by our College Data Analytics TeamStudying Vision Science/Physiological Optics involves the study of 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. Read on to learn the essential details every vision science/physiological optics student should know — including career paths, salary data, the skills you will develop, and the best colleges offering vision science/physiological optics programs.
Nationwide, vision science/physiological optics draws strong interest, with 269 degrees awarded annually.
Our 2026 Best Vision Science/Physiological Optics Schools ranking analyzes these 13 schools to determine the best overall colleges for vision science/physiological optics students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of vision science/physiological optics programs later in this article.
Programs in Vision Science/Physiological Optics emphasize a specific mix of skills, knowledge, and abilities — derived from O*NET surveys of workers in the occupations vision science/physiological optics graduates commonly enter.
Skills emphasized by a vision science/physiological optics program reflects the day-to-day work of related occupations:
According to O*NET, a vision science/physiological optics major emphasizes the following knowledge areas:
There are several vision science/physiological optics degree levels. The table below shows the typical length of the most common levels, and how many graduates earn each one.
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 206 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 44 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 19 |
People currently working in careers related to vision science/physiological optics tend to have obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Doctoral degree | 44.6% |
| Post-doctoral training | 34.2% |
| Master’s degree | 15.7% |
| Bachelor’s degree | 2.6% |
| Post-master’s certificate | 2.1% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 0.9% |
See the chart below to get an idea of what level of education most of those in vision science/physiological optics careers hold.
Source: ONET Online education / training / experience requirements.*
A degree in vision science/physiological optics prepares you for many career paths. These are some of the most common occupations related to vision science/physiological optics.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to vision science/physiological optics.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary | 276,211 | 6.3% |
| Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists | 125,815 | 8.9% |
The U.S. Department of Education tracks median earnings of vision science/physiological optics graduates 1, 4, and 5 years after completion. Earnings tend to climb as graduates gain experience.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $32,024 |
| 4 years | $53,598 |
| 5 years | $65,802 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study earnings tracker.
Salaries for vision science/physiological optics graduates vary widely by occupation. The following table shows the top highest-paying careers vision science/physiological optics grads often go into.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists | $111,314 |
| Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary | $41,048 |
With 13 different vision science/physiological optics programs to choose from, finding the best fit can be a challenge. We have analyzed these schools to produce unbiased vision science/physiological optics school rankings to help you.
Those considering vision science/physiological optics, you may also want to explore other closely related fields of study within the same broad area.
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Exercise Physiology and Kinesiology | 7,132 |
| Physiology, General | 2,816 |
| Pathology/Experimental Pathology | 306 |
| Oncology and Cancer Biology | 193 |
| Physiology, Pathology, and Related Sciences, Other | 148 |
| Biomechanics | 62 |
| Cardiovascular Science | 62 |
| Molecular Physiology | 52 |
| Cell Physiology | 51 |
| Aerospace Physiology and Medicine | 40 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
