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Program at a Glance

Program
Online Master's
College(s)
College of Optics and Photonics
30
Credit Hours

Engineer a bright future with our fully online Optics and Photonics M.S.

As a relatively young field, the study of optics and photonics has advanced immensely in recent years, thanks in part to the impact the sector has made across all aspects of our daily lives. From medicine to communications, manufacturing, security and defense, the field continues to increase its reach as it becomes a dominant enabler of today’s technological advances.

The only fully online program of its kind in Florida, our M.S. in optics and photonics is a flexible degree designed for students with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, physics, mechanical engineering or related fields. Taught by world-renowned experts at UCF’s College of Optics and Photonics, the program offers students an in-depth curriculum that covers topics including electromagnetics, physical optics, lasers, optoelectronics, fiber optics, imaging, and more.

Through UCF Online, you’ll have the opportunity to enhance your skills as an optics and photonics specialist and secure a degree that will create connections and open doors in the rapidly-growing photonics industry. Find out more today by requesting more information about our fully online master’s degree in optics and photonics.

Highlights

Study options - book icon
Full-time and part-time, self-paced, options. Specialized coaching and tutoring for online students is provided.
high demand employment - man in magnifying glass icon
Graduates are in high demand by innovative companies such as Apple, Microsoft, Google, and Facebook, as well as aerospace and defense companies, and DoD research labs.
Patents - flask and innovation icon
Over 300 patents have been produced from CREOL facilities and 26 companies have started and incubated at CREOL’s research labs.

Application Deadlines

Fall
July 1
Spring
December 1
Summer
April 1

Ready to get started?

Course Overview

Geometrical Optics

Explore the fundamentals of Geometrical Optics, Geometrical Theory of Image Formation and Aberrations.

Investigate optical propagation of light waves as applied to isotropic, anisotropic, and inhomogeneous media, guided waves and Gaussian beams.

Examine the design principles of lens and mirror optical systems and the evaluation of designs using computer techniques.

Skills You'll Learn

  • Advance research in nanophotonics, biophotonics, advanced imaging and 3-D displays, and ultra-high bandwidth communications.
  • Identify materials based on reflection, transmission, absorption spectra, predict optical properties.
  • Analyze and design digital, analog fiber-based systems and networks.

Career Projections

26,600

Annual Job
Openings

4.17%

Job Growth
Between
2019 - 2029

Source: Lightcast™ . 2023

Career Opportunities

  • Display Engineer
  • Electro-Optical Engineer
  • Fiber Optics Engineer
  • Laser Engineer
  • Laser Physicist
  • Optical Engineer
  • Optical Hardware Engineer