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B.S. in Optical Engineering
The science of light, once
confined to research labs and
science-fiction novels, has
found its way into our everyday
lives. The applications of
optics can be seen everywhere. A
list of more common examples of
these applications include laser
printers, fiber optic
communication, internet
switches, fiber optic telephone
lines, compact disc players,
credit cards bearing holograms,
grocery checkout scanners,
computers, and eye surgery.
Surveys show that there is a
growing demand for optical
designers/scientists/ engineers
every year. Opportunities for
graduates in Optical Engineering
are available in many
industries, including automated
inspection, consumer
electronics, fiber optic
communications, optical
instrumentation, laser devices,
radar systems, data storage et
etc.
Our optical engineering
bachelor’s degree program is one
of the few in the country. This
program provides a firm
foundation for those interested
in continuing studies in optics
at the graduate level, as well
as for those going into
industry. The curriculum was
developed by the faculty with
input from industrial
representatives as well as from
renowned national and
international optics educators.
Because of the diverse
applications of optics, the
curriculum contains a mix of
courses in physics and
mathematics as well as
humanities and social sciences.
The optical engineering program
at Rose-Hulman stresses
laboratory instruction. We also
encourage our students to
consider a double major,
especially optical engineering
with electrical, computer or
mechanical engineering.
Students majoring in degree
programs other than optical
engineering are eligible to
obtain an area minor in optical
engineering.
The Department of Physics and
Optical Engineering also offers
an M.S. (Optical Engineering)
degree. The masters level degree
program complements the B.S.
(Optical Engineering) degree
program. Highly motivated
students may obtain both a B.S.
and an M.S. in Optical
Engineering in a five-year
period. A plan of study for this
program must be approved by the
end of the student's junior
year.
M.S. in Optical Engineering
The Department of Physics and
Optical Engineering offers a
terminal
master's degree in
optical engineering which
prepares students for jobs in
industry. A Bachelor's degree in
science or engineering is
required for admission to this
program.
The program of study includes
five required courses in optical
engineering, four elective
courses, a thesis project and a
comprehensive oral exam. The
thesis project will, as far as
possible, address a "real-world"
problem that is of mutual
interest to a company, the
student, and the faculty
adviser. Normally, it takes a
student 15 months (four
quarters, plus a summer) to
complete the requirements for
the M.S. (optical engineering)
degree.
Master's students can gain vital
experience by assisting with
projects at the Center for
Applied Optics Studies (CAOS).
The center provides technical
support to business, industry
and government. The goal for the
Center for Applied Optics
Studies is to work to identify
and implement practical
application for optics.
Previous Master's Topics
Short Courses in optical
engineering:
Short courses are offered
periodically by CAOS on some
specific area of optical
engineering. Examples of short
course topics are:
-
Fiber Optics Fundamentals
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Laser Fundamentals and
Applications
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Radiometry Photometry and
Color Measurements
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Optical Information Processing
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