Join the high-technology workforce with a degree in Electronics Engineering Technology – Photonics Option. Develop skills in electronics, optics, lasers, and robotics that are in high demand in today’s technology-driven workplace.

Program Overview

What Will You Learn?

Associate of Science

This program prepares you to successfully enter the workforce upon graduation. Through hands-on activities in our state-of-the-art laboratories, you will learn the skills needed for a rewarding career in Photonics.

Cost

In-State Tuition: $223/credit

Out-of-State / International Tuition: $429/credit

Some programs have additional program fees

Timeline

4 Semesters

62-64 credits

Learn Online

This program may be completed less than 50% online.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED/HiSET.

Locations

  • This program may be completed at QCC Worcester (Main Campus).
  • This program may be completed face-to-face.

Connections

The following program(s) have connections that can be completed alongside or applied to this program:

Certificate

Electronics Engineering Technology - Photonics Certificate

Join the high-technology workforce with a certificate in Photonics. Develop skills in optics, lasers and electronics that are in high demand in today’s technology-driven workplace.
Certificate

Electronics Engineering Technology - Electronics Technology Certificate

Join the high-technology workforce with a certificate in Electronics Technology. Develop entry-level skills in electronics that are in high demand in today’s technology-driven workplace.

Career Stats

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More Info
Course TitleCourse #Semester OfferedCreditsPrerequisites

Semester 1

  • Apply and get accepted to this program (Program Code: EEPH).
  • Register for and successfully complete all courses to graduate in four semesters.
  • Complete ELT 103 and ELT 121.
  • Complete ENG 101.
  • MAT 147 and MAT 148 recommended if primary goal is employment; MAT 123 and MAT 124 recommended for transfer.
Windows Client Operating SystemsCSC 141F/S/SU4 
DC and AC CircuitsELT 103F/S4Placement into college level English, MAT 095 with a grade of “C” or higher or approp place score
Digital CircuitsELT 121F/S4Placement into college level English, MAT 095 with a grade of “C” or higher or approp place score
Composition IENG 101F/S/SU3Placement into college level English
College Mathematics I: Pre-Calculus ORMAT 123F/S/SU3-4MAT 100 or approp place score
Mathematics for Technicians IMAT 147F/SUMAT 095 with a grade of “C” or higher or approp place score
  Total18-19 

Semester 2

  • Meet with Career Services to discuss the co-op process and leads for co-op placements.
  • If considering transfer, meet with a Transfer Services Advisor. See www.QCC.edu/transfer.
  • Complete ELT 104 and ELT 130.
Networking TechnologiesCSC 234F/S/SU4Coreq: CSC 141
Electronic DevicesELT 104F/S4ELT 103
Embedded MicrocontrollersELT 130F/S4ELT 103, ELT 121
College Mathematics II: Trigonometry ORMAT 124F/S/SU3-4MAT 123 or approp place score
Mathematics for Technicians IIMAT 148S/SUMAT 147
  Total15-16 

Semester 3

  • Meet with Program Coordinator to discuss readiness for EET 299.
  • Contact Career Services to complete all requirements of CPS 298 (required prior to registration for EET 299). See www.QCC.edu/career-services.
  • If considering transfer, meet with representatives of four-year schools to discuss/begin the transfer application process; or create an account on the QCC job board to search for internships, co-ops and jobs.
  • Complete ENG 102 or ENG 105; ENG 105 recommended if primary goal is employment after graduation.
Pre Cooperative Education SeminarCPS 298F/S0 
Instrumentation and Control TechnologyELM 251F/S4ELT 104, ELT 121
Introduction to PhotonicsELT 120F4Placement into college level English, MAT 095 with a grade of “C” or higher or approp place score
Composition II ORENG 102F/S/SU3ENG 101
Technical WritingENG 105F/S
Lab Science Elective---F/S/SU4 
  Total15 

Semester 4

  • Continue with/complete the transfer application process; or if seeking employment, meet with Career Services for career readiness preparation and to learn more about QCC’s job board.
  • Complete EET 299 (with Program Coordinator approval).
  • Submit an Intent to Graduate Form, located on The Q.
Cooperative Work ExperienceEET 299F/S/SU3CPS 298, Approval of Program Coordinator
Photonics TechnologyELT 222S4ELT 120
ELT or ELM Program Elective---F/S/SU4 
Social Science Elective---F/S/SU3 
  Total14 
Total Credits Required:  62-64 

Program Goals:

The goal of the Electronics Engineering Technology - Photonics Option is to prepare students for careers as photonics technicians and/or electronics technicians with photonics experience. Photonics technicians build, test, troubleshoot, and maintain systems involving lasers, fiber optics, and other electro-optical components. This is an exciting, dynamic career field that is projected to grow steadily as new photonics applications are developed to support manufacturing, telecommunications, medical devices and systems, security systems, clean energy systems, research, etc. Students also build a foundation of knowledge that forms the basis for further study in electronics and photonics.

Student Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of the program, graduates will be able to:

  • Given schematics, wiring diagrams, mechanical drawings, and/or instructions, build and test electronic and electronically-controlled systems.
  • Use multimeters, oscilloscopes, power supplies, and function generators to analyze and troubleshoot circuits.
  • Apply the concepts and methods of mathematics to the solution of technical problems.
  • Assemble electronic systems using proper soldering and wiring techniques.
  • Analyze problems involving photonics applications, and propose and evaluate solutions.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of electro-optical systems, such as lasers.
  • Troubleshoot and repair electro-optic and photonic systems.
  • Troubleshoot and configure computer networks.
  • Communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
  • Write technical reports using a word processor.
  • Collect, sort, and analyze data using a spreadsheet.
  • Work effectively as a member of a team toward the solution of problems.

Admissions Process:

Admissions inquiries should be directed to admissions@qcc.mass.edu. Prospective students may apply to the program of their choice by following the enrollment steps at www.QCC.edu/enrollment-steps.

Program Admissions Requirements:

Students should note that some first semester courses carry minimum prerequisites. Refer to the program grid.

  • High School Diploma or GED/HiSET.

CORI, SORI, Finger Printing & Drug Testing:

Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) and Sex Offender Registry Information (SORI) checks may be required of students enrolled in EET 299. Fingerprinting and drug testing may be required of students enrolled in EET 299.

Additional Cost:

See the Program Fees page.

Technical Performance Standards:

See the Technical Performance Standards page. (Note: Not all programs have technical performance standards).

Credit for Prior Learning:

Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) allows students to use skills they already have towards a college degree or certificate. Work, life, volunteer and military experience may be translated into credit, allowing students to take fewer classes and earn their degree faster. CPL eliminates redundancies for students who have already earned credentials or mastered skills required for their program of study. Email experience@qcc.mass.edu for more information and eligibility.

Career Outlook:

Please consult the Massachusetts Career Information System at https://masscis.intocareers.org/ or the Occupational Outlook Handbook at www.bls.gov/ooh/ for specific occupational information. The CIP code for this program is 15.0304.

Transfer Articulations & Opportunities:

Prospective students may learn more about transfer articulation agreements at www.QCC.edu/agreements. More information regarding transfer opportunities is available at www.QCC.edu/transfer.