My Academic Plan
Courses are displayed to show the fastest path to your certificate and
should be completed in the order listed. If you are unable to complete all courses listed in a semester,
complete as many courses in this sequence as your schedule allows. If you have questions or concerns about your MAP, please
see your Pathways Advisor.
Program Description
This program is designed for students wanting to complete a one-year (two semester) Certificate in Optics Technology and enter the workforce. Students explore the production processes of precision optics used in cameras, projectors, eye wear, microscopes, telescopes, appliances and binoculars. This certificate prepares students for entry-level technician positions in the optics manufacturing industry that includes metrology equipment and advanced CNC fabrication, optics fabrication and assembly. Students will learn about optical engineering drawings/prints, lean manufacturing, statistical process control, and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing for optics, focusing on the unique practices and toolsets within each. Students will prepare for working in laboratory and cleanroom environments. They will also acquire an understanding of thin film optical coatings and fiber optics.
Learn more about this program.
What You Will Learn
Upon completion of the program you will be able to:
1. Demonstrate an understanding of the nature and properties of light and lasers using basic geometric and physical optics
2. Demonstrate safe and proper handling and operation of optical components and test equipment
3. Use tools and techniques to measure optical system parameters; collect, organize, and interpret data to draw proper conclusions
4. Define and document the design intent using prints and the interpretation of tolerancing symbols
5. Understand, build and learn about electronics and electronic instrumentation as they apply to optics and photonics systems
6. Define and demonstrate optics manufacturing, fabrication, quality testing, and troubleshooting techniques with and without thin film coatings
7. Explain how efficient manufacturing processes affect optics manufacturing
8. Apply written and verbal communication skills to effectively execute work instructions and report information
9. Demonstrate optical alignment, build, and test of optical systems
10. Understand and practice safe use of light sources, including lasers
First Semester
| OTE 1001 | Quality Assurance of Precision Optics | 3 |
| OTE 1003 | Laboratory Operations | 3 |
| OTE 1005 | Fabrication Methods for Precision Optics | 4 |
| MAT 1150 or MAT 1340 or MAT 1420+ | Technical Mathematics (MAT 1150) or College Algebra (MAT 1340) or College Trigonometry (MAT 1420) or Pre-calculus (MAT 1440) or Calculus I (MAT 2410) or higher | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 13 |
Second Semester
| OTE 1002 or MTE 2220 | Optics: Intro to Manufacturing Tech (OTE 1002) or Lean Six Sigma (MTE 2220) | 3 |
| OTE 1030 | Metrology of Optical Systems | 3 |
| OTE 2005 | Adv Fabrication Precision Optics | 4 |
| CIS 1018 | Introduction to PC Applications | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 13 |
Semester Note: MTE 2220 is a
Fall semester option,
OTE 1002 is a
Spring semester option.