Dual Degree Option

Students accepted into the Doctor of Optometry (OD) program at MCPHS are eligible to apply to the online Master of Public Health in the spring of their first year of the OD program. If accepted, the MPH coursework will begin that summer.

Students in the OD/MPH program will complete a total of 210 credits to earn the dual degree; 180 credits for the OD program and 42 credits for the MPH program. The MPH program consists of a Community Health concentration with an overview of the five core disciplines of public health:

• Biostatistics
• Epidemiology
• Environmental Health Science
• Health Policy and Management
• Social and Behavioral Sciences

As an optometrist with training and experience in public health, you will be fully equipped to assess community needs for eye and vision care services. Optometrists with an MPH could develop, administer, and evaluate eye and vision health programs and participate in and provide leadership to health-related agencies that foster public awareness of the need for eye and vision care.