CREOL started in 1987 as the Center for Research and Education in Optics and Lasers, and became a College in 2004, the first US graduate college in this area, offering M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Optics and Photonics.
CREOL, the College of Optics and Photonics at the University of Central Florida, is one of the world’s foremost institutions for research and education in optical and photonic science and engineering (Ranked #20 in Best Global Universities for Optics by US News and World Report). CREOL started in 1987 as the Center for Research and Education in Optics and Lasers, and became a College in 2004, the first US graduate college in this area, offering interdisciplinary graduate programs leading to M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Optics and Photonics. An undergraduate program offering a BS degree in Photonic Science and Engineering began in 2013 in partnership with the College of Engineering and Computer Science.
The faculty engage in a broad spectrum of research covering all areas of optics and photonics, ranging from fundamental physics to device and systems research. The College has 33 core faculty members, about 60 research scientists and postdoctoral fellows, and over 130 graduate students and 170 undergraduate students.
Over the years, the College has maintained a tradition of promoting growth in optics and photonics and a strong partnership with industry. Its Industrial Affiliates Program has a current membership of 70 companies. Over the years, the faculty have produced more than 260 patents and spun off 26 companies. Four startup companies are incubated within the CREOL facilities.
Our Vision is to be the world leader in education, research, innovation and partnership in optics, lasers & photonics.
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