Physics: Optics and Photonics, MS

Requirements for Students Matriculating in or before Academic Year 2023-2024. Learn more about Graduate College Academic Regulation 7.0.

Thesis Option

Total Hours: 30

Required Courses
PHYS 5453Mathematical Methods for Physicists3
PHYS 5613Quantum Mechanics I3
Select 9 hours of Photonics core courses from the following with advisor approval:9
Geometrical Optics
Lasers
Physical Optics
Design of Lasers and Systems
Fiber-Optic Communication Systems
Hours Subtotal15
Electives
Select 9 hours from the two groups of electives with a minim of one course and a maximum of two from Group I. Courses at the graduate level from other departments may be substituted for electives in Group II with Physics Department permission, but alternate courses must have a strong connection to optics and photonics.9
Group I
Electromagnetic Radiation
Electromagnetic Theory
Advanced Electromagnetic Radiation
Electromagnetic Theory
Group II
Laser Spectroscopy
Solid State Physics I
Quantum Mechanics II
Nonlinear Optics
Quantum Optics
Design of Optical Systems
Microelectronic Fabrication
Ultrafast Optoelectronics
Digital Image Processing
Hours Subtotal9
Thesis/Research
Select 6 hours (or more) of supervised research with submission of an approved thesis.
PHYS 5000Master's Thesis Research or Report (Or equivalent)6
Hours Subtotal6
Total Hours30

Non-Thesis Option

Total Hours: 32

Required Courses
PHYS 5453Mathematical Methods for Physicists3
PHYS 5613Quantum Mechanics I3
Select 9 hours of Photonics core courses from the following with advisor approval:9
Geometrical Optics
Lasers
Physical Optics
Design of Lasers and Systems
Fiber-Optic Communication Systems
Hours Subtotal15
Electives
Select 9 hours from the two groups of electives with a minim of one course and a maximum of two from Group I. Courses at the graduate level from other departments may be substituted for electives in Group II with Physics Department permission, but alternate courses must have a strong connection to optics and photonics.9
Group I
Electromagnetic Radiation
Electromagnetic Theory
Advanced Electromagnetic Radiation
Electromagnetic Theory
Group II
Laser Spectroscopy
Solid State Physics I
Quantum Mechanics II
Nonlinear Optics
Quantum Optics
Design of Optical Systems
Microelectronic Fabrication
Ultrafast Optoelectronics
Digital Image Processing
Hours Subtotal9
Additional Electives
Select 6 hours of advanced courses at the graduate level.6
Hours Subtotal6
Report
Students must complete a two-credit hour report.2
Hours Subtotal2
Total Hours32

Graduate College Master's Program Requirements

Learn more about Graduate College 2023-2024 Master’s Degree Program Requirements. Check the General Graduate College academic regulations for minimal GPA, language proficiency and other general requirements.