The Optical Systems Technology degree offers a unique, comprehensive program which prepares graduates for work in high technology fields which apply light and optical principles in their operations. The curriculum combines the study of optics with electronics for careers in electro-optics or allows a traditional optics option.
The optical systems technician works with scientists and engineers in research, development, design, production, quality control, test, and evaluation of optical components and systems, as well as sales and service. The course of study gives the student opportunity to work with and operate much of the precision equipment and technology used in today's field of electro-optical systems. This program is not designed as a transfer program. 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 program.
Students should meet regularly with their program advisor to make certain that their course selections meet the requirements of the program and their career choices.
Recommended preparation: Three years of high school mathematics are required through Sequential Math III (Regents level strongly recommended), and one-half year of physics or physical science is recommended.
(Housed in the Engineering Technologies Department)
| Distribution Requirements | Credit Hours |
| TRADITIONAL OPTICS OPTION | |
| FIRST SEMESTER | |
| MTH 140 Technical Mathematics I* | 3 |
| TEK 101 Computer Applications for Technicians | 2 |
| OPT 131 Optical Elements and Ray Optics | 4 |
| OPT 135 Measurement and Analysis | 4 |
| ENGLISH ELECTIVE | 3 |
| Physical/Health Education | 1 |
| Total | 17 |
| SECOND SEMESTER | |
| ENG 101 College Composition | 3 |
| MTH 141 Technical Mathematics II* | 3 |
| PHY 131 Applied Physics I* | 4 |
| OPT 151 Optical Instruments and Testing | 4 |
| OPT 153 Fiber Optics | 3 |
| Total | 17 |
| THIRD SEMESTER | |
| MTH 175 Precalculus Mathematics with Analytic Geometry | 4 |
| OPT 211 Wave Optics and Applications | 4 |
| OPT 213 Optical Processes | 4 |
| ELT 121 AC/DC Circuit Analysis | 4 |
| SOCIAL SCIENCE ELECTIVE | 3 |
| Total | 19 |
| FOURTH SEMESTER | |
| OPT 201 Photo Science | 4 |
| OPT 215 Electro-Optical Devices and Systems | 5 |
| OPT 231 Lasers: Technology and Applications | 4 |
| SOCIAL SCIENCE ELECTIVE | 3 |
| Physical/Health Education | 1 |
| Total | 17 |
| TOTAL CREDITS | 70 |
| ELECTRO-OPTICS OPTION | |
| FIRST SEMESTER | |
| ELT 111 Electronic Technology I | 3 |
| ELT 121 AC/DC Circuit Analysis | 4 |
| MTH 140 Technical Mathematics I* | 3 |
| TEK 101 Computer Applications for Technicians | 2 |
| OPT 131 Optical Elements and Ray Optics | 4 |
| ENG 101 College Composition | 3 |
| Total | 19 |
| SECOND SEMESTER | |
| ELT 102 Electric Circuit Analysis II | 5 |
| ELT 112 Electronic Technology II | 5 |
| MTH 141 Technical Mathematics II* | 3 |
| ENGLISH ELECTIVE | 3 |
| OPT 153 Fiber Optics | 3 |
| Total | 19 |
| THIRD SEMESTER | |
| MTH 175 Precalculus Mathematics with Analytic Geometry | 4 |
| ELT 202 Pulse and Digital Circuits | 4 |
| OPT 135 Measurement and Analysis | 4 |
| OPT 211 Wave Optics and Applications | 4 |
| SOCIAL SCIENCE ELECTIVE | 3 |
| Total | 19 |
| FOURTH SEMESTER | |
| OPT 215 Electro-Optical Devices and Systems | 5 |
| SOCIAL SCIENCE ELECTIVE | 3 |
| PHY 131 Applied Physics I | 4 |
| ELT 206 Digital Systems and Microprocessors | 5 |
| Health/Physical Education | 2 |
| Total | 19 |
| TOTAL CREDITS | 76 |