Keene State Offerings in Optics
KSC Currently offers a suite of courses in the areas of optics designed in consultation with our regional optics industry partners. These include courses covering Intro to Optics, Laser Optics, Thin Film for Optics, and Ultra-Precision Manufacturing using Diamond Turning.
Current Courses Decriptions
Intro to Optics (4 Credits)
An introduction to optics in our world and investigating everyday optical phenomena through exploratory learning. Using hands on activities in the classroom and real world industry problems, students will learn the fundamentals of optical systems including lenses, mirrors, ray optics, spectroscopy, color theory, diffraction, interferometry, IR Imaging, polarization and more!
Offered: All, Every Year
Laser Optics (2 Credits)
Applications and use of lasers in the fields of optics. Topics include properties of light, optical handling and positioning, light sources and laser safety, geometric and physical objects, principles and applications of lasers. Basic knowledge of algebra, trigonometry, exponentials and logarithms expected. Partially satisfies IN requirement.
Offered: All, Every Year
Thin Film in Optics (2 Credits)
A two-credit course exploring light and interference found in nature and applications in current technology. Students will study the wave properties of light and interference in thin films, thin film deposition techniques, vacuum systems, interference filters, spectroscopic analysis and applications. Partially satisfies IN requirement.
Offered: All, Every Year
Ultra-Precision Manufacturing (4 Credits)
Explore the fascinating world of Ultra-Precision Manufacturing used to make optical systems and extremely-precise components for Advanced Research, Medical, Automotive, Communication and Aerospace applications. Learn this technologys evolution and role in our economy. Gain hands-on experience in modern diamond-turning, creating and measuring with ultra-precision while obtaining in-demand skills and knowledge.
Offered: Spring, Every Year
Coming Soon!
KSC One-Year Precision Optics Certificate Program
With anticipated start in the fall of 2025, KSC is excited to launch a 1-year certificate program in Precision Optics. This program will prepare students to be workforce ready with critical skills in high demand in our state, region, and country. Students will have the opportunity to participate in a local internship in the ever-growing field of optics, or to continue their education at KSC in a four year program track.
What to Expect from Completing the One-Year Optics Program at Keene State
As a graduate of our one-year certification program, you’ll be able to apply the foundational knowledge and skills of optics - including lenses, mirrors, interference, lasers, interactions with matter and related phenomena. You’ll also understand their diverse industrial uses in areas such as imaging, metrology, biomedical, telecommunications, laser technology, remote sensing, and spectroscopy.
Additionally, in your program you will:
- Gain experience with shaping, coating, and verifying optical components.
- Operate precision machinery for optics production.
- Apply metrology skills in inspection and evaluation.
- Safely operate and maintain lasers and photonic devices.
- Learn to exhibit professionalism in your career in the optical industry.
Career Opportunities
Today, the demand for Optics professionals is exploding, with wide-ranging career opportunities in cutting-edge technologies and applications. See first-hand examples of people working in these industries.
Keene is surrounded by a robost precision optics industrial network, with many rapidly growing companies looking for new, skilled employees. Students can participate in internships within our regional network and explore what optics areas are exciting to them.
Read more stories of Optics professionals.
Most major technological advancements of the future, are either directly related to the use of optics or optical systems, or indirectly related to optics technology.
Want to Learn More?
Complete the form below to learn more about our Precision Optics programs.