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Interested in Pursuing a Graduate Degree in Optical Engineering & Photonics?

The UCF College of Optics & Photonics is one of the world’s foremost institutions for research and education in optical and photonics 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. And our strong industry partnerships in applied science make our candidates highly sought after by such innovative companies as Apple, Microsoft, Google and Facebook.

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Click to get more information about graduate degrees in Optical Science and Photonics at UCF.

Get the Best Master’s Degree in Optics or Photonics Engineering

No other optical and photonics engineering graduate program in the United States offers the same exceptional combination of accomplished faculty, advanced facilities and local innovative industry leaders. Our graduates are offered lucrative optical engineering and photonics jobs with industry-leading firms and take advantage of the university’s strong entrepreneurial culture to start their own companies. For physicists and engineers with ambitions to drive the future of technology, a graduate degree from the UCF College of Optics and Photonics delivers an unmatched fusion of excellence, value and results.

Learn What Makes Our Graduate Programs Different.
300

Patents produced at the Center for Research and Education in Optics and Lasers (CREOL) facilities

26

Companies started and incubated at CREOL’s optics and photonics research labs

12th

Ranked graduate program in optical physics by U.S. News & World Reports

$113,000

Average salary for U.S. optical engineering and photonics jobs
(SPIE 2017 Optics & Photonics Global Salary Report)

We’re Breaking New Ground in Optical Engineering & Photonics Research at UCF.

UCF researchers are changing the paradigm of what’s possible in optics and photonics engineering. Join a graduate program where the next level of technology in lasers, optical fibers, integrated photonics, nonlinear and quantum optics, imaging, sensing and display is being developed right now. In as little as one year, you’ll be primed for an exciting career in industry or research that will pay off in ways you can’t imagine.

Learn more about our top ranked graduate programs

Optics and Photonics, MS
Master’s Program

The Masters of Science in optics program is for students with a bachelor’s degree in optical engineering, electrical engineering, physics or a closely related field who want optical engineering jobs, photonics jobs or to go on to earn a Ph.D. Both thesis and non-thesis options are available.

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Optics and Photonics, PhD
Doctoral Degree

The Optics Ph.D. provides the highest-quality education in optical science and engineering, empowering students to conduct scholarly, fundamental and applied research, while participating in the development of technology-based industries.

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Explore Graduate Programs in Orlando, FL.

Study what you love, discover what inspires you. The University of Central Florida has the curriculum, faculty and programs to help you pursue your passion and land your next opportunity.

Optics & Photonics Research In the News

Research
UCF Researchers Develop Rapid Test to Detect Dopamine
The sensor could serve as a low-cost and efficient tool for early detection of neurological disorders and conditions, including Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease and depression.
Colleges & Campus
UCF Hosts Summer 2024 Commencement Aug. 2-3
Three distinguished UCF alumni and Central Florida leaders will speak at this semester’s ceremonies, which take place Addition Financial Arena.
Colleges & Campus
Influential Researchers at UCF Contribute to Impacts in Field, U.S. News Global Rankings
With top rankings across optics and photonics, health and education, UCF researchers are forces of influence through their highly cited research.
Colleges & Campus
UCF Awards Promotion and Tenure to 104 Faculty
The designations recognize years of excellence and productivity in teaching, research and service.

Optics research - using lasers to detect disease

Using Lasers to ‘Smell’ Disease

Professor Konstantin Vodopyanov’s revolutionary technology could make diagnosing disease as easy as exhaling.

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