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This 3+4 pathway allows you to earn both a Bachelor of Science in Premedical Health Studies (BS) and a Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree from MCPHS in seven years instead of the traditional eight.

Build a robust foundation of knowledge that positions you for career-long success as an optometrist. Choose the accelerated track and begin your graduate training during the fourth year of your bachelor’s degree or spend four years following the traditional track. Both begin in the fall and offer you the same challenging undergraduate curriculum and preparation you need for professional study. Upon completion of your BS, you’ll spend the next four years at the MCPHS Worcester campus completing the professional education required for the Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree.

Your Three-Year Undergraduate Journey

Our curriculum is focused on giving you the deep understanding in the sciences and humanities necessary to move on to the professional Optometry phase of the program.

First Year

study biology and the principles of chemistry and attend associated labs
begin your exposure to the liberal arts by exploring expository writing and human psychology

Second Year

continue to build an interdisciplinary foundation of knowledge by taking electives in the humanities and behavioral science
increase your knowledge of the health professions and hone the interpersonal communication skills necessary to be an effective member of the healthcare community
study organic chemistry and physics and participate in associated labs

Third Year

explore healthcare ethics
study cellular biochemistry, advanced anatomy and physiology, medical microbiology, and physics and attend associated labs
strengthen your knowledge of the social and behavioral sciences
complete all required electives
participate in a semester-long Premedical Health Studies Capstone seminar
students who submit an OptomCAS, achieve the minimum GPA, test scores, and course requirements are guaranteed an interview for admission into the OD program