Optical Systems Technology

Get a great job in optics through MCC’s optics program in Rochester!

Skilled optical technicians work with engineers and scientists to manufacture many products vital to modern life, like cameras, consumer electronics, sensors & solar panels to name just a few. That's why demand for optics professionals is so high. Yet there is a worldwide shortage. That's where you come in. 

Now is the Best Time to Get Into Optics - The World Needs You!

  • 97% of Upstate NY optics job openings go unfilled
  • 574 technicians are needed annually in the Finger Lakes area

MCC is the nation’s only community college awarding associate degrees in precision optics. Optics classes are offered both day and evening.

Learn more about our programs and how we can get you started on the path to a career in optics!

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MCC Graduates Get Great Jobs Near and Far

Study optical systems technology at MCC and you’ll have a direct path to employment in the exciting high-tech optics industry.

Your optical systems technology credentials can open doors to fantastic employment opportunities with Fortune 500 companies and dozens of precision optics manufacturers, including:

  • Bausch + Lomb
  • Coherent
  • Corning, Inc.
  • Eastman Kodak
  • Excelis Inc.
  • IBM
  • IDEX
  • ITT Goulds Pumps
     
  • L3Harris Technologies
  • Laboratory for Laser Energetics
  • Lockheed Martin
  • Optimax
  • OptiPro
  • QED
     
  • Rochester Precision Optics
  • Spectra Physics
  • Sydor Optics
  • Texas Instruments
  • Thorlabs Lens Systems
  • Vertex Optics
  • Xerox

Since there is a worldwide shortage of optics technicians, the possibilities are endless!

Ride Your Associate Degree to a Great High-Tech Job

Our optical systems technology 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.

You'll learn to:

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

And, 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.

Add Optics to Your Skill Set with a Certificate

If you’re working in a related field and wish to add optics to your skill set, the optical systems technology certificate from MCC will give you the solid optics background you need to advance in your career.

This program enables you to focus on one or more of these areas:

  • Manufacturing
  • Testing
  • Electro-optics

With the optical systems technology certificate, you’ll be qualified to enter the profession with job titles such as:

  • Optical systems laboratory technician
  • Laser technician
  • Test and quality technician
  • Electro-mechanical technician
  • Electronics engineering technician

TRANSFER OPPORTUNITIES

Monroe Community College's ongoing interaction with industry not only produces an up-to-date program that remains responsive to current needs, but reflects Rochester's long history of university-industry partnerships. A highly educated optics workforce is a key element in the Rochester economy, which relies on MCC's ability to educate optical technicians in tandem with Rochester Institute of Technology and the University of Rochester which provide bachelor and graduate education in imaging and optics. Many graduates of the optics program have continued their education at major universities such as RIT, University of Rochester, and University of Arizona and received their bachelor's degrees in such fields as optics, imaging, electronics, physics, mathematics, and computer science. Many times, employers have paid for this additional education. Students planning to continue a bachelor's degree program immediately upon graduation are advised to discuss their curriculum plans with an optics advisor.

Be Part of Something Big

Optics is a key element in the Rochester economy. Employers rely on MCC to educate each generation of optical technicians. Since 1963, we have answered the call. Today we are nationally known for our optics program.

You’ll spend hours in the lab, learn proven and experimental techniques, and solve problems on an optics team. Are you up for the challenge?

For more information, or to arrange a visit to see our state-of-the-art optics labs, please email optics@monroecc.edu or call (585) 292-2002.