Degree Requirements

Master of Science (M.S.) degree requirements

In our 30 semester-hour master's degree program, you can expect hands-on training in three optics labs, a significant choice of electives that reflect the diverse backgrounds of our students and the opportunity to compete for graduate co-op research jobs at the Air Force Research Laboratory at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton as well as with local companies and the state of Ohio.  Our master's degree candidates are encouraged to finish their programs with a thesis. The program of study in electro-optics leading to an M.S. degree must include a minimum of 30 semester hours consisting of the following:

• 21 semester hours of core courses in electro-optics: EOP 501, EOP 502, EOP 505, EOP 506, EOP 513, EOP 514, EOP 541L, EOP 542L and EOP 543L.
• 3 semester hours of a technical elective.
• 6 semester hours of thesis work in the case of a thesis option or 6 semester hours of approved technical electives in the case of a non-thesis option.

While all students are expected to write a thesis, students supported by an assistantship are required to write a thesis.  A request for thesis waiver is to be made at the start of the program of study.  The procedure for this request is available from the electro-optics office.  Students who have received a waiver of the thesis requirement must take an examination given by a three-person advisory committee just prior to their anticipated graduation date.  The examination will be centered around an oral presentation on a topic mutually agreed to by the student and the advisory committee.  At the discretion of the advisory committee, a written report may also be required.  This committee and the topic must be selected before the last semester of study.  The examination may be repeated once, but not in the same academic term.

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree requirements

The program of study in electro-optics leading to a Ph.D. degree must include a minimum of 90 semester hours beyond the bachelor's degree including the following:

• 21 semester hours of core courses in electro-optics: EOP 501, 502, 505, 506, 513, 514, 541L, 542L and 543L, or equivalent.
• 6 semester hours of approved graduate mathematics courses.
• 12 semester hours of approved 600-level electro-optics courses.
• 30 semester hours of doctoral dissertation in electro-optics.

See also the Doctoral Degree Requirements in section X, School of Engineering in General Information in the University's graduate Bulletin and consult with the director of the electro-optics program.  As a UD electro-optics graduate, you'll provide the leadership and expertise necessary to guide the future of the optics industry.