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Coordinated Master of Public Health/Doctor of Optometry Program
Vision disorders and eye diseases are major public health problems, both nationally and internationally. Optometrists with training and experience in public health are needed to assess community needs for vision care services, to determine which factors contribute to treatment and prevention of visual system anomalies, to develop and apply quality assurance systems, to participate and provide leadership in health-related agencies, and to foster public awareness of the need for vision care. An individual qualified both in optometry and public health is expected to have the capability to develop, administer, and evaluate eye and vision health programs in research projects; design and conduct epidemiological field studies; use statistical methods in data analysis of case-control and cohort studies; develop and implement vision health education programs; and develop occupational health and eye safety programs.
Coordinated MPH/OD Learning Objectives
- describe the economic, legal organizational and political underpinnings of the US health system;
- acquire a public health field concentration for individuals seeking a doctor of optometry degree; and
- apply population-based sciences and methods of public health as they relate to vision and vision disorders.
Admission: Applicants to the concurrent MPH/OD program must meet the following requirements: enrollment and good standing in the School of Optometry, interview by MPH/OD committee in the School of Optometry, approval and recommendation by the dean of the School of Optometry, and apply and be accepted for admission to the School of Public Health.
Curriculum: Students in the concurrent MPH/OD program are expected to complete the curriculum of the optometry professional program, and a total of 43 credit hours in the MPH program. Work in the public health program can be completed over a four-year period, including summers. Students may begin their MPH program in the summer prior to their entering the Optometry professional program.
This is a coordinated, dual degree track, and, as such, graduation from one program is contingent upon completion of all requirements for graduation from the other program.
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Coursework |
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Credit Hours |
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MPH Core |
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19 |
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BST 600 |
Biostatistics for Public Health |
4 |
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ENH 600 |
Fundamentals of Environmental Health Sciences |
3 |
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EPI 600 |
Introduction to Epidemiology |
3 |
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HB 600 |
Social and Behavioral Science Core |
3 |
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HCO 600 |
Introduction to Public Health Systems and Population-Based Health Programs |
3 |
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MCH 695 |
The Public Health Integrative Experience |
3 |
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Coordinated Doctor of Optometry Track (including electives) |
21 |
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HCO 601 |
Health Economics |
3 |
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HCO 603 |
Public Health Policy |
3 |
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HCO 607 |
Public Health Law |
3 |
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Electives |
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12 |
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Internship * |
3 |
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HCO 697 |
Internship |
3 |
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Total 43 |
* If the internship is waived, a graduate level elective must be substituted.
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