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Graduate Programs in Photonics

Photonic Science and Technology Programs

The Photonic Science and Technology program, jointly administered by the Holcombe Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, faculty affiliated with the Center of Optical Material Science and Engineering Technologies (COMSET), and the Graduate School, offers interdisciplinary graduate degrees involving optics, engineering, physics, and materials science. The program prepares individuals with the fundamentals of the science and engineering of light and specific interactions targeted for relevance to the research areas of their home academic department(s) and collaborative co-advised graduate committees.

  • COMSET affiliated faculty conduct a strong blend of both fundamental scientific research and applied research with impactful deliverables in wide-ranging areas including organic LEDs, specialty optical fiber, high-power lasers, light-emitting plastics, optical communications, environmental sensors and biosensors, and much more.
  • Students can be advised by photonics faculty within ECE or faculty from other departments who are affiliated with COMSET.

M.S. in Photonic Science and Technology

For the MS program, students may write a thesis or follow a non-thesis option. The thesis option requires a total of 30 credit hours (six of which must be research credits) and the submission and defense of a master’s thesis. For the non-thesis option, 33 credit hours of coursework must be completed. Both thesis MS and PhD students are required to take at least 18 credit hour core
coursework. Non-thesis MS students are required to take at least 24 credit hour core coursework.

Ph.D. in Photonic Science and Technology

The PhD program requires at least 24 credit hours of graduate coursework and 36 research credit hours. Specially qualified candidates with a BS degree may apply for direct entry to the PhD program. Both thesis MS and PhD students are required to take at least 18 credit hour core
coursework. Non-thesis MS students are required to take at least 24 credit hour core coursework.