Documents to be Submitted for Admission

1. UNC Charlotte online application for graduate admission.
2. Official GRE scores.
3. Official TOEFL scores (if the previous degree was from a country where English is not the official language).
4. Unofficial transcripts from all colleges and universities attended should be uploaded to the application. (Applicants offered admission will be required to submit official transcripts.)
5. A minimum of three letters of reference.
6. A Statement of Purpose essay detailing the applicant’s motivation and career goals.

Additional Admission Requirements

All applicants seeking admission into the M.S. in Optical Science and Engineering program must fulfill the University’s general requirements for graduate admission at the Master’s level. Additional requirements for admission into the program are:

1. A baccalaureate or master’s degree in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Engineering, Optics, Computer Science, or a related field with a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 overall and 3.0 (A = 4.0) in the major.
2. A minimal combined score of 1000 on the verbal and quantitative portions of the GRE General Test (tests taken prior to August 1, 2011). A minimum combined score of 293 on the verbal and quantitative portions of the GRE revised General Test (tests taken on or after August 1, 2011).
3. A minimum score of 220 (computer-based test) or 557 (paper-based test) or 83 (Internet-based test)) on the TOEFL if the previous degree was from a country where English is not the official language.
4. Positive letters of recommendation.
5. Students may be required to take undergraduate courses determined by the Optics Program Committee on an individual basis. Such courses will be specified at the time of admission into the program.

Degree Requirements

The degree of Master of Science in Optical Science and Engineering with the thesis option is awarded for completion of scholarly research that advances the knowledge base in the field of that research. Evidence of this is demonstrated by a successful thesis defense. The degree of Master of Science in Optical Science and Engineering with the non-thesis option is awarded for completion of formal coursework. Additionally, recipients of this degree should demonstrate mastery of relevant subject matter and a potential for success, usually in a position with government or industry.

The minimum requirement for the M.S. in Optical Science and Engineering degree is 32 credit hours beyond the baccalaureate degree. For the thesis option, the requirement includes a minimum of 21 credit hours of formal coursework, a minimum of 9 credit hours of thesis research, and 2 credit hours of seminar (OPTI 6110 ). For the non-thesis option, the requirement includes a minimum of 30 credit hours of formal coursework and 2 credit hours of seminar (OPTI 6110 ). Both options must include at least 15 credit hours in approved courses having an OPTI prefix.

All graduates of the program must demonstrate competency in the Core Curriculum. Students may demonstrate competency in the subject matter of the Core Curriculum by earning a grade of Pass on each of the five sections of a comprehensive qualifying examination. Each section of the comprehensive examination is based on subject matter in one of the five courses comprising the Core Curriculum. Students who do not receive a grade of Pass on a given section of the comprehensive examination must enroll in the corresponding Core Curriculum course. Students demonstrate competency in the Core Curriculum by passing the comprehensive examination or by earning a grade of B or above in those core courses not passed during the comprehensive examination.

Well-prepared students may earn a grade of pass on one or more of the five sections of the comprehensive examination. In those cases, credit hours that would have been earned in the courses, upon which the sections passed were based, may be replaced by credit hours in other electives approved by the student’s Advisory Committee and the Optics Program Director.

A student in the M.S. program must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 in all coursework attempted for the degree. An accumulation of two C grades will result in suspension from the program. A grade of U earned in any course will result in suspension from the program. An accumulation of three C grades or two U grades will result in termination from the program.

Qualifier and Admission to Candidacy

All graduates of the program must demonstrate competency in the Core Curriculum. Students in the thesis program must prepare a Plan of Study before the end of the second semester following admission to the program. The Plan of Study must be approved by the Advisory Committee.

Residency Requirement

The student must satisfy the residence requirement for the program by completing 12 credit hours of continuous enrollment in coursework/thesis credit. Residence is considered continuous if the student is enrolled in one or more courses in successive semesters until 12 credit hours are earned.

Time Limit for Completion of Program Requirements

All program requirements must be completed within 5 calendar years from the date the student is admitted into the program.

Transfer Credit Accepted

Up to 6 credit hours of approved coursework may be transferred from other accredited master’s and doctoral programs. Only courses in which the student earned a grade of B or above (or its equivalent) can be transferred. No more than 6 credit hours of approved coursework taken as a post-baccalaureate student may be applied toward the degree. Credit for thesis research cannot be transferred.

Assistantships

Support for beginning graduate students is usually a teaching assistantship. Continuing students are often supported by research assistantships.

Language Requirement

The program has no language requirement.

Thesis Option

After successful completion of the Core Curriculum requirement and approval of the Plan of Study, the student will prepare a Research Plan for the thesis that is approved by the Advisory Committee. The Research Plan must demonstrate: (a) the student’s knowledge of the relevant literature base, (b) knowledge of the specific research problems and methods of studies, and (c) a research plan that, if successfully completed, will lead to an approved thesis. The student must present a written plan to the Advisory Committee. The student must also make an oral defense of the Research Plan at a presentation before the Advisory Committee.

After successfully demonstrating competency in the Core Curriculum, preparation of an approved Plan of Study, and approval of the Research Plan by the Advisory Committee, the student is admitted to candidacy. The qualifier, as described, must be completed within two years following admission to the program. A full-time student is normally expected to complete the qualifier prior to the end of the third semester following admission to the program.

Non-Thesis Option

After successfully demonstrating competency in the Core Curriculum, the student is admitted to candidacy. All courses used to satisfy the degree requirements must be approved by the Optics Program Director.