Optical science degree program begins Aug. 19

A new master’s degree program in the Optical Science and Engineering department will be introduced this fall, beginning Aug. 19.

A cross-disciplinary graduate degree program, like the Ph.D program in optical sciences, it will be administered by the departments of Physics and Astronomy and Electrical and Computer Engineering.

Sudhakar Prasad, director for advanced studies and professor of physics and astronomy at UNM, said the program underwent a lengthy approval process.

“The rather broad requirements for this degree, covering the range from optical science to photonic engineering, will prepare successful graduates to meet the growing national challenge for broadly trained industrial and technical personnel in this field,” Prasad said.

Students can chose from three areas of study: thesis- based, course-based or internship-based.

“An important new element of the degree is the industrial internship option. Students will be able to pursue a six to 12 month internship program either at an optics industry or at a government laboratory by prior arrangement,” Prasad said. “The more standard thesis and course based options will also be available.”

For more information, visit http://www.optics.unm.edu.