HOME MS Program

Earn a master of science in optics at home! The Hybrid Optics Master’s Education (HOME) program is run by the world-renowned Institute of Optics MS, allowing HOME students to learn from the leading optics experts. HOME allows students to take advantage of the best remote-learning practice, while still including an in-person component, that allows students to get hand-on experience.

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Crafted for Busy Professionals

Program Overview

HOME is geared for students with a strong STEM foundation who want to work or are working in the vibrant and growing optics industry.

The HOME curriculum includes the same core curriculum as our regular MS with an intensive three-week in-person version of our hands-on MS lab class. The combination of online coursework and in-person practical training maintains the rigor of our traditional MS degree while maximizing flexibility. The program will accommodate the busy schedules of working professionals and remote learners from around the world.

Duration

HOME students will receive a master’s of science in optics through mostly remote coursework. How long it takes to achieve this depends on the courseload they’ve agreed to take on.

  • Full Time

    Full-time students can complete this program in one year.

  • Part time

    Part-time students can complete this program in two years.

  • One Course Per Semester

    Students taking one course each semester can complete this program in four years.

Time Commitment

Students in the HOME program will take courses in both optics and optical engineering. The time they dedicate per week to their coursework depends on the courseload they’ve agreed to take on.

  • Full Time

    Full-time students will need to dedicate 40 hours a week to optics courses and coursework.

  • Part Time

    Part-time students will need to dedicate 10 to 30 hours a week to optics courses and coursework.

  • One Course Per Semester

    Students taking one course each semester will need to dedicate 10 to 12 hours a week to optics courses and coursework.

Flexible Schedule

HOME courses are designed with the working learner in mind. Every required course is instructed in a live format and then recorded, giving you the option to participate independently or join in real time. HOME courses offer one-on-one interactions with instructors, teaching assistants, and student support services.

Curriculum

Students in the HOME program are required to take a total of seven lecture courses and three credits of an in-person MS laboratory course.

The seven lecture courses are broken down into three required core courses, and four elective courses where one elective course must have quantum optics content.

Required core courses:

  • OPT 423: Detection of Optical Radiation (spring)
  • OPT 443: Foundations of Modern Optical Systems (fall)
  • OPT 463: Wave Optics and Imaging (fall)

Example of elective courses (not an exhaustive list):

  • OPT 422: Color Technology (spring)
  • OPT 428: Optical Communications (fall, quantum optics content)
  • OPT 444: Lens Design (spring)
  • OPT 446: Optical Interference Coatings (fall)

Three credits of in-person laboratory:

  • OPT 454: MS HOME Laboratory (summer, 3 credits)

OR

  • OPT 401, 402, 403: MS HOME Labs 1, 2, and 3 (spring, summer, 1 credit each)

Courses

The following HOME courses will be offered during the fall 2024 semester.

Fall 2024 Courses
Semester Course Information
CourseInstructorDeliveryNotes
OPT 440: Freeform OpticsJannick Rolland-ThompsonOnline: Lectures available live and asynchronously, classes meet once a week on ZoomGeometrical Optics Area Elective
OPT 443: Foundations of Modern Optical SystemsGeorge NadorffOnline: Primarily asynchronous with one synchronous lecture and two one-on-one meetings to discuss course projectsCore Course Requirement
OPT 446: Optical Interference CoatingsJennifer KruschwitzHybrid: In-person lectures will be available online live and asynchronouslyPhysical Optics Area Elective
OPT 449: Intro to IlluminationJoshua CobbHybrid: Synchronous participation needed for lectures and labs, can be in-person or remoteGeometrical Optics Area Elective
OPT 461: Fourier OpticsJames FienupHybrid: Synchronous lectures anticipated, email instructor for detailsCore Required Course (Alternative to OPT 463, instructor permission required)
OPT 463: Wave Optics and ImagingJennifer KruschwitzHybrid: In-person lectures will be available online live and asynchronouslyCore Required Course
OPT 467: Nonlinear OpticsRobert BoydHybrid: Online lectures available live and asynchronouslyQuantum Optics and Lasers Area Elective
OPT 473: Laser EngineeringLeon WaxerHybrid: In-person lecture available synchronously and asychronouslyQuantum Optics and Lasers Area Elective
OPT 486: Innovation- IP StrategyDarius SankeyHybrid: Synchronous lecture 
OPT 544: Advanced Lens DesignJulie BentleyHybrid: Synchronous participation in lectures needed, not all course content is available asynchronouslyGeometrical Optics Area Elective
OPT 546: Thin Film Coatings for Optical SystemsJennifer KruschwitzHybrid: Synchronous lectures available onlinePhysical Optics Area Elective

Tuition and Financial Aid

The HOME program is a Hajim School graduate program and charges tuition at the Hajim graduate rate. You can view current tuition and fee schedules on the Bursar’s Office website.

Applicants to the Institute of Optics are automatically considered for tuition discounts and fellowships based on their application. No separate application or request process is needed.

Financial award package determination relies heavily on the statement of purpose and letters of reference. Improving your application to the program will also improve your financial award prospects.

Applying

Applications for the HOME program are accepted from September 15 through July 1.

To apply to the HOME program, apply to the optics MS program. You will be able to select the HOME program within the optics MS application, as well as select your desired entry term (spring or fall). If you encounter any difficulties, email the graduate program coordinator for assistance.

For details on the application, please see the graduate applying page.