clinic requirements with satisfactory performance.
Achieved a passing grade in each subject and a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.25.
Complied with the rules and regulations of the Illinois College of Optometry. This includes the release of all NBEO exam scores to the College.
Returned all College owned equipment and supplies assigned to the student, including library materials, mailbox key and Residential Complex keys.
Discharged all financial obligations to the College.
ICO recognizes Graduation with Honors for the following categories:

Cumulative GPA

Designation

3.50 - 3.74

Cum Laude

3.75 - 3.89

Magna Cum Laude

3.90 - 4.0

Summa Cum Laude

7. Students who have met the grade point average qualifications for Honors, but who have had to repeat a clinic rotation will not be considered as graduating with Honors.