The College of New Jersey

What you'll study

The curriculum is organized so students complete a standard undergraduate biology course load before advancing to the four-year optometry curriculum at SUNY College of Optometry. The program is designed to let students carry an average semester load and, if they follow the prescribed sequence, avoid summer coursework. The SUNY College of Optometry provides advanced optometric education, clinical training, research, and patient-care experience at a leading vision-centered institution in Midtown Manhattan.

Entry requirements

Admission to the Seven-Year Optometry Program is selective. First-year applicants must meet minimum SAT benchmarks of 630 in critical reading and 670 in math (1300 total) and rank in the top 10% of their high school class. Applications for August admission must be submitted by December 1 of the senior year of high school. First-year TCNJ students may be considered for transfer into the program on a case-by-case basis.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a field with strong projected growth; employment in optometry is expected to rise by about 9% through 2033. Career settings include private optometric practices, healthcare systems, and research roles related to visual health and eye disease management.

Scholarships & funding angle

Accelerated and dual-degree structures can reduce total semesters and therefore can lower overall undergraduate costs by shortening time to the professional degree. Students should consult TCNJ and SUNY College of Optometry financial aid offices for specific scholarship, grant, and loan options applicable to each portion of the track.