Community colleges worldwide are educating and training the workforce of tomorrow in fields such as photonics, optics, lasers, and more. Below is a partial listing of schools. Baker College Engineering Dept. 1050 West Bristol Road, Flint, MI 48507 +1 810-766-4000 www.baker.edu/academics/undergraduate-studies/college-of-engineering/photonics-and-laser-technology Degrees Offered: Associate The Photonics and laser technology associate degree program is designed to meet real-world needs. Classroom studies are combined with hands-on training in a state-of-the-art lab where students learn to build, test, modify, install, operate, calibrate, maintain, and repair laser and electro-optic devices. Students also have an internship opportunity, where they can apply their skills and gain experience in working with scientists and engineers in the field. Graduates are fully prepared to work as photonics technicians in any one of a number of industries, such as aerospace, agriculture, chemical, communications, lighting, construction, medicine, and manufacturing. Camden County College Photonics Dept. 200 College Drive,Blackwood, NJ 08012-0200 +1 856-227-7200 lchatman@camdencc.edu https://camdencc.edu/product/photonics-laserelectro-optic-technology/ Degrees Offered: Associate The school’s programs provide state-of-the-art training in laser/electro-optics and fiber optics technologies. These programs provide students with career opportunities in electro-optics, lasers, and telecommunications areas. The laser/electro-optic technology program offers technical theory, expert knowledge of different laser systems and safety regulations, and hands-on experience to prepare for careers in research, manufacturing, maintenance, troubleshooting, alignment, and testing of laser/optic equipment. The fiber optics program provides hands-on training and technical theory, covering aspects of optical waveguides, fiber optic sensors, accompanying measurement, and other equipment. Central Carolina Community College Engineering Dept. 1075 East Cornelius Harnett Blvd., Lillington, NC 27546-7672 +1 910-814-8828 gbeasley@ccc.edu www.cccc.edu/curriculum/majors/lasersphotonics/ Degrees Offered: Associate Central Carolina offers an associate degree in applied science, focusing on laser and photonics technology. This high-tech program includes instruction on understanding the application of electronic, fiber optic, photonic, and laser principles. An emphasis on hands-on learning prepares students for real-world projects and practical applications. Cincinnati State Technical and Community College Electro-Mechanical Engineering Technology/Laser (EMETL) Clifton Campus, 3520 Central Parkway, Cincinnati, OH 45223-2690 +1 513-569-1428 lawrence.feist@cincinnatistate.edu www.cincinnatistate.edu Degrees Offered: Associate The EMETL program prepares students to successfully begin careers and advance professionally in local and national industries that utilize lasers and electro-optics systems. Students work with laser materials processing systems, and they operate and troubleshoot optical systems, such as lasers, lens systems, and fiber optics. Graduates can support industrial equipment in automated manufacturing and research environments, and they are also prepared to pursue a bachelor’s degree in electromechanical engineering or related fields. College of Lake County Laser/Photonics/Optics program 19351 W. Washington St., Grayslake, IL 60030 +1 847-543-2000 bkellerhals@clcillinois.edu www.clcillinois.edu/programs/lpo Degrees Offered: Certificate, Associate This program offers an associate degree in applied science and three certificate options, all to prepare students for positions as photonics technicians installing and troubleshooting lasers, optical systems, fiber optic devices, telecommunications equipment, photonics manufacturing equipment, and simple control systems. Courses cover the fundamentals of light, lasers, photonics and laser applications, AC and DC circuits, electronic lab techniques, and technical math. Idaho State University Robotics and Communication Systems Engineering Technology 921 S. 8th Ave., Pocatello, ID 83209 +1 208-282-2622 ctech@isu.edu www.isu.edu/robotics/ Degrees Offered: Certificate, Associate Students in robotics and communication systems engineering technology programs are educated and trained for careers as electronic systems technicians. Such positions could include conducting research, making repairs, software development, semiconductor testing, lasers and optics, national defense, and telecommunications. Indian Hills Community College Advanced Technology Center 525 Grandview Ave., Ottumwa, IA 52501 +1 641-683-5111 Michael.Shay@indianhills.edu www.indianhills.edu/academics/tech/laser.php Degrees Offered: Associate The laser and optics technology program features electronic technician courses and training, offering the skills necessary to begin a career in the lasers field. Students spend nearly half of their time in these programs in the lab, working with industrial laser systems. Upon graduating, they are prepared for careers in engineering support, technical sales, manufacturing, and maintenance. Indian River State College Electronics Engineering Technology 3209 Virginia Ave., Fort Pierce, FL 34981 +1 772-462-7621 RPIRecruiter@irsc.edu www.irsc.edu Degrees Offered: Certificate, Associate The associate degree program in electronics engineering technology offers courses that focus on lasers, optics, fiber optics, robotics, automation, and basic electronics. A certificate program in lasers and photonics is aimed at working technicians who need to update their knowledge and skills in these areas. The school also offers a certificate program in solar energy for those who are interested in learning how to install solar thermal and solar photovoltaic systems. Irvine Valley College School of Physical Sciences and Technologies Advanced Technology Education Park, 15445 Lansdowne Road, Tustin, CA 92782 +1 949-451-5561 IVCphotonics@ivc.edu http://academics.ivc.edu/physci/Pages/default.aspx Degrees Offered: Associate There are new courses here, based on the industry-guided photonics curricula written by the National Center for Optics and Photonics Education (OPTEC). Programs provide hands-on, laboratory-driven classes that utilize state-of-the-art industrial equipment. And now the school’s Photonics Initiative team is collaborating with regional companies that manufacture advanced photonics devices or use photonics in engineering applications, from laser surgery to homeland security. This initiative is designed to create a career path to employment via internships and industry-guided coursework. Lake Washington Institute of Technology Electronics Technology Kirkland Campus, 11605 132nd Ave. NE, Kirkland, WA 98034 +1 425-739-8343 electronics@LWTech.edu www.lwtech.edu/academics/electronics-technology/ Degrees Offered: Associate The school offers programs in electronics technology through advanced electronics principles and applications. Graduates are able to utilize the skills learned in these programs to enter into the electronics manufacturing industry as assemblers, inspectors, managers, and testers, or into any high-tech industry. Minnesota State College Southeast Electronics Technology and Biomedical Equipment Technology 1250 Homer Road, Winona, MN 55987 +1 507-453-2700 www.southeastmn.edu/ Degrees Offered: Associate The school offers programs in electronics technology that provide students with a broad spectrum of career opportunities. Instructors stay up to date in the electronics field, and current technology is implemented in the curriculum. Monroe Community College Optical Systems Technology Brighton Campus, 1000 E. Henrietta Road, Rochester, NY 14623 +1 585-292-2002 admissions@monroecc.edu www.monroecc.edu/academics/majors-programs/stem/optical-systems-technology-associate-degree/ Degrees Offered: Associate The optical systems technology associate degree provides a direct path to employment in the high-tech optics industry. The school offers this in collaboration with the Corning Inc. Foundation, which supports STEM education programs. This degree program arms students with the advanced training needed to move directly into the workforce as an optical systems technician. In such programs, students gain practical, hands-on experience with state-of-the-art optical systems used in the industry. Niagara College Photonics Engineering Technology 100 Niagara College Blvd., Welland, Ontario (Canada) L3C 7L3 +1 905-735-2211 amcglashan@niagaracollege.ca www.niagaracollege.ca/technology-studies/programs/photonics-engineering-technology Degrees Offered: Certificate, Associate The photonics engineering technology program offers dedicated photonic and microelectronic laboratories, and a teaching cleanroom facility. Students gain skills in lasers, optical, electro-optical, and vacuum technologies. North Central State College Integrated Engineering Technology 2441 Kenwood Circle, Mansfield, OH 44906 +1 419-755-4710V cbarker@ncstatecollege.edu www.ncstatecollege.edu/cms/degrees/integrated-engineering Degrees Offered: Certificate, Associate The integrated engineering technology program readies students to diagnose and repair industrial equipment problems using proper technical assessment and core mechanical and electrical skills. The program provides students with a base knowledge in advanced skills, such as programmable logic controllers (PLC), mechanical drive systems, hydraulic/pneumatic systems, electronics and digital applications, robotics, and process control. Northwestern Michigan College Engineering Technology 1701 E. Front St., Traverse City, MI 49686 +1 231-995-1215 ebailey@nmc.edu www.nmc.edu/programs/academic-programs/engineering-technology/catalog-photonics.html Degrees Offered: Associate Northwestern Michigan College offers an engineering technology degree, which features a broad-based curriculum across all areas of technical education. This prepares graduates for emerging job markets and highly technical fields. The degree program is designed for students to focus on areas of interest or specialize in one of seven technical concentrations — automation and robotics, computers, electronics, marine, photonics, unmanned aerial systems, and unmanned ground vehicles. Pima Community College Engineering Dept. West Campus, 4905 E. Broadway Blvd., Tucson, AZ 85709-1010 +1 520-206-2120 infocenter@pima.edu www.pima.edu/programs-courses/credit-programs-degrees/science/engineering/index.html Degrees Offered: Associate The engineering program offers an associate degree, with an optical engineering concentration. Puerto Rico Photonics Institute Universidad Metropolitana School of Environmental Affairs, 1399 Avenida Ana G. Méndez, San Juan, PR 00926-2602 +1 787-766-1717 prpi@suagm.edu http://umet.suagm.edu/prpi Degrees Offered: Certificate, Associate The Puerto Rico Photonics Institute prepares students for work in optics and lasers in industries of high demand, such as aerospace, medical devices, nanotechnology, manufacturing, communications, and biotechnology. Quinsigamond Community College Electronics Engineering Technology 670 West Boylston St., Worcester, MA 01606 +1 508-854-4262 electronics@qcc.mass.edu www.qcc.edu/academics/engineering-and-engineering-technology/electronics-engineering-technology-photonics-option Degrees Offered: Certificate, Associate The photonics option in electronics engineering technology prepares students for careers as photonics technicians and/or electronics technicians with photonics experience. These technicians build, test, troubleshoot, and maintain systems involving lasers, fiber optics, and other electro-optical components. Students also can build a foundation of knowledge that forms the basis for further study in electronics and photonics. San Jose City College Laser Technology Dept. 2100 Moorpark Ave., San Jose, CA 95128-2799 +1 408-288-3798 maricela.martinez@sjcc.edu www.sjcc.edu/academics/departments-divisions/laser-technology Degrees Offered: Certificate, Associate The laser technology program ensures that students learn what employers need. Open-entry courses are specifically designed to prepare students for an entry-level technician job. Laser technology certificate and associate degrees are offered. Spokane Community College Electronics Engineering Technician Program 1810 N. Greene St., Spokane, WA 99217-5399 +1 509-533-7133 judy.irwin@scc.spokane.edu https://scc.spokane.edu/What-to-Study/STEM/Electronics/Electronics-Engineering Degrees Offered: Certificate, Associate SCC offers an electronics engineering technician-AAS degree, which includes photonics theory and lab classes based on curricula written by the National Center for Optics and Photonics Education (OPTEC). Other classes in the program focus on communications, fiber optics, the Internet of Things, microprocessors and DSP, computer systems, and digital concepts. Graduates are prepared for careers with electronic equipment manufacturers, medical equipment manufacturers, service and repair companies, and hospitals. Classes are designed to provide the skills necessary to help engineers design and develop new electronic products, and evaluate, test, troubleshoot, and repair existing products. Springfield Technical Community College Optics and Photonics-LEOT 1 Armory Square, P.O. Box 9000, Springfield, MA 01102-9000 +1 413-755-4544 bigos@stcc.edu www.stcc.edu Degrees Offered: Certificate, Associate STCC’s LEOT program provides students with a solid working knowledge in a broad range of photonics areas, including laser systems, electronics, optics, electro-optics, and fiber optics. Classroom lectures are supplemented with hands-on laboratory experiences and real-world activities designed to develop and enhance students’ problem-solving and critical thinking skills. Graduates of this program work in a variety of companies involved in making lasers, integrating lasers into other products and systems, and conducting research and development on next-generation laser-based applications. State Technical College of Missouri Electronics Engineering Technology Dept. One Technology Drive, Linn, MO 65051 +1 573-897-5227 drew.collins@statetechmo.edu www.statetechmo.edu/programs/industrialtech/eet/ Degrees Offered: Certificate, Associate The electronics engineering technology program prepares graduates to fill diverse roles in building and maintaining electronic circuits. A broad curriculum that includes the principles of electricity, digital communications, and industrial electronics ensures graduates are equipped with the skills necessary for challenging entry-level positions in a variety of industries. Students have the opportunity to earn industry-recognized certifications from the Society of Manufacturing Engineers. Those who pursue the degree also can pursue a certificate in biomedical equipment technology. Texas State Technical College Laser Electro-Optics Technology 3801 Campus Drive, Waco, TX 76705 +1 254-799-3611 jason.kleypas@tstc.edu www.waco.tstc.edu/programs/LaserElectroOptics Degrees Offered: Associate In the college’s state-of-the-art cleanroom and equipment facility, students receive hands-on training on vacuum systems, electronic support systems, lasers and optics, semiconductors, and more. The program provides the skills necessary to succeed in the photonics and laser fields, in industries including manufacturing, biomedicine and health care, communications, engineering, information technology, semiconductor manufacturing, and fiber optics, and with agencies such as NASA and the U.S. Department of Defense. Three Rivers Community College Laser and Fiber Optic Technology 574 New London Turnpike, Norwich, CT 06360 +1 860-215-9000 mgentry@threerivers.edu www.threerivers.edu Degrees Offered: Certificate, Associate The school offers associate degree and certificate programs in laser and fiber optic technology. Students receive practical, hands-on training. Credit, noncredit, and online courses are available. University of Hawaii Maui College Electronic & Computer Engineering Technology (ECET) 310 W. Ka’ahumanu Ave., Kahului, HI 96732 +1 808-984-3706 edubuit@hawaii.edu www.maui.hawaii.edu/ecet Degrees Offered: Certificate, Associate Maui College’s ECET program prepares students for careers in such high-technology industries as electronics/electro-optics, renewable energy, telecom, and network system administration. Students can complete the associate in science degree in ECET in two years, or extend their time in the engineering technology program to earn a bachelor’s degree in applied science. Valencia College Electronics Engineering Technology Dept. 1800 South Kirkman Road, Orlando, FL 32811 +1 407-299-5000 rbunea@valenciacollege.com http://net1.valenciacollege.edu/future-students/degree-options/associates/electronics-engineering-technology/ Degrees Offered: Associate The electronics engineering technology associate in science degree program prepares students for specialized careers in electronics. It transforms students into highly skilled technicians capable of assisting in the design, production, operation, and servicing of electronics, lasers and photonics, robotics and mechatronics, and telecommunication and wireless systems.