• SEARCH
  • MENU
Male student wearing goggles adjusts laser.

Physics & Optical Engineering

Our Physics & Optical Engineering program is designed to develop a strong foundation that will prepare you for a range of career opportunities. Your classroom studies will be reinforced with hands-on, personalized learning in leading-edge labs and facilities.
In this section Open Close

Overview

Majors & Minors

Two male students wearing goggles work with lasers in optics laboratory.

Hands-On Opportunities

You'll have ample opportunities to put your classroom lessons into practice through directed research in a variety of interdisciplinary areas. Your research experience will include individual guidance from a faculty member, using the most modern equipment.

Learn More
1/ 1

Majors & Minors

We offer undergraduate majors, minors, and certificates in physics, engineering physics and optical engineering, as well as a graduate program in optical engineering.

Learn about program accreditation here.

Male student uses scale to weigh item.

Physics

The physics curriculum is designed to develop a strong foundation in classical and modern physics, which will serve as a basis for future specialization, for additional study at the graduate level, and for design and development work in industrial laboratories.

Learn More
Female student works with device in physics lab.

Engineering Physics

Engineering physics at Rose-Hulman provides students with a unique opportunity to learn the foundation concepts of physics and make a concentrated study in micro- and nano-technology.

Learn More
Male student wearing goggles adjusts optics device.

Optical Engineering

We are one of the few colleges in the country to offer an optical engineering program, and were the first college to have an accredited program (ABET) in optical engineering. Our program provides a firm foundation for those interested in continuing their studies in optics at the graduate level, as well as for those going into industry. 

Learn More
Female student solves physics equations in notebook.

Minors & Certificates

You can tailor your educational experience by adding a minor or certificate in specific areas of interest.

Learn More
Colorful graphics with female student in science lab

Why Science at Rose-Hulman?

Because here, you'll do real research driven by your interests with awesome professors.

Learn more

Department News

Learn about the latest happenings, student research and more in physics & optical engineering at Rose-Hulman.

physics and optical engineering

Research Symposium Highlights Students’ Discoveries

Read More
physics and optical engineering

Oakley Observatory to Provide Close-Up View of Rare Solar Eclipse

Read More
View All

Facilities & Resources

We believe the best way to learn is by doing, so we place emphasis on lab work with a hands-on approach. Our teaching, research, and MiNDs laboratories, and observatory, are stocked with modern equipment. Here, you’ll have the opportunity for hands-on undergraduate research experiences that most schools reserve for graduate students.

Male student wearing goggles aims laser in optics lab.

Research Labs

Our photonics, fiber, acoustics, and semiconductor magneto-optics laboratories are equipped with leading edge technology for undergraduate and graduate research projects.

Learn More
Two female students work with optics devices in a laboratory as male professor looks on.

Teaching Labs

Our state-of-the-art introductory physics laboratories have modern equipment to help you master the concepts you learn in the classroom.

Learn More
Three students in clean room-style hair covers, face masks, and lab coats examine items in the laboratory.

MiNDs Lab

Our MiNDs laboratory will give you research opportunities in the area of micro/nano technology through courses and hands-on experiments in fabrication, characterization and modeling of micro/nano devices and systems.

Learn More
Large telescope in the foreground pointing at blue sky with other telescopes in background.

Oakley Observatory

Located just east of the main campus, Oakley Observatory is equipped for teaching, as well as conducting research in variable star photometry, searching for supernovae or searching for comets.

Learn More

Careers in Physics & Optical Engineering

A degree in physics, engineering physics or optical engineering will give you the foundation for acareer with companies on the leading edge of technological advances, or to pursue graduate studies.

Man wearing goggles works with red laser in darkened lab.

Laser Engineer

A laser engineer designs, builds, and tests high-energy manufacturing or research laser equipment. A laser engineer will often collaborate with other technical personnel to assess and meet the needs of their client.

Woman reaches forward to adjust equipment.

Aerospace Engineer

Aerospace engineers design, construct, and test aircraft, missiles, and spacecraft. An aerospace engineer may need to evaluate materials and equipmentto ensure that they are optimal for use in aerospace applications.

Two researchers in clean room-style hair coverings, goggles, and lab coats use tongs to handle a metal disc.

Research Physicist

Research physicists study physical phenomena, through observation and experiments, and apply physical laws and theories and analysis to solve problems. They work in a variety of industries including medical and defense.

Learn More
Dr. Duree poses with his book Optics for Dummies.

Dr. Galen Duree

Dr. Duree, head of the Department of Physics and Optical Engineering, joined the faculty of Rose-Hulman in 1999. His areas of expertise include photorefractive phenomena, nonlinear optics, laser physics, ultra-short pulse laser phenomena. He authored the book Optics for Dummies an "approachable introduction to optical science, methods, and applications."

VIEW OUR FACULTY