Design advanced measurement systems with explicit uncertainty and quality controls
Degree Program
Electrical, Sensing & Photonic Systems
Electrical, Sensing & Photonic SystemsDegree Program · Physical Sciences & Engineering
Photonics, Measurement & Materials
Advanced work in optical sensing, spectroscopy, imaging, materials characterization, instrumentation, calibration, and analytical systems.
Program purpose
Master of Science
Students connect physical principles to instrument architecture and rigorous measurement across research, materials, cultural heritage, environmental, and engineering applications.
Learning outcomes
What graduates are prepared to do
Program outcomes connect disciplinary knowledge to methods, judgment, communication, and independently evaluated work.
Apply photonic and materials methods to research questions
Evaluate instrument performance, calibration, and analytical limits
Produce a thesis, validated method, or technical system
Curriculum architecture
How the pathway is organized
Coursework progresses from foundations to methods, integration, and a culminating demonstration of capability.
Foundations
Build the knowledge, skills, and mindset for inquiry.
Application
Apply methods and tools to real-world questions.
Integration
Synthesize across disciplines and perspectives.
Demonstration
Produce and present work that creates impact.
- 01
Advanced optics and photonics
- 02
Materials characterization and analytical instrumentation
- 03
Signal, noise, calibration, and data systems
- 04
Research design and laboratory quality
- 05
Thesis or technical project
Course sequence
Selected curriculum
OPT-330
Photonics & Optical Sensing
Examines light, optical systems, detectors, spectroscopy, imaging, and photonic sensing for scientific and engineering applications.
- Requirement
- Core
- Credits
- 3.0
Materials Characterization
Introduces structure-property relationships and analytical approaches to metals, ceramics, polymers, composites, geological, and cultural materials.
- Requirement
- Core
- Credits
- 3.0
Archaeometry & XRF Methods
Applies non-destructive and minimally destructive analytical methods to archaeological materials, provenance questions, technology, and conservation documentation.
- Requirement
- Core
- Credits
- 3.0
Electronics, Sensors & Data Acquisition
Builds practical foundations in circuits, analog and digital sensing, embedded systems, signal conditioning, and reliable data acquisition.
- Requirement
- Core
- Credits
- 3.0
Research Computing & Visualization
Uses computational notebooks, scripting, visualization, statistical workflows, and research software practices to analyze and communicate complex evidence.
- Requirement
- Core
- Credits
- 3.0
Quantum Foundations & Contextuality
Examines foundational quantum concepts, measurement, contextuality, symmetry, information, interpretation, and responsible interdisciplinary use.
- Requirement
- Core
- Credits
- 3.0
Learning environments
Field, laboratory & studio work
- Optics and photonics laboratory
- Materials and archaeometry laboratory
- Electronics and data acquisition
- Research computing
Professional directions
Where the capability can lead
- Photonics and optical engineering
- Scientific instrumentation
- Materials analysis
- Laboratory research and operations
- Doctoral study
Culminating work
Capstone, thesis, dissertation, or professional demonstration
A thesis or technical project develops or validates an optical, analytical, or materials measurement system or method.
Admissions preparation
Materials and background
Admissions review considers preparation, purpose, prior work, and the fit between the applicant’s goals and the program.
Bachelor’s degree or recognized equivalent
Academic records and evidence of disciplinary or methodological preparation
Statement of purpose identifying questions, methods, and intended outcomes
Writing, research, technical, or professional sample
Two academic or professional recommendations
Next step
Connect this pathway to your academic goals.
Request information for a focused conversation or begin an application through the Stella Nova Student Information System.