The Future is Bright
CREOL 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 L3Harris.
Wherever our graduates go, they will be well-equipped with connections, impressive research, and the knowledge they need to redefine the limits of optics and photonics.
PROGRAMS
Graduate Certificate Programs
Online Master’s Program
Master’s Program
PhD Program
Learn more about CREOL Courses and the UCF Graduate Catalog.
Why Choose CREOL?
Incredible Research Opportunities
Thesis and dissertation research span the spectrum from basic science to prototype development. Research activities cover all aspects of optics, photonics, and lasers, and the Florida Photonics Center of Excellence (FPCE) and Townes Laser Institute (TLI) are integral parts of CREOL. These research programs are supported by grants and contracts from numerous federal and state agencies and industry.
Industry Connections That Last
As students progress in their academic career, UCF also provides many opportunities for professional development. The following organizations offer outstanding development opportunities:
- Career Services and Experiential Learning Center
- Career Expos
- Internship & Statewide Job Fairs
- Employment Prep Fairs
- Career Panels
- Pathways to Success Workshops
- Graduate Research Forum
- Industrial Affiliates Connections
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Deadlines
The university application deadlines for both domestic and international students for the masters and doctoral programs are published in the Graduate Catalog. To be considered for a university fellowship (PhD only), the application deadline is January 15. The application and all supporting documentation must be received by this date to be considered for a fellowship.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their applications for admission as early as possible.
Fellowships
To ensure our students are successful no matter their financial situation, CREOL offers several fellowship opportunities to provide financial aid.
CREOL Graduate Fellowships are college-funded. Applicants for the PhD program will automatically be considered. Stipends are competitive and awarded in the amount of a minimum of $30,000 per year with a tuition waiver and health insurance.
University Trustees and Presidential Fellowships are offered by university in the amount of $25,000 and $20,000 per year with a tuition waiver and health insurance. Qualified applicants are nominated by the College.
Ph.D. Graduate Research Assistantships are funded by faculty research grants. Typically, these are awarded to Ph.D. students or M.S. students who have already decided to pursue the Ph.D. degree. Students are encouraged to apply for scholarships and fellowships offered by national and professional organizations such as the National Science Foundation (NSF), SPIE, and the Department of Defense (DOD).
Endowed Fellowships are funded by generous donations from our friends and supporters. These are available to supplement the CREOL Fellowships and Graduate Research Assistantships in the amount of $2,000 to $5,000.
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.
