SCHOOL
Photonics & Laser Technology Program at Gallatin College MSU
Technicians in the growing in-demand field of laser, optics, and photonics technologies work in a wide range of industries including medical, IT, energy, entertainment, advanced manufacturing, communications, and defense. The hands-on training program in Photonics and Laser Technology at Gallatin College Montana State University (MSU), in Bozeman, Montana prepares photonics technicians for these roles. In just two years, students earn an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree where they learn the science of optics, fiber-optics, and lasers, including their integration into electronic and electro-optic systems. Interested in learning more? Click the “Reach Out” button below or click the Gallatin College logo above for more details about the program.
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What is Photonics?
It’s the future of all technology and it’s everywhere. It’s in the medical and manufacturing industries. It’s in defense and security, in our consumer electronics, telecommunications, and in entertainment. What do photonics technicians do? They use light to build these technologies and the devices that enable all of the products we use everyday in our lives. The optics and photonics industry is growing, and technicians are in high demand — in Bozeman and across the country.
Program
Gallatin College MSU Program Overview
The training program at Gallatin College MSU has a strong hands-on learning component, starting with a set of core electronics courses essential for success in photonics careers in the broader electro-optics industry. In their first year, students learn fundamental circuits and electronics concepts using equipment such as oscilloscopes and waveform generators. Optics and photonics are introduced in the second semester when the fundamentals of light and geometric optics are addressed. In the second year, students learn to build and characterize lasers and laser systems to prepare for a photonics-related career.
How students benefit from Gallatin College MSU’s Photonics and Laser Technology program:
Gallatin College MSU students have access to a wide range of MSU campus amenities, including health and wellness facilities, tutoring and career exploration services, and on-campus housing options.
Highly qualified instructors with relevant industry experience engage with students throughout the Gallatin College MSU program. Together with the college’s professional career coaches, they help students launch successful careers in optics, lasers, and photonics technologies.
Gallatin College MSU is fully plugged into the Bozeman region’s 30+ optics and photonics companies that together employ 800+ high-tech workers.
Graduates will be well prepared for a variety of careers in design and manufacturing, materials processing, communications, medical applications, semiconductor fabrication, optical systems, electronics, military applications, sales, and education.
The program instills essential workplace skills, including soft skills needed to communicate technical ideas, procedures, and results clearly in written, oral, and graphic formats.