Vision Science/Physiological Optics
A program that focuses on the scientific study of vision, visual processes, and related phenomena and clinical research and treatment modalities. Includes instruction in ocular anatomy and physiology, microbiology of the eye, electrophysiology, neurophysiology, corneal physiology, photochemistry, psychophysics, visual biophysics and motor systems, sensory mechanisms and photoreception, eye circulation and metabolism, geometric and physical optics, ocular development across the life span, visual stimuli and perception, color vision, eye motility, biometrics and measurement techniques, visual pathology, and environmental issues.
- Schools offering
- 5
- Annual completions
- 206
- Typical degree level
- Bachelor's
- Median earnings (5yr)
- $62k
About this major
A program that focuses on the scientific study of vision, visual processes, and related phenomena and clinical research and treatment modalities. Includes instruction in ocular anatomy and physiology, microbiology of the eye, electrophysiology, neurophysiology, corneal physiology, photochemistry, psychophysics, visual biophysics and motor systems, sensory mechanisms and photoreception, eye circulation and metabolism, geometric and physical optics, ocular development across the life span, visual stimuli and perception, color vision, eye motility, biometrics and measurement techniques, visual pathology, and environmental issues.
Where this major leads
Occupations most often associated with this major, from the federal BLS+O*NET crosswalk. Job-growth projections and median wages are national.
| Occupation | Median wage | Job growth | Typical education |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medical scientists, except epidemiologists | $101k | +8.7% | Doctoral or professional degree |
| Biological science teachers, postsecondary | $83k | +7.3% | Doctoral or professional degree |
Earnings at a glance
Median graduate earnings from the federal College Scorecard, 5 and 10 years out.
Median 5-year earnings
$62k
Associate's vs Bachelor's — early-career earnings
Associate's
$20k
Bachelor's
$63k
Top colleges for Vision Science/Physiological Optics
Ranked by annual completions at the associate's or bachelor's level — a proxy for program scale.
| College | Location | Assoc. | Bach. | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nova Southeastern University | Fort Lauderdale, FL | 0 | 184 | 184 |
| Ferris State University | Big Rapids, MI | 0 | 8 | 8 |
| University of the Incarnate Word | San Antonio, TX | 0 | 8 | 8 |
| Indiana University-Bloomington | Bloomington, IN | 0 | 6 | 6 |
| Pacific University | Forest Grove, OR | 0 | 0 | 0 |
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