Norfolk State University offers a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Optical Engineering (OEN). The Optical Engineering Program was established in the Fall 2003 semester for the purpose of addressing diversity and high-tech workforce needs in Hampton Roads, the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the U.S. The NSU Optical Engineering Program is one of only five in the United States. The mission and objectives of the Optical Engineering Program have been developed by the program faculty with input from leading faculty and industry managers from across the nation. The Optical Engineering faculty is committed to the goal of providing a high-quality educational experience that will empower graduates for 21st century engineering.

Engineering Department Mission

The mission of the Norfolk State University Engineering Department is to empower students with the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed for successful professional careers in engineering; to encourage innovation, creativity, and an entrepreneurial spirit; to instill a sense of community responsibility; and to develop leaders for a technology-driven global society.

Optical Engineering Educational Objectives

The Norfolk State University faculty will utilize a diverse portfolio of pedagogies to produce well-rounded engineers who are competitive in the market place and prepared to continue their education in graduate programs. Norfolk State University Optical Engineering graduates will be prepared for optical science and engineering careers in industry or government, and they will possess the necessary knowledge and skills to achieve leadership positions in a technological society. NSU Optical Engineering graduates will exhibit the following:

• strong analytical and engineering design skills
• effective team skills and a team oriented perspective
• strong communication skills in technical and public arenas
• a strong sense of ethics and ethical responsibility
• a respect for and appreciation of diversity with a global perspective

Optical Engineering Program Outcomes

The Optical Engineering faculty has identified 12 core learning outcomes that will fully support the ability of graduates to successfully pursue modern engineering opportunities beyond the undergraduate level. The faculty has further developed its curriculum to help students achieve the intended program outcomes. Students who successfully complete the Optical Engineering Program curriculum will be able to demonstrate the following:

1. an ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering
2. an ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data
3. an ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs within realistic constraints such as economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety, manufacturing, and sustainability
4. an ability to function on multi-disciplinary teams
5. an ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems
6. an understanding of professional and ethical responsibility
7. an ability to communicate effectively, in technical and public arenas
8. the broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global economic, environmental and societal context
9. a recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in life-long learning
10. a knowledge of contemporary issues
11. an ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice
12. the knowledge and skills necessary to support effective leadership, or to pursue entrepreneurial opportunities