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Optical Science and Engineering

Optical Science and Engineering

Program Description

The Optical Science and Engineering program is a multi-disciplinary study designed to provide a student who has a background in engineering or physical sciences with the knowledge of optics and laser technology necessary for work in the field of optical science and engineering.

 

The coursework in this program is in the areas of optical physics and engineering with emphasis on the application of fundamental knowledge in the design, development, test, and evaluation of Air Force systems.

 

This program is normally six quarters in length for a full-time Air Force student. Each student must complete an independent study, i.e., thesis, in an area related to optical science and engineering and selected from topics proposed by Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) faculty and solicited from Air Force research and development organizations. Research toward the Master’s thesis is typically conducted at AFIT, but may also be conducted under a cooperative research program at one of the Air Force laboratories. Flexibility in the program is maintained to take full advantage of the varied backgrounds and abilities of individual students.

Admissions Requirements

Degree Required: An undergraduate degree in Physics, or degree in Engineering or Physical Science with approval from department.

Mathematics Required: Ordinary Differential Equations

Test Required: GRE - 153V/148Q (within the last five years)

GPA Required: Overall - 3.0; Mathematics - 3.0; Major - 3.0

USAF Education Codes: 4KOY Optical Engineering

Waivers to the above criteria may be granted on a case-by-case basis. Therefore, individuals whose academic credentials fall below any of the above criteria are encouraged to apply and allow the department to perform an academic evaluation.

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Outcomes & Objectives

Program Educational Objectives (PEOs)

The PEOs of the Optical Sciences and Engineering program ensure that graduates are prepared to perform the following tasks successfully:


  • Primarily within, but not limited to, the field of optical sciences and engineering, direct or perform basic or applied research, conduct and/or evaluate design and analyses, and work independently and in groups.

  • Communicate their work clearly, both orally and in writing. (This includes writing, editing, and/or supervising the preparation of subordinates’ or contractors’ written reports, journal articles, briefings, and professional presentations to communicate their work clearly.)

  • Effectively interpret/translate between optical physicists and engineers who may not always under- stand each other’s technologies and jargon.

  • Understand the details of technologies and programs in their area of responsibility.

  • Study an issue, identify and evaluate alternative actions, propose appropriate courses of action, and develop programs to implement optimal solutions.

  • Develop and implement, or sustain and improve, programs that entail multidisciplinary research, simulation, modeling, engineering design, production, and/or fielding of engineered optical systems.

Program Outcomes (POs)

The POs of the Optical Sciences and Engineering program describe what students will know or be able to perform upon degree completion:


  • Apply advanced concepts in mathematics and optical physics and engineering, including analytic, experimental, and computational methods, to a particular application in the field of optical sciences and engineering.

  • Perform optical sciences and engineering research, design, and analysis, working independently or in groups, limited to a particular problem or problems of interest with which they have experience during their Air Force Institute of Technology experience.

  • Communicate optical sciences and engineering research, design, and analysis effectively, working independently or in groups, limited to a particular problem or problems of interest with which they have experience during their Air Force Institute of Technology experience.

  • Understand and critically evaluate technical communications in the form of journal articles, research proposals and conference presentations, and contribute and communicate their results and understanding in these same forums.

Program Chair

Lt Col Milo W. Hyde

Degree Information

Degree Type: Master's


Delivery Method: In-Residence


Degree Requirements

  • Optics core (16 credit hours)
  • OSE depth at 700 level (4 credit hours)
  • Optical Engineering lab (4 credit hours)
  • OSE elective (8 credit hours)
  • Mathematics (4 credit hours)
  • Thesis research (12 credit hours)

Graduate School Catalog

Faculty Research Areas

  • ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS
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Air Force Institute of Technology
2950 Hobson Way
Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, OH 45433-7765
Commercial: 937-255-6565 | DSN: 785-6565