Ariel shot of NECO with Charles River in the background

3+4 Accelerated Programs

Accomplished and motivated students may accelerate their education and professional opportunities by participating in a joint degree partnership program with NECO and an undergraduate institution.

Partner institutions may have different models, so be sure to inquire at NECO or your undergraduate institution for details early.

  • Students accepted into the 3+4 program receive a conditional acceptance to NECO as they begin their first year of undergraduate studies at an undergraduate partner, following a prescribed curriculum.
  • Upon completion of three years of specified course work (providing predetermined grade point average and OAT scores are met), students will continue at NECO for the four year OD program. While a student is enrolled in this program, there will be ongoing communication between the undergraduate partner and NECO through our work with campus liaisons and our peer mentor network.
  • After the first year of professional study at NECO, the student earns a bachelor of science degree from their undergraduate institution and continues on to earn the full OD at NECO.

Current program partners

Assumption College, Worcester, MA
Providence College, Providence, RI
Regis College, Weston, MA
Siena College, Loudonville, NY
Stonehill College, Easton, MA
SUNY-Fredonia, Fredonia, NY
University of Hartford, Hartford, CT
University of Maine, Orono, ME
Western New England University, Springfield, MA
Wheaton College, Norton, MA

Regis College seal engraved on sidewalk with campus in the background

Regis College, NECO offer 3+4 program

Regis College and NECO renewed their affiliation offering students entry into a Doctor of Optometry program after successful completion of 3 years of a pre-medicine or pre-veterinary medicine program at Regis College.