Monroe Community College (MCC) - Rochester, NY

Located in the beautiful Finger Lakes region of New York State, Monroe Community College offers stackable certificate and associate degree programs to prepare technicians for the region’s vibrant optics industry. Rochester area employers have relied on MCC since 1963 to educate generations of optical technicians. MCC is the only college in the world where students can earn an associate degree in optical systems technology.

Optics are an essential part of the design and production of consumer electronics, lasers, eyeglasses, telescopes and cameras, to name just a few. Skilled optical technicians work with engineers and scientists using high technology to inspect and test optical components and assembly systems. Optics skills open the door to fantastic opportunities with top companies. More than 700 technicians have graduated and are working in the optics and photonics industry throughout the United States. Companies that have hired graduates of these programs include: Bausch + Lomb, Coherent, Corning Inc., Eastman Kodak, Excelis Inc., IBM, IDEX, ITT Goulds Pumps, JML Optical, L-3 Technologies, Laboratory for Laser Energetics, Lockheed Martin, Optimax, OptiPro, QED, Rochester Precision Optics, Spectra-Physics, Sydor Optics, Texas Instruments, Xerox, and many more. 
Associate of Applied Science Degree in Optical Systems Technology
The Optical Systems Technology degree offers a unique, two-year comprehensive program that prepares graduates for work in high technology fields which apply light and optical principles.
 
The curriculum combines the study of optics with electronics to prepare students for careers in electro-optics, as well as traditional precision optics fabrication.
 
The course of study gives students the opportunity to operate much of the same precision equipment and state-of-the art optical systems used in industry.
 
Graduates of this program work with scientists and engineers in research, development, design, production, quality control, test, and evaluation of optical components and systems, as well as sales and service.
Skills of A.A.S degree graduates
  • Evaluate optical systems using a number of geometrical optics test procedures
  • Evaluate optical systems using a number of wave optics test procedures
  • Take standard measurements and evaluate typical electro-optic configurations
  • Understand and perform basic and advanced optical manufacturing techniques for today’s precision optical components
  • Understand and perform basic and advanced metrology techniques for testing optical systems and individual optical components
  • Handle and clean an optical surface according to industry standards
  • Form an achromatic doublet by assembling, aligning, and cementing two optical elements
  • Use interferometers to measure optical components
  • Identify the centration and spacing of optical surfaces in an assembly using an optical centering system
  • Assess the optical performance of an optical system using an Optical Transfer Function (OTF) measurement system
  • Describe particulate control in a laminar flow clean environment
  • Interpret optical drawings
  • Prepare Quality Assurance (QA) reports and detailed laboratory reports
  • Inspect an optical surface to identify particles, scratches, and digs down to the micron size scale
  • Basic workplace skills including technical writing, oral communication, teamwork, and problem solving
Skills of A.A.S degree graduates
MCC’s Optical Systems Technology Certificate program provides a solid optics background with options to focus on manufacturing, testing, or electro-optics/photonics applications. The certificate program is designed to be completed in one year. All certificate courses may be applied to the requirements of the A.A.S. degree program for students who decide to continue their studies.
Program Website
https://www.monroecc.edu/go/ost

Contact Information
Name: Dr. Alexis Vogt
Title: Professor and Endowed Chair, Optical Systems Technology
Telephone: (585) 292-2002
Email: optics@monroecc.edu
Address: 1000 East Henrietta Road, Rochester, NY 14623

How can I recruit from this college?
Companies interested in recruiting MCC optics students should contact the optics program director listed below. Graduates are available every December and May. Campus recruiting visits to present your company and employment opportunities are welcomed. MCC will make available, free of charge, a private room to interview interested students.
 
MCC is leading the effort to expand the precision optics manufacturing apprenticeship nationwide. Please contact us if your company is interested in participating in our apprenticeship program. Additionally, please contact us if you would like to hire one of our students as a summer intern.
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