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Optometry
Accelerated/Dual Degree
At a Glance
The benefits of a career in optometry are plentiful. You’ll gain the skills to make a profound difference in individuals’ lives by working to improve vision and manage eye conditions. What’s more, you’ll also establish yourself in an industry experiencing substantial growth; employment is expected to grow by 9% by 2033 — a rate that well exceeds the average for all occupations. Choose from career options in various settings, including private practices, healthcare systems, and research.
Accelerated/Dual-Degree Program
Get a jumpstart on your future: Accelerated options get you there faster and more affordably through fewer semesters of classes. Dual degrees offer a streamlined path to earning two degrees, often with direct admission to the graduate portion.
TCNJ’s Seven-Year Optometry Program will put you on the fast track to a successful optometry career thanks to an articulation agreement with the SUNY College of Optometry; you can apply and be accepted to both institutions as a first-year student.
This exceptional program is also designed to ensure you’re able to have the complete college experience rather than being all-consumed by coursework. You’ll take an average course load, and if you follow the curriculum, avoid summer course requirements.
Biology + Optometry, BS/OD
First-year applicants can gain direct admission to the SUNY College of Optometry in this Seven-Year Optometry Program (3+4).
About the SUNY College of Optometry
The State University of New York College of Optometry, located in Midtown Manhattan, advances visual health and patient care through leadership in education, research, and service. Since its opening in 1971, the college has become one of the world’s leading optometric education and vision research centers.
Eligibility Requirements
Academic requirements for admission are rigorous; applicants must have minimum SAT scores of 630 in critical reading and 670 in math (1300 total) and place in the top 10% of their high school class. Applications must be submitted by December 1 during your senior year of high school for August admission to TCNJ. First-year TCNJ students may be considered for transfer into the Seven-Year Optometry Program on a case-by-case basis.
