An optical engineer designs and plans a variety of optical technologies, processes, and products based on his understanding of light’s properties. If you want to work as an optical engineer, you’ll most likely need to complete high school. If you want to pursue this career, you can go to college and earn a bachelor’s degree in optical engineering. While you can work as an optical engineer with a bachelor’s degree, you should also consider pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree. With an advanced degree, you may be able to find more jobs, earn more money, and advance your career.
In most cases, obtaining a high school diploma will be the first step toward becoming an optical engineer. Advanced science and math classes can help you prepare for college while you’re still in high school. Physics and chemistry classes, for example, may assist you in preparing for this position. Math classes like trigonometry, algebra, and calculus can help you build a strong math foundation that will help you later in college. You can prepare for this career earning a general educational development (GED) diploma instead of a high school diploma.
A bachelor’s degree in optical engineering would be ideal for you to pursue in college. However, some colleges do not offer this specific degree. As a result, you might need a bachelor’s degree in a related field. After earning a degree in electrical engineering or even physics, you could work as an optical engineer. In this case, however, you might want to consider pursuing an optics specialization to better prepare for this career.
In most cases, four years is all it takes to complete college and become an optical engineer. However, if you decide to pursue a master’s degree, you may need to devote an additional two years to your studies. A doctoral degree can also lengthen your studies three to five years.
Some engineering programs include internships or cooperative study opportunities. Such programs may assist you in gaining not only knowledge, but also practical skills that you can apply once you have a job. Whether or not you participate in such a program, you may be able to find work after graduation in a variety of industries, including cable television, telephone communication, and computer technology.