Program Description
This program is designed for students wanting to complete an AAS Degree in Optics Technology and enter the workforce. This degree prepares students for entry level positions in optics fabrication and assembly, focusing on laboratory safety, quality assurance, and manual fabrication. Students explore the production processes of precision optics used in cameras, projectors, eye wear, microscopes, telescopes, appliances and binoculars. Students will learn about optical engineering drawings/prints, lean manufacturing, statistical process control, 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, and acquire an understanding of thin film optical coatings and fiber optics. This program will prepare students for laser and photonics technician positions with increased electronics, laser, and system-level skill development along with writing and mathematics courses culminating in a work-based internship or capstone project.
Learn more about this program.
My Academic Plan: Full-Time
Courses are displayed in a full-time sequence showing the fastest path to your degree. Follow the pathway below to complete your AAS degree in 4 semesters (2 years). For more information, please see your Academic Advisor.
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 |
| CIS 1018 | Introduction to PC Applications | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 16 |
Second Semester
Semester Note: MTE 2220 is a Fall semester option, OTE 1002 is a Spring semester option.
Third Semester
Semester Note: ENG 1031 Technical Writing I is preferred.
Fourth Semester
My Academic Plan: Part-Time
Courses are displayed in a part-time sequence providing flexibility for the working professional. Follow the pathway below to complete your AAS degree within 8 semesters (3 years). This pathway may be accelerated by applying transfer credit, credit for prior learning, and/or completing one or more additional courses each semester. For more information, please see your Academic Advisor.
Fall Semester 1
| OTE 1001 | Quality Assurance of Precision Optics | 3 |
| OTE 1003 | Laboratory Operations | 3 |
| 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: | 9 |
Spring Semester 2
| OTE 1002 or MTE 2220 | Optics: Intro to Manufacturing Tech (OTE 1002) or Lean Six Sigma (MTE 2220) | 3 |
| OTE 1005 | Fabrication Methods for Precision Optics | 4 |
| OTE 1030 | Metrology of Optical Systems | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 10 |
Semester Note: MTE 2220 is a Fall semester option, OTE 1002 is a Spring semester option.
Summer Semester 3
Semester Note: ENG 1031 Technical Writing I is preferred.
Fall Semester 4
| OTE 2005 | Adv Fabrication Precision Optics | 4 |
| CIS 1018 | Introduction to PC Applications | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 7 |
Semester Note: You should complete your graduation application to be awarded the Optics Technology Certificate this semester.
Spring Semester 5
Summer Semester 6
| BUS 2017 | Business Communications and Report Writing | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 3 |
Fall Semester 7
| OTE 1000 | Fundamentals of Light & Lasers | 4 |
| OTE 1004 or ELT 1206 | Optics: Electronic Instrumentation (OTE 1004) or Fundamentals of DC/AC (ELT 1206) | 3 |
| OTE 1060 | Advanced Topics in Optics & Photonics | 3 |
| OTE 2079 | Optics Technology Workshop | 1 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 11 |
Semester Note: ENG 1031 Technical Writing I is preferred.
Spring Semester 8