Master of Science [M.S] [Optics] From Montana State University

The Optics and Photonics degree is distinct from the other graduate degrees offered by the participating departments because it requires interdisciplinary coursework involving at least two of the departments.

The interdisciplinary program of study allows students to emphasize optics theory and applications in more depth than is possible through degrees in the traditional disciplines.

Each optics student will be mentored by a graduate advisor from the faculty of one of the three participating departments, and a graduate supervisory committee made up of faculty from at least two of the three departments in the cooperative program.

The M.S. Plan A requires completion of an acceptable research-based Thesis describing independent research performed by the student with guidance from the advisor and graduate supervisory committee.

The Thesis involves considerable effort on the part of the student, and must generate results that are of sufficient quality and significance to be reported in a national or international conference paper or presentation.

The Master's Thesis often serves as the basis for a peer-reviewed manuscript for an archival journal or book chapter.