Optical Systems Technology

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School of Applied Sciences & TechnologiesThe School of Applied Sciences & Technologies offers credit and noncredit options that prepare students for careers in advanced manufacturing, engineering and applied technologies, information technology and computer science, emergency services and culinary arts and hospitality.

GET ELITE OPTICAL TECHNOLOGIES TRAINING, AND QUALIFY FOR GREAT JOBS IN A HIGH-TECH INDUSTRY

The optical system technology associate degree provides you with a direct path to employment in the exciting high-tech optics industry. Monroe Community College offers this unique opportunity in collaboration with the Corning Incorporated Foundation, which supports the best science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education programs.

Our optical systems associate degree provides you with the advanced training you need to move directly into the work force as an optical systems technician. You’ll train on the same state-of-the-art optical systems that are used in the optics industry, gaining practical, hands-on experience that employers demand. Our optical systems technology degree provides you with opportunities to:

  • Evaluate optical systems
  • Take standard measurements and assess electro-optic configurations
  • Perform advanced optical manufacturing techniques
  • Conduct advanced testing on optical systems

Develop the Skills You Need for Immediate Employment in Optical Systems Technology

Optical systems technicians work with scientists and engineers to produce optical components and systems production. You’ll have the opportunity to get involved in every phase of the production process, including:

  • Research and development
  • Design
  • Testing
  • Manufacturing
  • Quality control
  • Sales
  • Service

This one-of-a-kind program provides you with superior workforce training, helping you lay the foundation for a strong career with a great income. It is not intended for students who wish to pursue a bachelor’s degree.

To find out how the optical systems technologies associate degree can prepare you for a rewarding high-tech career, please email the MCC Optics Department or call (585) 292-2002.

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OPTICAL SYSTEMS TECHNOLOGY

A.A.S. Degree - Career Program

Department:Engineering Technologies

School(s): Applied Sciences & Technologies

MCC Program Code: OT01

This program's design is based on: New MCC General Education

Description
The Optical Systems Technology Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) Degree prepares students for a career in the field of optics. Students take courses that include content in optical fabrication and metrology, photonics, applied optical mathematics, optical elements and ray optics, wave optics, optical systems, lasers, and photo science. Students use state of the art optics equipment that prepares them for immediate career placement. The Optical Systems Technology program provides pathways to rewarding careers in companies critically important to our economic growth and national defense. Students in the program will gain practical skills in advanced manufacturing areas such as lens assembly, metrology, Computer Numeric Control (CNC) grinding, CNC polishing, conventional optical fabrication, and diamond turning. The degree is designed for students looking for a way to enter the optics workforce as well as for those currently in the workforce looking to advance their skills. Students who wish to continue on a four-year pathway can transfer from the A.A.S. degree to a variety of schools in the region, in New York State or other states. Students who plan to transfer to a four-year college to earn their Bachelor's degree should discuss their plans with an advisor as early as possible to identify the appropriate courses.(Housed in the Engineering Technologies Department)

Program Learning Outcomes
1. Evaluate an optical system using a number of geometrical optics test procedures.
2. Make standard electro-optic measurements and evaluate typical electro-optic configurations.
3. Understand and perform the basic and advanced optical manufacturing techniques for today’s precision optical components.
4. Understand and perform the basic and advanced metrology techniques for testing optical systems and individual optical components.

Employment Potential
For related jobs: Career Coach
Occupational Resource: https://www.onetonline.org

Requirements for Program Entrance
Admissions Requirement: MTH 150 Survey of Mathematics- or OPT 175 Quantitative Skills in Optics-ready.
Recommended High School Courses: Technical Courses, Dual Enrollment Optical Courses (OPT 110 Intro to Optical Technologies encouraged)

Distribution Requirements

Credit Hours
TRADITIONAL OPTICS OPTION
FIRST SEMESTER: 15 Credit Hours
OPT 110 Introduction to Optical Technology3
OPT 213 Optical Fabrication and Metrology4
TEK 145 Career Communications3
HED 101 Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Care1
OPT 175 Quantitative Skills in Optics OR MCC General Education Quantitative Literacy Elective (MCC-QL) (*1) 4
Total 15
SECOND SEMESTER: 15 Credit Hours
OPT 131 Optical Elements and Ray Optics4
OPT 201 Photo Science4
OPT 235 Advanced Optical Fabrication and Metrology4
PHL 250 Professional Ethics3
Total 15
THIRD SEMESTER: 17 Credit Hours
ENG 101 College Composition OR ENG 200 Advanced Composition3
OPT 151 Optical Instruments and Testing 4
OPT 211 Wave Optics and Applications4
GEG 133 Introduction to Remote Sensing3
HEG 215 Global Health and Culture3
Total17
FOURTH SEMESTER: 17 Credit Hours
OPT 245 Optical Systems 4
OPT 255 Photonics4
ANY SUNY GENERAL EDUCATION ELECTIVE (*2)3-4
ANY SUNY GENERAL EDUCATION ELECTIVE (*2)3-4
Total14-16
TOTAL CREDITS61-63
ELECTRO-OPTICS OPTION
FIRST SEMESTER: 17 Credit Hours
ELT 111 Introduction to Digital Electronics 3
OPT 110 Introduction to Optical Technology 3
OPT 175 Quantitative Skills in Optics OR MCC General Education Quantitative Literacy Elective (MCC-QL) (*1) 4
OPT 213 Optical Fabrication and Metrology 4
TEK 145 Career Communications 3
Total17
SECOND SEMESTER: 16 Credit Hours
ELT 121 AC/DC Circuit Analysis4
OPT 131 Optical Elements and Ray Optics4
OPT 235 Advanced Optical Fabrication and Metrology4
HED 101 Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Care1
PHL 250 Professional Ethics3
Total16
THIRD SEMESTER: 16 Credit Hours
OPT 151 Optical Instruments and Testing 4
ELT 134 Introduction to Programmable Logic Controller 3
GEG 133 Introduction to Remote Sensing 3
HEG 215 Global Health and Culture 3
ENG 101 College Composition OR ENG 200 Advanced Composition 3
Total16
FOURTH SEMESTER: 13-15 Credit Hours
OPT 255 Photonics 4
ELT 234 Advanced Programmable Logic Controllers 3
ANY SUNY GENERAL EDUCATION ELECTIVE (*2) 3-4
ANY SUNY GENERAL EDUCATION ELECTIVE (*2) 3-4
Total13-15
TOTAL CREDITS62-64
(*1) It is recommended that optics students take OPT 175; any MCC-QL elective must be 4 credits.
(*2) Choose a course from any SUNY-GER category, except for performance and studio art courses listed under SUNY-A. Recommendations are given below for pathway students.
    • Workforce students not planning to transfer recommend but not required courses to select from include: ECO 101, GEG 133, SPC 141, SPC 144, MTH 152 or higher.
    • Students seeking to Transfer are recommended but not required to select from the following courses: PHY 145 or higher, MTH 175 or higher.
    • ADDITIONAL NOTE: Students seeking transfer to a 4-year institution should consult with a program coordinator or advisor for general education course selection.