With the fundamentals of optics, a working knowledge of electronics and computer acquisition and control systems, a firm grasp of laboratory principles, and exceptional writing ability, the LOET graduate is in great demand. The laser optics program is designed to produce professionals for work in cutting edge photonics companies, but with an education of high enough caliber that the more serious students can continue their education toward an advanced degree in some of the best university photonics graduate programs. The LOET program is the only one of its kind in the United States, combining course work designed around the needs of industry, including over 600 hours of laboratory experience in optics labs alone, and hundreds more in the senior project experience. The ratio of students to faculty is low enough that individual attention is the norm rather than the exception. The work is often challenging, with graduates using their optics knowledge in new and surprising ways.
Positions can range from design engineers to field service.
The LOET program produces flexible, well-rounded, capable graduates, prepared to enter the workforce or to continue their education in optics in graduate school. Student Preparation Photonics requires a solid grounding in mathematics. Three years of college prep mathematics, along with a fervent desire to learn, will help enormously. Although not prerequisites, trigonometry and calculus are great preparation. Physics and chemistry are also valuable.