Public Health / Optometry (Coordinated Degree)

Program Overview

The MPH/OD program at UAB combines training in public health and optometry, focusing on improving eye care access, awareness, and outcomes for individuals and populations. Students learn to develop, evaluate, and administer eye care programs and conduct research to inform interventions. The MPH component, offered online, provides a strong foundation in public health principles and allows students to specialize in specific areas such as health behavior or policy.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The MPH/OD program is a coordinated degree offered jointly by the UAB School of Public Health and the UAB School of Optometry. It is designed for individuals interested in vision disorders, eye diseases, and public access to and awareness of vision care. The program aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills to make sustainable, long-term eye care improvements for both individual patients and specific populations. The program focuses on developing, administering, and evaluating vision health and educational programs related to vision health and safety. Students will also learn to conduct and analyze field and case studies. The MPH portion of the program provides a foundation in public health centered around an evidence-based public health model. It can be completed online and shares up to 12 credit hours with the OD program, allowing for timely degree completion. The program offers opportunities for focused training in areas such as healthcare organization, health behavior and program development, health policy, and other public health areas.

• The program offers a concentration in Population Health.
• The MPH portion of the program can be taken online.