Program Overview

MPH/OD Program

The coordinated Public Health/Optometry (OD) degree program is offered through the UAB School of Public Health (SOPH) and the UAB School of Optometry. Students in this coordinated program earn an MPH with a concentration in Population Health.

Program Description

In this individualized concentration, students gain a solid foundation in public health through completion of the MPH core (based on the Evidence-based Public Health framework), an Applied Practice Experience (Internship), and an Integrative Learning Experience (Capstone). Students also select from among all master's-level Public Health courses (e.g., maternal and child health, global health, health behavior) to build a unique curriculum that supports their career goals. Specialized advising is provided to assist students in designing their individualized curriculum.

Career Opportunities

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
• Determine which factors contribute to treatment and prevention of visual system anomalies
• Develop and apply quality assurance systems
• Participate and provide leadership in health-related agencies
• 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
• Develop occupational health and eye safety programs

Curriculum

Students may complete the MPH portion of this coordinated degree program totally online, in class, or through a mix of online and in-class experiences. Students must complete a total of 30 MPH credit hours in addition to the required OD curriculum requirements. Twelve credit hours from the OD curriculum are credited toward the MPH degree, for a total of 42 MPH credit hours.

Admission

Students must apply separately to the MPH and OD programs. Upon acceptance to the OD program, students will be accepted automatically to the MPH degree program.

Application Process

To apply for this degree, students will submit a supplemental application directly through the UAB Graduate School. Students should note that the Population Health program curriculum has been updated, and those submitting to switch from a different degree program or department into a Coordinated Degree or the General MPH in Population Health Degree will be responsible for completing the current Population Health program requirements.

Program Details

• Format: Online, In-Class
• Credit Hours: 42 MPH credit hours (including 12 credit hours from the OD curriculum)
• Concentration: Population Health
• Career Opportunities: Public health, optometry, research, education, and healthcare administration