A new undergraduate degree program in Photonic Science and Engineering started in the fall of 2013 at the University of Central Florida. It is the State of Florida’s only such program, and one of only a few in the nation.
Photonics plays a huge role in the Florida’s economy, with over 270 photonics companies employing over 5,000 engineers and scientists. The formation of Center for Research and Education in Optics and Lasers (CREOL), more than 26 years ago, and the foundation of the College of Optics and Photonics in 2004 has aided many of these companies. CREOL has helped filled the need for a highly trained workforce that require specialized skills in optics and photonics and this need continues to grow.