This degree is currently known as "Optics Technology AAS". It has been requested to be retitled as "Optics, Quantum & Laser Technology AAS". This award will undergo review by the Colorado Community College System (CCCS), the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), and the U.S. Department of Education (ED) for the title change requested. Upon final ED approval, this statement will be removed and a note placed in our Catalog Addendum noting the date of the approved title change.
Program Description
This program is designed for students wanting to complete a two-year AAS Degree in Optics, Quantum & Laser 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 1010 | Intro to Optics & Laser Technology | 3 |
| MAT 1150 or MAT 1340 or Higher | Technical Mathematics (MAT 1150) or College Algebra (MAT 1340) or Higher | 3 |
| OTE 1020 | Quality Assurance & Lab Operations in Optics | 3 |
| OTE 1005 | Fabrication Methods for Precision Optics | 4 |
| CIS 1018 | Introduction to PC Applications | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 16 |
Second Semester
Third Semester
| OTE 1000 | Fundamentals of Light & Lasers | 4 |
| OTE 1040 | Optics Electronic Instrumentation & Fiber Optics | 3 |
| OTE 1050 | Thin Films & Vacuum Systems | 3 |
| ENG 1031 or ENG 1021 or ENG 1022 | Technical Writing I (ENG 1031) or Composition I (ENG 1021) or English Composition II (ENG 1022) | 3 |
| OTE 2079 | Optics Technology Workshop | 1 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 14 |
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
Spring Semester 2
| OTE 1005 | Fabrication Methods for Precision Optics | 4 |
| OTE 1002 | Intro to Manufacturing Technology | 3 |
| OTE 1030 | Metrology of Optical Systems | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 10 |
Summer Semester 3
Semester Note: ENG 1031 Technical Writing I is preferred.
Fall Semester 4
| OTE 2005 | Adv Fabrication Precision Optics | 4 |
| OTE 1000 | Fundamentals of Light & Lasers | 4 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 8 |
Spring Semester 5
Summer Semester 6
| COM 1150 or COM 1250 or COM 2300 | Public Speaking (COM 1150) or Interpersonal Communication (COM 1250) or Intercultural Communication (COM 2300) | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 3 |
Fall Semester 7
| OTE 1040 | Optics Electronic Instrumentation & Fiber Optics | 3 |
| OTE 1050 | Thin Films & Vacuum Systems | 3 |
| OTE 2079 | Optics Technology Workshop | 1 |
| CIS 1018 | Introduction to PC Applications | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 10 |
Spring Semester 8