The major provides a broad background in optics and optical engineering. Students work with lasers, optical detectors, optical instrumentation, optic fiber communications, optical design, and optical fabrication and testing. Traditionally, job opportunities for this major are good, with virtually all students having one or more job offers upon graduation. Marketability is further enhanced for students with backgrounds in complementary fields such as mechanical, biomedical or electrical engineering; materials science, physics, or astronomy. The program is part of the College of Optical Sciences.

In addition to coursework in mathematics, optics, and optical engineering, students in the Optical Sciences and Engineering major gain experience working with lasers, optical detectors, optical instrumentation, optic fiber communications, optical design, and optical fabrication and testing. Graduates are well prepared to work as engineers, researchers, testers, project managers, and salespeople in industries such as aerospace, computer technology, and medical instruments manufacturing.