Although the study of light has been underway for centuries, it is only in the last 40 years that optics and photonics has become a dominant field, with impact in almost every aspect of our lives, from entertainment, to medicine, to defense, to communications. In the 20th century, electronics was the dominant influencing technology, enabled by optics. The 21st century is the “Age of Light”, a century that will have optics and photonics as the dominant influencing technology, enabled in some cases by electronics.
A degree in optics and photonics science and engineering will prepare you for a wide range of career opportunities spanning many industries, technologies and research areas. A few examples:
- Communications: telecom systems, cell phones, displays
- Medicine: diagnostics, therapies, gene modification, drug development
- Sensing: satellite and astronomical imaging, security systems, cameras
- Manufacturing: process control, laser machining, semiconductor fab
- Security and defense: guidance & control, displays, weapons
- Research: university faculty, industrial & government scientist
Some schools offer courses as part of a degree in physics, electrical engineering, or other degrees. A few schools offer degrees in optical science and engineering. A typical course of study will include the following:
- Electromagnetics
- Physical optics
- Geometric optics
- Lasers & opto-electronics
- Fiber optics
- Radiometry
- Fourier Optics and Imaging theory
There are several factors that will contribute significantly to your total educational experience:
- Breadth and depth of courses offered in optics and photonics, but also in other departments at the host university
- Quality and quantity of optics and photonics research conducted
- Reputation of the faculty and of the institution
- Connection with industry, which provides insight into applications, emerging needs, possible internships & collaborations
- Career paths that are interesting and exciting to you personally
- Quality of teaching facilities and student to faculty ratio
- Extracurricular opportunities for undergraduates and the culture of the program
- Reputation of the institution among graduate programs and industry professionals for future steps in your career
The international optical societies, particularly SPIE and Optica, provide a directory of programs. SPIE has a searchable directory on the web at www.opticseducation.org
Email us at gradprog@creol.ucf.edu or undergrad@creol.ucf.edu