The Master of Science degree program in optics is designed to provide students who have a strong undergraduate preparation in physics or engineering with the knowledge and skills to contribute to state-of-the-art optics research and development. A number of options are available within the general degree requirements to satisfy the needs of students with a variety of goals in mind:
Coursework M.S. (2 semesters)
Standard option
Students wishing to get a
basic training in optics to enter an industrial or governmental laboratory can
obtain that training in as little as nine months (two semesters) by taking 30
hours of coursework and writing a Final Essay (15 pages). These courses provide the student with broad
knowledge of the field of optics and its applications.
| Fall Semester | Spring Semester |
| Fourier Optics | Optics Laboratory |
| Geometrical Optics | Elective* |
| Radiation and Detectors | Elective* |
| Elective* | Elective* |
* For more information on the electives available and the requirements on these, see page 9 of the Graduate Handbook.
Certified Specialty
Students interested in a
particular area of optics can choose to specialize in one of the following
areas:
The timeline is similar to that of the standard option, with some of the required courses replaced with courses specific to the specialty.
Thesis M.S. (3-4 semesters)
The student who wishes to get
advanced training in research in some particular area of optics may pursue a
research-based Thesis. This option generally requires 18 to 24 months and it
allows the student to develop a high level of expertise in a specialized field.
| Fall Semester | Spring Semester | Fall/Spring Semester |
| Fourier Optics | Optics Laboratory | Research |
| Radiation and Detectors | Elective | Writing of Thesis |
| Geometrical Optics |
Research |
M.S. Co-Op Program (4 semesters)
This option allows the
combination of formal education with practical industrial experience. The
students begin with one semester of coursework, and then spend one full year
working in industry, following which they return to complete the second
semester of coursework. During the year in industry the students are paid the
normal salary for employees with similar levels of experience. The Institute of
Optics will assist the student in securing a Co-Op position in industry.
| Fall Semester | Spring Semester | Fall Semester | Spring Semester |
| Fourier Optics | Work in | Work in | Electromagnetic Waves |
| Geometrical Optics |
Industry | Industry | Optics Laboratory |
| Radiation and Detectors |
Elective* | ||
| Elective* | Elective* |
* For more information on the electives available and the requirements on these, see page 9 of the Graduate Handbook.
Coursework M.S. with summer residency (3 semesters)
This option allows the student to extend the coursework over three semesters while maintaining full-time status. The student can carry out a summer residency in a research group or in industry. Students can follow the standard coursework or pursue a certified specialty area.
| Fall Semester | Spring Semester | Fall Semester |
| Geometrical Optics | Optics Laboratory | Elective* |
| Radiation and Detectors |
Elective* | Elective* |
| Fourier Optics |
Elective* |
* For more information on the electives available and the requirements on these, see page 9 of the Graduate Handbook.
Part-time
This option is an attractive one for the engineer working in industry who desires to get advanced training in optics. Courses (either Standard or Certified Specialty) can be taken over a period of four or more semesters.
If you are interested in applying to the Optics M.S. Program, please click here.