Objective
The Certificate Program on Optical Communications and Networks will provide a mechanism for practicing engineers to acquire up-to-date knowledge in this rapidly expanding field. The programs is carefully tailored to provide a balanced in-depth exposition of optical communications technology that includes fundamentals of photonics, optical communication systems, state-of-the-art photonic communication devices and their integration into optical communications networks.

Students will learn fundamental principles of the operation of optical components including the transmission of light through fiber, couplers, filters, lasers, and photodetectors, amplifiers, and switches. The performance characteristics of state-of-the-art optical components will be examined in the context of specification and performance of optical communication systems: transmissions, modulation and detection of optical signals. Additionally, students will study optical networks including optimization of network topologies, WDM transmission systems engineering, SONET/SDH, broadcast-and-select networks, and photonic packet switching.

This certificate program offers an alternative to a Master of Science degree (MS) program for professionals who wish to expand their education beyond the Bachelor's degree but might not have the time to commit to a full graduate degree program. However, the Graduate Certificage in Optical Communications and Networks serves as a path towards the MS degree (since the MS program accepts all certificate courses) in ECE. SEAS recognizes the need for managers, professionals, and administrators to increase their skills, and to mantain a level of organizational learning. This certificate offers a forum for growth and advancement.

Candidates interested in re-directing their careers or expanding their abilities should explore the program's opportunities for growth, new skills and technology.

Prerequisites
Applicants admitted to the ECE Graduate Certificate Program are required to have a Bachelor's Degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or computer science with a grade-point average of at least 3.0 (on a scale of 4) or equivalent, for the last 60 credit hours of undergraduate work. Applicants with degrees in other disciplines and a basic knowledge of mathematics and physical sciences may be admitted with a set of deficiency courses to be determined by a faculty member assigned by the department as the applicant's advisor.

Admission
The Graduate Certificate Program will admit applicants on an open enrollment basis. Applicants are required to submit all relevant transcripts and a graduate applications. Applicants should indicate their choice of Certificate Program, with the program code of 353 on the Graduate Admissions Application.

Curriculum
The curriculum consists of the following five courses, each carrying three academic credit hours.

ECE 210 Applied Electromagnetics
ECE 223 Photonic Communication Devices
ECE 226 Fiber and Integrated Optics
ECE 248 Introduction to Computer Networks
ECE 255 Optical Communication Networks