Is a Math/CS Background Suitable for Graduate Studies in Photonics?

[NetMage]

Hello, I have a pretty quick question. So, I am studying mathematics/computer science, double major. However, I think I want to go to graduate school for photonics. With a degree in math/cs, will this be possible to apply into a graduate photonics program? I am also minoring in physics if that is any consolation.

 

[Born2bwire]

I think that is doable. There is a lot of work to do in optics, electromagnetics and photonics involving computions. Mathematics and computer science would be a good base to get involved with signal processing or simulation side of things. You would want to make sure to beef up your physics. Make sure you try to take the undergraduate courses regarding photonics. Not just in the physics department but the electrical engineering department may have a class or two that would be worthwhile. In simulations, a lot of the work is based around programming and math. However, the programming is usually simple in structure and you need a good understanding of the physics to develop new algorithms and implement them properly.

 

[NetMage]

Thank you so much! I have a really big interest in the development of photonic based software systems. Thats kind of what I want to start developing. If I have a few EE classes geared toward photonics that will help my resume? Also, I have never taken an EE class, so do you think I will have to take many EE classes before I am able to take a photonics related class?

 

[Born2bwire]

I don't think you would have to take a lot of EE classes. If you are able to take the physics photonics courses then you are probably qualified for the EE classes. I only suggest the EE because while you may find similar courses between the EE and physics departments, they can often take differing approaches and emphasis on a subject. You just do not want to take a course that would have too much overlap. I am not familiar with the typical photonics courses that would be offered in the departments but I just wanted to throw it out there that the engineering department's offerings may deserve a look through.

But yes, I think they could help as they can help suppliment more practical skills in addition to the theory. For example, and I do not know fully what they would look for in photonics so I am just making this up, but signal processing may be useful in photonics when building systems. As a mathematician you would be well versed in the mathematics behind signal processing but in the EE department you may find signal processing courses. Some of them would be the theory and there may even be programming labs. Taking a programming lab would give you good experience with how to implement the theory.

It would probably be best for you to try to see what graduate research opportunites there are available. Which programs you would like to join and try to find out what kind of background would be good for these programs and then tailor your future courses around this. You say you are doing double majors and a minor so I am going to assume that your course program is already pretty much filled out so I wouldn't try to do too much extra. Probably best to get the basic background courses done. Your graduate group is going to have to teach you a lot anyway so I wouldn't worry if you didn't take some esoteric course.