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

This unique 3 + 4 pathway allows you to begin your journey to becoming an optometrist right out of high school. Earn your undergraduate degree in three years, then immediately begin working toward your Doctor of Optometry (OD) in year four. In this program, you will build a robust foundation of knowledge to position you for career-long success. Transfer students are also eligible to apply for this pathway.

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

Before heading to the Worcester campus to complete your doctoral study in optometry, you get to experience our vibrant student life in Boston. 
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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

Kelsey Pozerski

Kelsey Pozerski talks about the value of her MCPHS premed journey

Learn how fourth-year Premedical Student Kelsey Pozerski is utilizing her MCPHS education to fulfill her goal of becoming a caring, compassionate, and committed doctor.

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 seven degrees covering general premed studies as well as training in specific disciplines.

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.

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

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 / Veterinary Medicine Pathway (BS/DVM)

Three years at MCPHS-Boston, followed by four years of study at St. George’s University (SGU) Veterinary School.

Download a Program Fact Sheet

Download a program fact sheet for a snapshot of the Bachelor of Science in Premedical Health Studies—Optometry Pathway.