Program Overview

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Introduction to the OD/MBA Program

The University of Alabama at Birmingham's Doctor of Optometry/Master of Business Administration (OD/MBA) program is the first of its kind in the nation. This interdisciplinary program combines the fundamental and advanced principles of both optometry and business, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the business of eye care.

Why an MBA?

The healthcare industry is facing numerous business-related challenges, and many optometrists are choosing to pursue a business education to navigate the complex healthcare system effectively. Combining a business degree with an optometry degree enables future healthcare leaders to manage rapid change and uncertainty with flexibility. Students who opt for the OD/MBA program often plan careers with both clinical and administrative responsibilities, such as opening their own practices or managing group practices and clinics.

Program Specifics

The OD/MBA program is an integrative, four-year degree that combines business courses with the OD curriculum. Students begin their business classes the summer before optometry school, and the remaining courses are offered at key times during the four years. The program is designed to provide a comprehensive, all-services-included approach from start to finish, with a concierge approach to integration and completion of the MBA dual degree requirements. As a Collat School of Business MBA student, participants benefit from various services, including:

• Administrative registration for all required MBA courses
• Professional development seminars
• Access to faculty mentors
• On-site tutoring
• Opportunities for hands-on learning

How to Apply

Students interested in pursuing the dual OD/MBA degree must complete an application through the UAB Graduate School.

Program Details

The OD/MBA program is a unique offering designed for the ease of busy optometry students. The dual program is structured around the OD curriculum and includes a range of services to manage all enrollment requirements.

Collat School of Business Programs

The Collat School of Business offers various programs, including:

• Undergraduate Degrees:
  • Accounting
  • Economics
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Finance
  • Human Resource Management
  • Industrial Distribution
  • Information Systems
  • Management
  • Marketing
  • Business Minors
• Graduate Degrees:
  • Accounting (MAc)
  • Business Administration (MBA)
  • Management Information Systems (MSMIS)
• 100% Online Degrees:
  • Undergraduate:
    • Accounting
    • Finance
    • Human Resource Management
    • Industrial Distribution
    • Information Systems
    • Management
    • Marketing
  • Graduate:
    • Accounting (MAc)
    • Business Administration (MBA)
    • Management Information Systems (MSMIS)
• Certificates:
  • Undergraduate:
    • Interprofessional Nonprofit Leadership
    • Organizational Communication
    • Organizational Leadership
    • Professional Sales
    • Real Estate
    • Social Media
  • Bridge Certificates:
    • Accounting
    • Information Systems
  • Graduate:
    • Business Analytics with Information Technology
    • Cybersecurity Management
    • Digital Marketing Certificate
    • Foundations of Business Administration
    • Technology Commercialization and Entrepreneurship

Career Center

The Collat School of Business Career Center provides various services, including:

• Career Center Overview
• Information for Employers
• Four-year Career Plan
• Handshake: Your Career Platform
• Career Coaching
• Internships
• Resumes and More
• Career Closet
• Contact Us

Outreach

The Collat School of Business Outreach program includes:

• Center for Economic Education
• Center for Sales Leadership
• Collat CampBIZ
• Collat Career Center
• J. Frank Barefield, Jr. Entrepreneurship Program
• I-Corps
• Professional Education
• Regions Institute for Financial Education

Faculty and Research

The Collat School of Business faculty and research areas include:

• Faculty and Research Overview
• Our Faculty
• Faculty News and Research
• Endowed Professorships
• Experts for the Media

Alumni and News

The Collat School of Business alumni and news sections include information on:

• Alumni
• News and Events

Nondiscrimination Statement

UAB is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution dedicated to providing equal opportunities and equal access to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, sex, genetic information, age, disability, and veteran's status. As required by Title IX, UAB prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to UAB's Assistant Vice President and Senior Title IX Coordinator. The Title IX notice of nondiscrimination is located at uab.edu/titleix.