Bachelor of Science in Premedical Health Studies—Optometry Pathway (BS/OD)
School of Arts & Sciences
Location: Boston
Start Term: Fall, Spring
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.
Help Patients Improve their Vision— and their Lives
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
Discover the MCPHS Student Experience
Optometrists Play a Pivotal Healthcare Role
As an optometrist, you have the power to help patients improve their vision and see the world through a brighter lens.
#13 Best Healthcare Jobs
in 2022, U.S. News and World Report ranked optometry #13 in healthcare jobs
Already have a bachelor's degree?
Apply directly to the Doctor of Optometry program
A Bright Career Outlook for Optometrists
Employment of optometrists is projected to grow 10% over the next 10 years
MCPHS Community Voices
The lived experiences of MCPHS students, partners, and faculty tell an eloquent story. They illustrate just how our student-centered, teaching-first approach keeps us in the top tier of the country’s “most transformative colleges.” (Money magazine 2020).
Zeyuan Li, BS ’24
"I was very attracted to the program's curriculum because it has a combination of science and non-science courses, which helps the student develop on both sides. Science is obviously important, but it's also important for students to learn how to communicate with patients."
Kelsey Pozerski talks about the value of her MCPHS premed journey
Additional Options for Degrees in Premedical Health Studies
In addition to the Bachelor of Science in Premedical Health Studies — Optometry Pathway (BS/OD), we offer six degrees covering general premed studies as well as training in specific disciplines.
Bachelor of Science in Premedical Health Studies / Physician Assistant Studies Pathway (BS/MPAS)
Six-year program at the MCPHS Boston campus.
Bachelor of Science in Premedical Health Studies / Dental Medicine Pathway (BS/DMD) — Boston
Four years at MCPHS-Boston followed by four years at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Bachelor of Science in Premedical Health Studies / Medicine Pathway (BS/MD with SGU) — Boston
Three years at MCPHS-Boston, two years at St. George’s University (SGU) School of Medicine, and two years of clinical rotations at affiliated hospitals.
Bachelor of Science in Premedical Health Studies / Osteopathic Medicine Pathway (BS/DO with LECOM) — Boston
Depending on the track you choose, three or four years at MCPHS-Boston followed by four years at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Bachelor of Science in Premedical Health Studies / Osteopathic Medicine Pathway (BS/DO with ATSU) — Boston
Four years at MCPHS-Boston followed by four years at A.T. Still University (ATSU).
Bachelor of Science in Premedical Health Studies
Build a robust foundation in the health sciences as preparation for graduate school in optometry, medicine, physician assistant studies, and other fields.