Combined-Degree Program in Dentistry

The university, in cooperation with the school of Dental Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, offers an accelerated program that enables selected students to earn a combined baccalaureate and dental degree after a minimum of seven years of study at the two institutions.

The program includes three academic years during which time credit hours are earned toward the baccalaureate degree. The next four years are spent in the regular program of dental education in Philadelphia.

During the first three years at Lehigh, students are expected to make satisfactory progress in the academic areas as well as in the areas of personal growth, developing those attributed ultimately needed to become a dentist. Students must maintain a minimum overall and science GPA of 3.5 throughout the three years at Lehigh and are required to take the Dental Admissions Test with a minimum of 16 in all subject areas.

The dental school reserved the right to withdraw an acceptance if academic or personal concerns cause the college to question a student’s ability to function as a dentist. The dental school also reserves the right to require that students spend additional time at Lehigh if the school feels that this is necessary to insure the student’s academic or personal maturation.

Application to the program occurs when a student applies to Lehigh University. The dental school takes action on the applicant in the spring of an academic year. Final decisions are forwarded to Lehigh University about March 20. The applicant is notified of joint acceptance by Lehigh University. Admissions is based on SAT scores (a minimum combined score of 1270 recentered scale), scholastic achievement, maturity, and motivation for dental school. Application deadline is January 1.

Joint Degree Program in Optometry

In cooperation with the State University of New York, State College of Optometry located in New York City, Lehigh offers a seven-year Bachelor of Arts in Behavioral Neuroscience and Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) Program. Students accepted into the joint degree program are admitted into the behavioral neuroscience major and are simultaneously admitted to candidacy in the SUNY College of Optometry’s professional program of study.

Application to the program occurs when a student applies to Lehigh or while enrolled at Lehigh. Criteria for selection is based upon maturity and motivation; an interest in the basic understanding of the optometric profession; an interest in the basic understanding of the optometric profession; a minimum of 1180 SAT recentered score, 92 high school grade point average, and ranked in the top 10% of the high school graduating class. Or as a first or second-year Lehigh student, a minimum overall 3.2 GPA in undergraduate coursework and in all prerequisite math and science courses completed at the time of application with no grade below a C. A committee comprised of representatives from both institutions selects the students for admission into the program.

Students will spend three years at Lehigh during which time credit hours are earned toward the baccalaureate degree. Upon maintaining a minimum 3.2 GPA in the math and science prerequisites, attaining total science scores of 320 or above on the Optometry Admissions Test (OAT), and passing reasonable personal interview standards, these students will be admitted to the SUNY College of Optometry at the completion of their third year at Lehigh. All science and math prerequisite courses must be satisfied with a C or higher. Students must submit a formal application, transcripts, and recommendations at this time. After successfully completing all first-year coursework at the college of optometry, a BA degree on behavioral neuroscience will be granted by Lehigh.

The optometry school reserves the right to withdraw an acceptance if academic or personal concerns cause the school to question a student’s ability to function as an optometrist.

Application for admission to the program for incoming students is made through Lehigh Office of Admissions. Application deadline is January 1. For curriculum information; consult with the pre-professional advisor in Career Services.

top