Master’s program · Rossin College of Engineering

Master of Science in Photonics

Lehigh University’s multidisciplinary MS in Photonics draws on the Institute for Functional Materials and Devices (I-FMD), which convenes Lehigh’s interdisciplinary expertise in materials and devices and runs the university’s nanofabrication and materials characterization facilities.

  • Credits30
  • Typical length2 years
  • DeliveryOn campus
  • Degree awardedMaster of Science

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Overview

What the Master of Science in Photonics is

Lehigh University’s multidisciplinary MS in Photonics draws on the Institute for Functional Materials and Devices (I-FMD), which convenes Lehigh’s interdisciplinary expertise in materials and devices and runs the university’s nanofabrication and materials characterization facilities. The program provides a solid foundation in physics, electrical engineering, and materials science, with research in nonlinear optics, optical communications, optical sensing, and fiber-based ultrasonics.

A 30-credit degree, typically 2 years of full-time study, delivered on campus.

Research areas

Research areas in the Electrical and Computer Engineering department

The department’s named research areas, which shape the electives and thesis work available to master’s students.

  • Bio-Electrical Engineering
  • Communications and Signal Processing
  • Computer Engineering
  • Electric Energy
  • Electronics and Photonics

Curriculum

What you study

The degree requires 30 graduate credits. Every master’s program in the Rossin College carries the same 30-credit requirement; what differs is the course mix, the balance of thesis, project and coursework-only routes, and the pace.

This program does not publish a single fixed course list; requirements are set with a faculty adviser. The catalog listing below carries the current course inventory.

Electrical & Computer Engr (ECE) Course Listing »

Careers

Where graduates work

Occupations this degree maps to, in the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics standard classification.

  • 17-2071 Electrical Engineers
  • 19-2012 Physicists

Class of 2025 master’s graduates across the Rossin College averaged $100,000 in starting salary.

Tuition and funding

What it costs, and what help is available

Base tuition for this 30-credit degree is $52,050.

  • Qualified applicants are automatically considered for merit scholarships as high as 20% of tuition, with no separate application required.
  • International students are considered on the same basis as domestic applicants.
  • Qualified applicants are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships as high as 20% of tuition, with no separate application required. International students are considered on the same basis as domestic applicants.

External funding opportunities »

How to apply

What a complete application needs

  1. Academic record

    Official transcripts, a personal statement, a resume, and letters of recommendation.

  2. English proficiency

    International applicants submit TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo or a Cambridge English Qualification score.

  3. Application fee

    $50, non-refundable.

  4. Deadlines

    Deadlines vary by program and entry term. Check Graduate Admissions for current dates before you start.

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How many credits is the Master of Science in Photonics?

30 credits. Every master’s degree in the Rossin College is a 30-credit program.


How long does the Master of Science in Photonics take to complete?

2 years of full-time study is typical.


How is the program delivered?

On campus. Consult the program contact for the current term-by-term format.


What does it cost, and is funding available?

Base tuition is $52,050 for the 30-credit degree. Qualified applicants are automatically considered for merit scholarships as high as 20% of tuition, with no separate application required. International students are considered on the same basis as domestic applicants.


What scholarships apply to this program specifically?

Qualified applicants are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships as high as 20% of tuition, with no separate application required. International students are considered on the same basis as domestic applicants.


Which department offers this program?

The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.


What do graduates earn?

Class of 2025 master’s graduates across the Rossin College averaged $100,000 in starting salary.


How do I apply?

Apply through Lehigh’s graduate application. A complete application includes transcripts, a personal statement, letters of recommendation, English-proficiency scores where applicable, and a $50 application fee. Deadlines vary by program and term; check Graduate Admissions for current dates.

Contact

Talk to the program

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering

Packard Laboratory, 19 Memorial Drive West, Bethlehem, PA 18015

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering »

General enquiries go to engineering@lehigh.edu.