M.S. in Optics and Photonics Plan A

The M.S. Degree in Optics and Photonics is an interdisciplinary, cooperative program managed by the Optics Program Committee on behalf of the three participating departments: Physics, Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Chemistry and Biochemistry. Students apply directly to the Optics and Photonics Graduate Program and are admitted through one of the participating departments, selected based on advisor affiliation and student interest.

The Optics and Photonics degree is distinct from the other graduate degrees offered by the participating departments because it requires interdisciplinary coursework involving at least two of the departments. The interdisciplinary program of study allows students to emphasize optics theory and applications in more depth than is possible through degrees in the traditional disciplines. Each optics student will be mentored by a graduate advisor from the faculty of one of the three participating departments, and a graduate supervisory committee made up of faculty from at least two of the three departments in the cooperative program.

The M.S. Plan A requires completion of an acceptable research-based Thesis describing independent research performed by the student with guidance from the advisor and graduate supervisory committee.  The Thesis involves considerable effort on the part of the student, and must generate results that are of sufficient quality and significance to be reported in a national or international conference paper or presentation. The Master's Thesis often serves as the basis for a peer-reviewed manuscript for an archival journal or book chapter. 

More information on the admission requirements, application process, and degree requirements can be found at : 

https://optics.montana.edu/Optics_photonics_MS.html

and at:

M. S. in Optics and Photonics 

Choose two key courses:6
Advanced Optics
Laser Applications
Electro-Optical Systems
Laser Engineering
Choose one specialty course:3
Fourier Optics/Imaging Theory
Optical Design
Nonlinear Optics/Laser Spectroscopy
Analytic Optical Spectroscopy
Symmetry, Orbitals, and Spectroscopy
Optics electives (choose at least 6 credits):6
Photovoltaic Systems
Applied Electromagnetics
Electro-Optical Systems
MEMS Sensors and Actuators
Adv Top Electromagnet & Optics
Optical Communications Systems
Fourier Optics/Imaging Theory
Optical Design
Remote Sensing Systems
Laser Engineering
Advanced Optics
Laser Applications
Quantum Mechanics I (for non-physics students)
Quantum Mechanics II
Advanced Topics In Physics 1
Experimental Physics (Fall - Optics)
Electromagnetic Theory II
Nonlinear Optics/Laser Spectroscopy
Advanced Instrument Analysis
Analytic Optical Spectroscopy
Quantum Mechanics
Symmetry, Orbitals, and Spectroscopy
Adv Quantum Chemistry
Material Structure and Bonding
Optical, Electronic, and Magnetic Properties of Materials
Adv Materials Characterization
EELE/PHSX/CHMY/ 591 Special Topics 1
EELE/PHSX/CHMY/ 592 Independent Study 1
OPTI 594 Optics Seminar 2
Technical electives (choose at least 5 credits):5
ECE, Physics, Math, Chemistry, Business, etc. (400-level or above)
Master's Thesis (EELE/PHSX/CHMY/ 590)10
Total Credits30

Note:  At least 20 credits must be at the 500 level.

ACCELERATED MS IN OPTICS AND PHOTONICS

The accelerated master's degree allows undergraduate students who are currently pursuing their minor in Optics and Photonics to make simultaneous progress toward an bachelor's and master's degrees that will prepare them for high-demand jobs in laser engineering, remote sensing, and more. In addition to the Optical Technology Center founded in 1995, MSU has a culture of interdisciplinary research and a history of partnership with Bozeman's thriving optics and photonics industry. The accelerated MS in Optics and Photonics is an interdisciplinary degree managed by the Optics and Photonics Degree Program Committee on behalf of the Departments of Physics, Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Chemistry and Biochemistry. Students apply to the Accelerated MS in Optics and Photonics and earn reserved credits towards the MS degree in Optics and Photonics while still an undergraduate.  Students are admitted after graduation into the MS in Optics and Photonics program through one of the participating departments, chosen by the applicant based on their areas and department affiliation of faculty working in those areas.  More information about the accelerated MS in Optics and Photonics can be found here: Accelerated MS in Optics and Photonics.