Gallatin College - Montana State University, Bozeman, MT

Montana offers one of the highest per capita densities of optics and photonics institutions in the U.S (www.montanaphotonics.org). To meet the ever-growing technician workforce demands of this local cluster (and the nation), Gallatin College offers an Associate of Applied Science Degree (AAS) in Photonics and Laser Technology to develop highly-trained photonics/electro-optic technicians. Located in beautiful Bozeman, MT Gallatin College - MSU is Southwest Montana’s two-year college. Gallatin College complements the four-year programs at Montana State University and ensures access to workforce development that promotes a vibrant local economy. Since the Photonics and Laser Technology program’s recent inception in the Fall of 2016 two cohorts made up of 15 total technicians have graduated and all are working and excelling in the local photonics industry. Companies that have hired graduates of this program include: Lumibird/Quantel Laser, Aurora Innovations, Quantum Composers, FLIR Systems, Resonon and many more. 
Associate of Applied Science in Photonics and Laser Technology
Students completing the AAS in Photonics and Laser Technology from Gallatin College will learn the scientific principles of electronics, photonics and advanced manufacturing.  This includes a focus on AC/DC, solid-state and digital electronics as well as the fundamentals of light and lasers, laser systems, and associated applications and advanced manufacturing techniques. 

This training will prepare students to become photonics/electro-optic technicians who work on products or devices used in manufacturing, communications, defense, homeland security, medical, information technology, energy, environmental monitoring, lighting, displays, and entertainment.

A large portion of the electronics and photonics curriculum is hands-on where students spend a majority of their time working in a laboratory environment to apply their theoretical knowledge and master the use of relevant test and measurement equipment to construct and troubleshoot advanced electro-optic systems.
Skills of AAS degree graduates
  • Demonstrate the ability to excel as technicians in the electronics, optics, laser, and photonics support fields.
  • Students will have an overall knowledge in laser systems, electronics, optics and electro-optics/photonics.
  • Student will have a demonstrated knowledge in the fundamentals of light and lasers that includes the nature of light, geometric optics, wave optics, optical components, opto-mechanical components and positioning equipment, physics of lasers and laser operation, fibers and fiber optics, and overall laser safety.
  • Students will have a demonstrated knowledge in electronics that includes AC/DC electronics, electronic components and circuitry knowledge base.
  • Function in a professional manner in their field, and use, maintain and clean equipment and tools required in the field of optics, lasers, and photonics.
  • Analyze, configure, test, measure, troubleshoot and assist with problems that arise in a professional optics, lasers, and photonics environment.
  • Communicate technical ideas, procedures, and results with professionals in written, oral or graphic format.
  • Graduates will be prepared for a variety of careers in design and manufacturing, materials processing, communications, medical applications, semiconductor fabrication, optical systems, electronics, and military applications.
Program Website
www.gallatin.montana.edu/programs/photonics-laser.html
www.montanaphotonics.org

Contact Information
Name: Trenton Berg
Title: Program Director of Photonics and Laser Technology
Telephone: (406) 994-5147
Email: trenton.berg@montana.edu
Address: 101 Hamilton Hall/P.O. Box 170515   Bozeman, MT  59717-0515

How can I recruit from this college?
If you interested in recruiting students from Gallatin College, please reach out to our program director or come to our college to present your company and employment opportunities to our students.  We will make available, free of charge, a private room to interview interested students. Please contact the person below to make arrangements for a recruiting visit. Current students are always seeking internship opportunities and graduates are available every May. 
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