Overview

The Optical Science and Engineering program of The University of North Carolina at Charlotte is administered through the Department of Physics and Optical Science. The purpose of the program is to educate scientists and engineers who will develop the next generation of optical technology.

Areas of Study

The program emphasizes basic and applied interdisciplinary education and research in the following specialties of optics:

Micro-optics and nanophotonics

Fiber and integrated optics

Optoelectronic materials and devices

Biomedical optics

Optical interferometry and metrology

Optical fabrication

Nanoscale imaging and spectroscopy

Adaptive optics

Optical communication

Novel light-matter interactions

Quantum optics

Optical sensors and measurements

Degree Requirements

The Master of Science degree with non-thesis option in Optical Science and Engineering is awarded for completion of formal coursework and demonstration of competency in the core curriculum.

The minimum requirement for the M.S. degree with non-thesis option is 32 credit hours beyond the baccalaureate degree. Each candidate for the M.S. degree with non-thesis option must complete the following and prepare a plan of study detailing how they intend to satisfy the 32 credit hour requirement.

The Master of Science degree in Optical Science and Engineering with thesis option is awarded for completion of scholarly research that advances the knowledge base in the field and is demonstrated by a successful thesis defense.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Mathematical Methods of Optical Science and Engineering

Principles of Geometrical Optics

Light Sources and Detectors

Electromagnetic Waves

Optical Properties of Materials

Physical Optics

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-08-18 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-08-01 00:00:00
Starting 2027-01-12 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00

Language

English

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115

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

32 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Charlotte, United States

Disciplines

Materials Science General Engineering & Technology View 231 other Masters in Materials Science in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

GRE^®

Required

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

115

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IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

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AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

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4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

A baccalaureate or master’s degree in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Engineering, Optics, or a related field
Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 overall and 3.0 (on a scale of 4.0) in the major
A minimum combined score of 293 on the verbal and quantitative portions of the GRE revised General Test
Positive letters of recommendation
Students may be required to take undergraduate courses determined by the Interdisciplinary Optics Program Committee on an individual basis; such courses will be specified at the time of admission into the program

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

20627 USD / year

≈ 20627 USD / year
Out-of-State

20627 USD / year

≈ 20627 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

4841 USD / year

≈ 4841 USD / year

Living costs

Charlotte

United States

1133 - 2060 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Optical Science and Engineering.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Areas of Study

Degree Requirements

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Charlotte

Financing

Funding

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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