The 3+4 Accelerated Program in Optometry allows selected undergraduate students who have successfully completed specific core course requirements at Penn State Behrend to continue their education in optometry at The Ohio State University College of Optometry in an accelerated program of study. This allows students to save one year of schooling as they work toward their OD degree.
The program is comprised of two phases: Phase I consists of the first three years of undergraduate education at Penn State Behrend; Phase II consists of the remaining optometry education at OSU. Penn State Behrend will confer the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Biology to students who have successfully completed the Penn State Behrend courses in Phase I (minimum 103 credits) and the first year of The Ohio State University College of Optometry’s academic curriculum.
The preferred deadline for accelerated program applications is January 15, 2026, for the Fall 2026 academic year. All applications received by this date will receive a decision by February 15. However, applications from qualified students will be considered on a rolling basis until April 30, 2026.
