Program Overview

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Photonics & Laser Technology

The Photonics & Laser Technology program at Gallatin College MSU trains students for entry-level employment as photonics or optics technicians. Technicians in the photonics industry work with products and devices that span a broad range of industries, including manufacturing, communications, defense, homeland security, medical, information technology, energy, environmental monitoring, lighting, displays, entertainment, and more.

Program Overview

In the Photonics & Laser Technology program, students are first presented with a foundation of courses on electronics before introducing photonics and optics to their plan of study. Along with gaining a strong electronics background, students will spend more than 40% of their time in the lab training on a variety of industrial lasers and optical systems for an easy transition into the photonics workforce.

Personalized Experience

At Gallatin College MSU, a combination of small class sizes, hands-on education and training, and highly qualified instructors with relevant industry experience makes for a student-centered approach focused on success and goal fulfillment.

Optics & Photonics Hub

With synergy between Montana State's optics research and Bozeman's many amenities, the city has more than 30 optics companies employing a total of at least 800 high-tech workers.

Unique Opportunities

At Gallatin College MSU, students are offered hands-on experiences in labs, studios, teaching farms, and in the surrounding wilderness.

Career Resources

Within their first year of graduation, more than 96% of Montana State graduates are employed, continuing their education, or not seeking employment. Career guidance website Zippia consistently ranks MSU as the #1 school in the state where alumni are most likely to land jobs.

Career Coaching & Professional Skills Studio

Professional career coaches help students with their career exploration, employer networking opportunities, and job or internship searches. They also critique resumes and help students practice job interviews. Additionally, the Allen Yarnell Center for Student Success offers free workshops for students to develop the professional communication and collaboration skills that are highly sought after by employers.

Careers

Photonics & Laser Technology students at Gallatin College MSU go into careers such as:

• Electro-optics Technician
• Photonics Technician
• Laser Technician

Sample Course Plan

The following is a sample course plan for the Photonics & Laser Technology program:

Year One

Fall	Spring
PLTT 100 - Introduction to Photonics and Advanced Manufacturing	3
ETEC 101 - AC/DC Electronics with Lab	4
PHSX 103IN - The Physics of How Things Work	3
M 121Q - College Algebra	3
WRIT 121 - Introduction to Technical Writing or WRIT 101W - College Writing I	3
	PLTT 101 - Fundamentals of Light and Lasers	5
	ETEC 106 - AC Circuit Analysis	3
	ETEC 113 - Circuits Lab	1
	DDSN 135 - SolidWorks I	3
	COMX 222 - Professional Communication	3
Year Total: 16	15

Year Two

Fall	Spring
PLTT 201 - Laser Systems and Applications I	5
ETEC 250 - Solid State Electronics I	4
CAPP 156 - Microsoft Excel	3
Technical Elective	6
	PLTT 202 - Laser Systems and Applications II (Includes Topics in Optical Metrology)	5
	ETEC 245 - Digital Electronics	4
	MFTG 205 - Manufacturing Process	3
	PLTT 298 - Internship/Cooperative Education or Final Project	3
Year Total: 18	15

Total Program Credits: 64