University of California, Irvine - Division of Continuing Education
Online Certificate in Optical Engineering
Irvine, USA
Certificate
DURATION
18 months
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Apr 2026
TUITION FEES
USD 5,670
STUDY FORMAT
Distance Learning
Key Summary
About: The Online Certificate in Optical Engineering is designed for professionals seeking to expand their knowledge in optics and photonics.
This program covers key topics such as optical systems, imaging, and design principles, all delivered through a flexible online format.
Students engage with practical applications and theory, enhancing their skills in the optical engineering field.
Career Outcomes: Graduates from this program can pursue various careers in industries like telecommunications, manufacturing, and medical devices.
Potential roles include optical engineer, design engineer, and imaging scientist, providing a solid foundation for advancements in optical technology.
An increasing amount of today’s consumer, industrial, and business products incorporate optomechanical systems. These are essential to virtually every industry, including defense, medical, clean energy, nanotechnology, automotive, electronics, communications, entertainment, computers, and consumer products.
The Optical Engineering track addresses the growing demand for skilled professionals who can conceptualize, design, and manufacture optical components and systems. This track emphasizes lens design, radiometry (sources, optics, and detectors), and optical systems engineering.
Earn an Alternative Digital Credential
Successful completion of a qualifying assignment within select courses offers you the opportunity to earn an Alternative Digital Credential. Also referred to as a digital badge, an ADC is a virtual record of specific skills and competencies you have acquired and provides a verifiable way for you to share your educational achievements with employers, colleagues and others via social platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.
Course schedules are subject to change. Individual courses may be taken without enrolling in the full program.
Prerequisite Courses
Candidates should complete the prerequisite course or possess equivalent experience or education.
- Geometrical and Physical Optics
Required Courses
- Introduction to Lens Design
- Advanced Lens Design
- Optical Systems Engineering
Elective Courses
Choose a minimum of 2 courses
- Introduction to Fiber Optics
- Vibration Control for Optomechanical Systems
- Introduction to Radiometry: The Propagation and Measurement of Optical Radiant Energy
- Optomechanical Systems Engineering
- Gain useful insights and practical skills for designing and engineering optical components and systems
- Explore the latest technologies in optical engineering, including new optical materials and the latest cost-effective manufacturing techniques
- Understand and effectively communicate details of optical technical specifications to manufacturers and quality control personnel
- Develop skills with industry-standard optical software tools, such as Zemax (OpticStudio) Software
Who Should Enroll
The Optical Engineering track gives students the skills and experience needed to enter this growing field. The program will benefit entry and mid-level professionals who need to broaden their knowledge and improve their career options in this high-demand area.
In addition, UC Irvine also offers elective courses to provide an opportunity to develop specialized skills related to professional needs or personal interests.
Occupational summary for engineers in the United States.
- Jobs: 147,913 (2019)
- Projected Growth: 7.9% (2017-2027)
- Annual Salary: $70k-$126k (25th-75th Percentile)