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The Holcombe Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Clemson University offers interdisciplinary graduate degree programs in optical engineering, photonics science, and laser technologies in collaboration with the Clemson University Graduate School and Center of Optical Material Science and Engineering Technologies (COMSET). These degree programs combine courses in optical engineering, engineering, physics, and material science to explore the fundamentals of light science and engineering. Our world-class faculty members and instructors are at the forefront of research in the areas of optical fiber, bio-photonics, meta-optics, high-powered lasers, semiconductor fabrication, optoelectronics, quantum materials and devices, and sensors and instrumentation.
Students applying to the M.S. in Photonic Science and Technology program select a thesis or non-thesis track. The 30-credit hour M.S.-thesis option requires eight 3-credit hour core courses, 6-credit hours of research, and a defense of a master’s thesis. The 33-credit hour MS-non-thesis option requires eight 3-credit hour core courses and three 3-credit hour technical elective courses. M.S. Photonic Science and Technology students can work with their advisor to select coursework related to their research interests and career goals in optical engineering, photonic science, and laser technologies.
The Ph.D. in Photonic Science and Technology program requires a minimum of 60 credit hours (24 credit hours of coursework + 36 credit hours of research). Ph.D. Photonic Science and Technology program faculty conduct research at the highest levels securing competitive federal grants and professional awards. Students admitted to the Photonic Science and Technology Ph.D. program will engage in cutting-edge research in the fields of optical engineering, photonic science, and laser technologies. Direct entry to the Ph.D. program is available for specially qualified candidates with a B.S. degree. Before applying for direct entry, contact us to determine your eligibility.
Admission is based on the applicant’s record of academic performance, standardized test scores, and letters of reference. Each applicant should highlight relevant work experience and detail academic goals and research interests in a written statement of purpose. Information on required undergraduate prerequisite courses can be found on the UG Course Requirements page.
FALL ENROLLMENT – February 1* is the priority deadline.
SPRING ENROLLMENT – October 1** is the priority deadline.
SUMMER ENROLLMENT – Students are only admitted to a summer term under special circumstances (e.g., recruited students with assistantship offers when agreed upon by the student and their faculty advisor). Any other student who applies for a summer term will be evaluated for Fall enrollment.
*Applications may be submitted after February 1 and will be reviewed on a rolling basis until May 1. Any application received after May 1 will be evaluated for Spring enrollment.
**Applications may be submitted after October 1 and will be reviewed on a rolling basis until November 1. Any application received after November 1 will be evaluated for Fall enrollment.
You can view the median test scores of admitted students by program offered at Clemson University. While we do not have a minimum GRE, TOEFL or GPA, we typically seek out applicants with scores in this general range of test scores. Our application review committee looks at all parts of the application to determine if you have the educational background to be successful in our program. Please note that our program has very high expectations of our applicants.
The following supporting materials are required for our graduate application package:
For more information, please see our FAQ section and our Graduate Student Handbook or contact our department at ecegrad@clemson.edu.