CREOL, The College of Optics & Photonics at UCF is one of the world’s foremost institutions for research and education in optical and photonic science and engineering. Our master’s and doctoral students work alongside world-renowned faculty researchers to pioneer new technology in ultrafast lasers, fiber optics, displays, biomedicine and beyond. Through strong industry partnerships, our graduates become highly sought after by innovative companies like Apple, Microsoft, Google, Facebook, Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin and Harris Corporation.
Programs
Graduate Certificate Programs
Learn MoreOnline Master’s Program
Learn MoreMaster’s Program
Learn MorePhD Program
Learn MoreProspective Students
Application Requirements for Optics and Photonics MS
In addition to the general UCF graduate application requirements, applicants to this program must provide:
- Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required for admission to the Optics MS program.
- Evidence of a bachelor’s degree in Optics, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or other closely related fields.
- GRE scores are not required for admission to the Optics MS program.
- A minimum score of 6.5 for the IELTS test, OR 80 on the TOEFL iBT.
- Personal Statement: a brief 1 page or less statement about educational, research, and professional career objectives.
- Two letters of recommendation.
- Résumé.
- A $31 nonrefundable application fee is required of all applicants for each application submitted. If you wish to be considered for both the MS and PhD programs, you will need to submit two university applications.
Application Requirements for Optics and Photonics PhD
In addition to the general UCF graduate application requirements, applicants to this program must provide:
- Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required for admission to the PhD program. A Master’s degree is not a requirement for admission to the PhD program.
- Evidence of a bachelor’s or master’s degree in Optics, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or closely related discipline.
- GRE scores are not required for admission to the Optics PhD program.
- A minimum score of 6.5 for the IELTS test, OR 80 on the TOEFL iBT.
- Personal Statement: a brief 1 page or less statement about educational, research, and professional career objectives.
- Three letters of recommendation
- A Statement of Purpose: a brief, 1–2-page statement about educational, research, and professional career objectives.
- Résumé.
- A $31 nonrefundable application fee is required of all applicants for each application submitted. If you wish to be considered for both the MS and PhD programs, you will need to submit two university applications.
Financial Assistance
Application Deadlines
Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their applications for admission as early as possible.
Fellowships
This fellowship allows outstanding students to start their Ph.D. studies in the College and find a research advisor after they arrive. Most of our incoming Ph.D. students are recruited on this type of fellowship.
All Ph.D. applicants will automatically be considered for the ORC fellowship. Stipend: Minimum $25,000 annually, health insurance, tuition and fees included.
- Northrop Grumman
- Schwartz Fellowships
- Suchoski Fellowships
- Glebov Family-SPIE Fellowships
These additional resources are privately endowed fellowship awards for outstanding U.S. citizens and permanent residents. There is no separate application for these fellowships. They are selected by the admissions committee from among optics graduate applicants.
- Soileau Family Graduate Endowed Fund
- Dr. Peter Delfyett Graduate Endowed Fund
- Jannick Rolland Endowed Graduate Fund for Women
- Wu Family Graduate Endowed Fund
- David and Monica Hagan Graduate Endowed Fellowship
These endowed fellowships will support students who commit to pursuing advanced degrees in optics and photonics. They are named after CREOL founding faculty members who pledged grants that were matched 4:1 by Eric and Barbara Van Stryland. More information coming soon.
- Northrop Grumman
- Schwartz Fellowships
- Suchoski Fellowships
- Glebov Family-SPIE Fellowships
These additional resources are privately endowed fellowship awards for outstanding U.S. citizens and permanent residents. There is no separate application for these fellowships. They are selected by the admissions committee from among optics graduate applicants.