Optical Engineering

The science of light, once confined to research labs and science fiction novels, has found its way into our everyday lives. The applications of optics can be seen everywhere. A list of more common examples of these applications include laser printers, fiber optic communication, internet switches, fiber optic telephone lines, compact disc players, credit cards bearing holograms, grocery checkout scanners, computers and eye surgery. The field of optics is an enabling technology and is growing at a rapid pace. Optical techniques are found in a wide range of areas such as surveying and construction, measurements of material parameters and deformation, flow measurements, communications, machine vision, laser cutting, drilling and welding, data storage, internet switches, optical computers and sensors etc. Surveys show that there is a growing demand for optical designers/scientists/ engineers every year. Opportunities for graduates in Optical Engineering are available in many industries, including automated inspection, consumer electronics, fiber optic communications, optical instrumentation, laser devices, radar systems, data storage etc.

The Optical Engineering bachelor’s degree program is one of the few in the country. This program provides a firm foundation for those interested in continuing thier studies in optics at the graduate level, as well as for those going into industry. The curriculum was developed by the faculty with input from industrial representatives as well as from renowned national and international optics educators. Because of the diverse applications of optics, the curriculum contains a mix of courses in physics and mathematics as well as humanities and social sciences. The Optical Engineering program at Rose-Hulman stresses laboratory instruction. We also encourage students to look at options for a double major, especially Optical Engineering with electrical, computer or mechanical engineering.

The optical engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the commission’s General Criteria with no applicable program criteria.

Optical Engineering graduation data http://www.rose-hulman.edu/media/1262267/oe.pdf

Students majoring in degree programs other than Optical Engineering are eligible to obtain an area minor in Optical Engineering.

The Department of Physics and Optical Engineering also offers an M.S. (Optical Engineering) degree. The masters level degree program complements the B.S. (Optical Engineering) degree program. Highly motivated students may obtain both a B.S. and an M.S. in Optical Engineering in a five-year period. A plan of study for this program must be approved by the end of the student’s junior year.

You may view all information regarding Physics and Optical Engineering at our website: https://www.rose-hulman.edu/academics/academic-departments/physics-and-optical-engineering/index.html

Current Students should visit the POE page under the Academics section of My Rose-Hulman for additional information.

Optical Engineering

Summary of Graduation Requirements for Optical Engineering

1. All the courses listed above by the number.
2. The program must be approved by the advisor.
3. A technical elective is any RHIT course in biology, biomathematics, chemistry, computer science, engineering, mathematics, or physics

Classes by subjects

¹

Cannot include ECE 340 Electromagnetic Fields

Physics Classes

Freshman Physics, Math and Chemistry Classes 

Miscellaneous and Engineering Classes 

Minor

The course requirements and advisors for Minors in Optical Engineering, Solid State Physics/Materials Science, and Electronics are listed below. Successful completion of a Minor is indicated on the student’s grade transcript. A student interested in pursuing a minor should consult with the appropriate advisor.

Below is a sample plan of study that illustrates one way to achieve the program requirements. Any given student's plan of study may differ based on a variety of factors (e.g., advanced credit, placement exams, adding a minor). Enrolled students will work with their academic advisor; utilize the degree audit/planner to create a specific plan of study.

Notes

¹

If OE 172 Lasers and Fiber Optics is not taken during the freshman or sophomore year, the requirement must be replaced with a 300 or 400-level OE course of at least 2 credits.

²

An engineering elective is any 200, 300,or 400-level course listed as OE, EP, ECE, ME, CE, BE, EM or ES.

³

A PH/OE/EP elective is any 200, 300,or 400-level course listed as OE, EP or PH.

OE Program Educational Objectives

1. Our graduates will set their career path and advance beyond their entry-level position or progress toward the completion of an advanced degree.
2. Our graduates will make a positive impact on society.
3. Our graduates will behave ethically and act as responsible members of the engineering and science community.
4. Our graduates will continue to develop professionally

OE Student Learning Outcomes

• Outcome 1: An ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics
• Outcome 2: An ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors
• Outcome 3: An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences
• Outcome 4: An ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts
• Outcome 5: An ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives
• Outcome 6: An ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions
• Outcome 7: An ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies