Optics/Optical Sciences
A program that focuses on the scientific study of light energy, including its structure, properties and behavior under different conditions. Includes instruction in wave theory, wave mechanics, electromagnetic theory, physical optics, geometric optics, quantum theory of light, photon detecting, laser theory, wall and beam properties, chaotic light, non-linear optics, harmonic generation, optical systems theory, and applications to engineering problems.
- Schools offering
- 7
- Annual completions
- 52
- Typical degree level
- Bachelor's
- Median earnings (5yr)
- $80k
About this major
A program that focuses on the scientific study of light energy, including its structure, properties and behavior under different conditions. Includes instruction in wave theory, wave mechanics, electromagnetic theory, physical optics, geometric optics, quantum theory of light, photon detecting, laser theory, wall and beam properties, chaotic light, non-linear optics, harmonic generation, optical systems theory, and applications to engineering problems.
Examples of specialized tracks: Electro, Optics, Atmospheric and Space Optics.
Where this major leads
Occupations most often associated with this major, from the federal BLS+O*NET crosswalk. Job-growth projections and median wages are national.
| Occupation | Median wage | Job growth | Typical education |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natural sciences managers | $161k | +3.7% | Bachelor's degree |
| Physicists | $166k | +4.0% | Doctoral or professional degree |
| Physics teachers, postsecondary | $97k | +2.5% | Doctoral or professional degree |
Earnings at a glance
Median graduate earnings from the federal College Scorecard, 5 and 10 years out.
Median 5-year earnings
$80k
Associate's vs Bachelor's — early-career earnings
Associate's
$74k
Bachelor's
$80k
Top colleges for Optics/Optical Sciences
Ranked by annual completions at the associate's or bachelor's level — a proxy for program scale.
| College | Location | Assoc. | Bach. | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Arizona | Tucson, AZ | 0 | 21 | 21 |
| Rochester Institute of Technology | Rochester, NY | 0 | 17 | 17 |
| University of Rochester | Rochester, NY | 0 | 6 | 6 |
| Bridgewater State University | Bridgewater, MA | 0 | 5 | 5 |
| Ohio State University-Main Campus | Columbus, OH | 0 | 3 | 3 |
| Saginaw Valley State University | University Center, MI | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| University of California-Davis | Davis, CA | 0 | 0 | 0 |
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Astronomy and Astrophysics, Other
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Health/Medical Physics
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Physics and Astronomy
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Considering this direction?
We've taken a hard look at the debt, earnings trajectory, and degree-level tradeoffs for the Optics/Optical Sciences field. Read our verdict before you commit.
Is Optics/Optical Sciences worth it? Read verdict