Program Overview

Photonics & Optical Sciences

This innovative Duke master’s degree deepens your expertise in light-based technologies while developing your business knowledge and leadership skills. Prepare for a high-impact career in industry.

Train with Leaders in the Field

In every Duke Master of Engineering program, students take specialized technical courses alongside a core curriculum in business leadership and management. A required internship or project completes your degree, providing practical, contextual experience that enhances learning.

Cutting-Edge Research and Resources

Duke is home to the Fitzpatrick Institute for Photonics (FIP), where groundbreaking researchers are crafting solutions for light-based technologies. From making scalable quantum computing a reality to fighting cancer, FIP researchers are at the forefront of innovation. The expertise of FIP faculty is reflected in the courses offered through our Master of Engineering in Photonics and Optical Sciences.

Comprehensive Skill Development

As a Master of Engineering student, you will train with top experts in the optics field, combining classroom learning with essential business principles. Our graduates possess the technical knowledge to drive discoveries forward and the business acumen to bring significant advances to fruition.

Curriculum

Master of Engineering students complete Core Industry Preparatory Courses, an internship, three (3) technical electives (two of which will be selected from similar areas of concentration), and Departmental Requirements including:

• One (1) advanced mathematics course
• Two (2) optics/photonics courses
• One (1) technical optics/photonics course from the Department of Biomedical Engineering (BME) and one (1) from the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering (ECE)

Exceptional Opportunities

Duke provides unparalleled resources for graduate studies in photonics and optical sciences.

Fitzpatrick Institute for Photonics

An interdisciplinary effort at Duke to advance light-based technologies as solutions to important challenges

Carolinas Photonics Consortium

Near Duke, and the largest concentration of photonics-based resources in the United States.

FIP Corporate Partnership Program

Promotes technology transfer for regional economic development.