Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ
A Bryant University student uses lab equipment to put something into a test tube. A Bryant University student and professor look at data on a computer. Four Bryant University students and a faculty member work in the Exercise and Movement Science Lab. A Bryant University student looks through a microscope while a faculty member observes. A Bryant University student puts a sample into a test tube.
A Bryant University student uses lab equipment to put something into a test tube. A Bryant University student and professor look at data on a computer. Four Bryant University students and a faculty member work in the Exercise and Movement Science Lab. A Bryant University student looks through a microscope while a faculty member observes. A Bryant University student puts a sample into a test tube.

Direct Pathways to Leading Graduate Programs in Health

Bryant University’s School of Health and Behavioral Sciences offers formal, structured pathways to nationally respected graduate programs in nursing, public health, physical therapy, optometry, and clinical lab sciences. Through signed affiliation agreements with the MGH Institute of Health Professions, Brown University School of Public Health, and the New England College of Optometry, qualified Bryant students receive priority consideration, reserved seats, and significant financial incentives.

These are not informal pipelines. They are defined academic partnerships with clear eligibility standards and guaranteed opportunities. Students who meet program-specific requirements — including GPA benchmarks, prerequisite coursework, and professional preparation — can transition directly into competitive graduate programs.

Along the way, you’ll be supported by dedicated advisors and mentors who help you navigate requirements, prepare for next steps, and stay on track with:

  • Guaranteed admission or reserved cohort seats
  • Waived application fees
  • Automatic scholarships and tuition incentives
  • Coordinated advising between Bryant and partner institutions

From your first year at Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ, you can plan with clarity and confidence, knowing a direct route to advanced professional study is already in place.

How the Pathways Work

Each partnership establishes specific admission requirements and reserved seats for Bryant students. Qualified applicants who meet GPA and prerequisite standards are reviewed through a coordinated process between Bryant and the partner institution. In select programs, admission is guaranteed for a defined number of students or a percentage of the entering cohort.

This structure reduces uncertainty, lowers application costs, and creates a clear timeline from undergraduate study to advanced professional training.

Direct Path to Brown’s Master of Public Health

Through Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ partnership with Brown University, qualified students can move directly into one of the nation’s top MPH programs with priority consideration, guaranteed seats, and significant scholarship support.

MPH Concentrations Include:
Health Economics and Policy, Applied Epidemiology, Causal Methods, Health Behavior Change, and Community-Engaged Research.

What You’ll Receive:

  • Application fee waiver
  • Priority consideration with reserved seats
  • Automatic scholarships covering 35–50% of tuition
An image of the Brown University gates.
A Brown University student presents during a conference.
Brown University School of Public Health logo.
A medical worker points to a computer screen while working with a colleague.
A group of nursing students work on a dummy.
MGH Institute of Health Professions logo

Bryant–Mass General Brigham Advanced Degree Pathways

Through Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ partnership with the MGH Institute of Health Professions, you can move seamlessly into advanced clinical degrees with priority consideration, tuition incentives, and built-in mentorship.

Graduate Degrees Include:
Nursing (ABSN, MSN, DNP), Physical Therapy (DPT), Occupational Therapy (OTD), Speech-Language Pathology (MS, SLPD), Audiology (AuD), and Health Science (DHSc).

What You’ll Receive:

  • Fee waiver and priority consideration
  • Guaranteed seats for Bryant students
  • Tuition incentives and scholarships
  • Joint Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ–MGH mentorship

Bryant–New England College of Optometry 3+4 Pathway

Through Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ affiliation with the New England College of Optometry, qualified students can enter NECO’s OD program early, accelerate their timeline, and move confidently toward a career in vision care.

Degree:
Doctor of Optometry (OD)

What You’ll Receive:

  • Application fee waiver
  • Guaranteed interview for qualified students
  • Early admission to NECO’s OD program
  • Up to 30 graduate credits applied to your Bryant degree
An optometrist looks at a patient.
A technician looks through eye equipment.
New England College of Optometry logo
Three Bryant University students work while in a simulated operating room.
A woman in a white coat works at her computer.
A woman gestures in class.

Continue Your Path at Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ

Not every path takes you elsewhere. Bryant also offers advanced degree opportunities in health and behavioral sciences, including Physician Assistant (PA), Clinical Psychology (PsyD), and emerging programs in healthcare informatics and AI.

Qualified Bryant students may benefit from preferred admission opportunities—such as guaranteed interviews, reserved seats, and other advantages—depending on the program. With dedicated advising and mentorship, you’ll have support navigating your next step with confidence.

Explore Bryant Graduate Programs

Why Bryant Pathways Stand Apart

Defined reserved seats

Qualified Bryant students can access a set number of reserved seats in select graduate programs, reducing uncertainty in highly competitive admissions.

Automatic scholarship awards

Many pathways include built-in scholarship packages or tuition incentives, helping reduce the cost of advanced professional education.

Coordinated dual-institution advising

Students receive coordinated guidance from both Bryant and partner-school advisors to stay on track academically and meet every pathway milestone with confidence.

FAQs

What is a pathway program?

A pathway program is a formal agreement between Bryant and a partner graduate school. Qualified students who meet specific academic and application requirements receive priority consideration, reserved seats, or guaranteed admission into select graduate programs.

A pathway program is a formal agreement between Bryant and a partner graduate school. Qualified students who meet specific academic and application requirements receive priority consideration, reserved seats, or guaranteed admission into select graduate programs.

When do I apply to a pathway program?

Most students apply during their junior or senior year at Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ, depending on the partner program. Your academic advisor and pathway coordinator will help you stay on track with prerequisites, GPA benchmarks, and application timelines.

Most students apply during their junior or senior year at Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ, depending on the partner program. Your academic advisor and pathway coordinator will help you stay on track with prerequisites, GPA benchmarks, and application timelines.

Are these programs guaranteed?

Each pathway has defined eligibility requirements. Students who meet the academic standards, application criteria, and professional expectations outlined by the partner institution may receive:

  • Guaranteed admission
  • Reserved cohort seats
  • Priority consideration

Specific requirements vary by program.

Each pathway has defined eligibility requirements. Students who meet the academic standards, application criteria, and professional expectations outlined by the partner institution may receive:

  • Guaranteed admission
  • Reserved cohort seats
  • Priority consideration

Specific requirements vary by program.

What majors can participate in these pathways?

Many students pursue majors such as:

  • Biology
  • Health Sciences
  • Exercise and Movement Science

However, students from other majors may also qualify as long as they complete the required prerequisite coursework.

Many students pursue majors such as:

  • Biology
  • Health Sciences
  • Exercise and Movement Science

However, students from other majors may also qualify as long as they complete the required prerequisite coursework.

Do I have to decide on a pathway right away?

No. Most students explore their interests during their first year or two at Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ. You’ll work with faculty and advisors to identify the right pathway and ensure you meet the necessary requirements.

No. Most students explore their interests during their first year or two at Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ. You’ll work with faculty and advisors to identify the right pathway and ensure you meet the necessary requirements.

What are the academic requirements?

Requirements vary by partner program, but typically include:

  • A minimum cumulative GPA
  • Completion of prerequisite science or health courses
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Professional or clinical preparation

Some programs also require entrance exams or interviews.

Requirements vary by partner program, but typically include:

  • A minimum cumulative GPA
  • Completion of prerequisite science or health courses
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Professional or clinical preparation

Some programs also require entrance exams or interviews.

Will I still earn a bachelor’s degree from Bryant?

Yes. Students complete their Bryant undergraduate degree as part of the pathway. In certain accelerated programs, graduate coursework may count toward the final undergraduate credits.

Yes. Students complete their Bryant undergraduate degree as part of the pathway. In certain accelerated programs, graduate coursework may count toward the final undergraduate credits.

Do pathway students receive scholarships or financial incentives?

Yes. Many pathway programs include:

  • Waived application fees
  • Automatic scholarships
  • Tuition reductions
  • Reserved seats in graduate cohorts

Financial benefits vary by partner institution and program.

Yes. Many pathway programs include:

  • Waived application fees
  • Automatic scholarships
  • Tuition reductions
  • Reserved seats in graduate cohorts

Financial benefits vary by partner institution and program.

How many Bryant students are accepted into each pathway?

Each partnership sets a specific number of reserved seats or a percentage of the entering graduate cohort. These limits vary by program and year.

Each partnership sets a specific number of reserved seats or a percentage of the entering graduate cohort. These limits vary by program and year.

Can I still apply to other graduate schools?

Yes. Pathway participation does not limit your options. You can apply to other graduate or professional programs if you choose.

Yes. Pathway participation does not limit your options. You can apply to other graduate or professional programs if you choose.

In This Section

Contact Information

Kirsten Hokeness, Ph.D.
Director, School of Health and Behavioral Sciences

(401) 232-6574
khokeness@bryant.edu

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