/  OPCN  / Gallatin College, Montana State University

The state of Montana encompasses one of the densest per capita clusters of optics and photonics institutions in the U.S. To meet the ever-growing workforce demands of this industry, Gallatin College offers an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in photonics and laser technology (PLT) to develop highly trained photonics and electro-optics technicians.

 

Located in Bozeman, MT, the college complements four-year programs at Montana State University and ensures access to workforce development that promotes a vibrant local economy. Since its inception in the autumn of 2016, the PLT program has graduated approximately 40 technicians. Numerous companies from the Gallatin Valley regional photonics cluster have, and continue to, hire graduates from the program as the local industry has experienced rapid growth in recent years.  Companies employing Gallatin College PLT graduates include Lumibird, Aurora, AdvR, Quantum Composers, Bridger Photonics, Lattice Materials, and others.

Students completing Gallatin College MSU’s AAS program in photonics and laser technology will understand the scientific principles of electronics, photonics, and advanced manufacturing. This includes a focus on the fundamentals of light, geometric and physical optics, laser systems and their associated applications, and advanced manufacturing techniques. Graduates will also have a foundational understanding of AC and DC circuits, and the fundamentals of solid-state devices and digital electronics.

 

Gallatin College MSU’s PLT program training prepares students to become technicians in photonics and electro-optics who are capable of working on products or devices used in manufacturing, communications, defense, homeland security, the medical industry, information technology, energy, environmental monitoring, lighting, displays, and entertainment.  A large portion of the electronics and photonics curriculum is hands-on. Students spend a majority of their time working in a laboratory environment, applying theoretical knowledge to master the use of relevant test and measurement equipment to construct and troubleshoot advanced electro-optics systems.

  • Ability to excel as a technician in electronics, optics, laser, and photonics fields.
  • Overall knowledge in laser systems, electronics, optics, and electro-optics/photonics.
  • Ability to analyze, configure, test, measure, troubleshoot, and assist with problems that arise in a professional optics, lasers, and photonics environment.
  • Demonstrated knowledge in electronics, including AC/DC electronics, electronic components, and circuitry, and the ability to maintain and clean equipment and tools required in the fields of optics, lasers, and photonics.
  • The ability to analyze, configure, test, measure, troubleshoot, and assist with problems that arise in a professional optics, lasers, and photonics environment.
  • Skills to communicate with other professionals about technical ideas, procedures, and results in written, oral, and graphical formats.
  • Preparation for a variety of careers in design and manufacturing, materials processing, communications, medical applications, semiconductor fabrication, optical systems, electronics, and military applications.

How can I recruit from this college?
If you are 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 in which to interview interested students. Please contact us to arrange a recruiting visit. Current students are always seeking internship opportunities, and graduates are available every May.

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