Lighting Research Center Expands M.S. In Lighting Program, Offering Paid Externships

December 5, 2016

The Lighting Research Center (LRC) at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute has recently expanded its M.S. in Lighting degree program to include a paid career externship at a leading lighting manufacturer, design firm, or government organization.

Upon graduation, students now have an opportunity to participate in a paid externship for three months or more with one of many lighting organizations that have agreed to host LRC students, including Current by GE, OSRAM, Philips Lighting, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, Bridgelux, Hubbell Lighting, Ketra, USAI Lighting, and numerous others.

In 1990, the LRC became the first university research centre to offer graduate degrees in lighting, and today offers a M.S. in lighting and a Ph.D. to educate future leaders in lighting. The LRC is part of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, America’s first technological research university, founded in 1824. With more than 35 faculty and staff working closely with 15 select graduate students, and a 30,000 sq. ft. laboratory space, the LRC is the largest university-based lighting research and education organization in the world.

The M.S. in Lighting program at Rensselaer is a master’s level graduate degree offered in the field of lighting, focusing on lighting technology, design, human factors, and applications. This 9-month degree program allows students to engage with world-class faculty experts in architecture, engineering, design, and biosciences. Students enrolled in the LRC’s M.S. in Lighting program explore emerging trends in customization and data analytics, in areas such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and networked/connected lighting, 3D printing of lighting components, lighting for circadian health and wellbeing, lighting for plant health, aviation and automotive lighting, and other topics in lighting technology, application and design. The LRC attracts students with undergraduate degrees in engineering, physics, biology, psychology, architecture, and design.

The program culminates in a master’s project in the second semester during which each student focuses on a particular area of interest under the guidance of a faculty advisor. Some examples of recent student projects include: remote monitoring of LED lighting system performance, designing a portfolio of lighting patterns to support circadian health and wellbeing, studying the impact of lighting on performance, and evaluating OLED and edge-lit LED lighting panels.

The application deadline for Fall 2017 is January 2, 2017.

Find out more: http://www.lrc.rpi.edu/index.asp.

 

 

Related Articles


Changing Scene

  • August 27, 2026 - Symmetry Lighting Announces David McCrone as Their New Commercial Sales Manager

    Symmetry Lighting Announces David McCrone as Their New Commercial Sales Manager

    Meet David McCrone, Symmetry Lighting’s new Commercial Sales Manager!⁠ David brings extensive leadership experience in the lighting and electrical industries. His combination of industry expertise and technical knowledge is a valuable asset as they continue to grow and enhance the support they provide to their customers and partners. They are very excited to have him… Read More…

  • August 26, 2026 - Ben Fischer & Andrew Parker Promoted at Salex

    Salex Announces Two New Leadership Updates

    Salex is excited to share two important leadership updates! Ben Fischer, Principal has been appointed Vice President Sales & Strategic Accounts, where he will lead Salex’s overall sales strategy, supporting continued growth across their markets while strengthening their sales teams, key accounts, and manufacturer partnerships. Andrew Parker P.Eng., Principal has been appointed Vice President Technical… Read More…


Design

  • Canada Light Expo: Architectural Lighting Trends Transforming Modern Buildings

    Canada Light Expo: Architectural Lighting Trends Transforming Modern Buildings

    Modern buildings are not just about how they’re built or what they are made of anymore. Lighting is a part of how a building works, and it makes people feel. This is true for offices, hotels, stores, hospitals, homes, and public buildings. The way a building is lit can affect how comfortable it is to… Read More…

  • Lumenpulse: Ethernet as a Backbone for Lighting

    Lumenpulse: Ethernet as a Backbone for Lighting

    Ethernet is a high performance and reliable networking technology that has been making inroads into architectural LED lighting applications. Having undergone decades of research and development as a workhorse of the IT industry, Ethernet brings a refined pedigree to a lighting industry which is trending toward highly intelligent light fixtures and services. This article highlights… Read More…


New Products

  • SATCO|NUVO: STARFISH SMART Color Changing Bulbs – Multiple Shapes & Bases

    SATCO|NUVO: STARFISH SMART Color Changing Bulbs – Multiple Shapes & Bases

    SATCO|NUVO’s STARFISH SMART Technology Color Changing Light Bulbs feature an eye-catching RGBTW decorative ribbon filament that is beautifully showcased through the clear glass bulb. Available in A19, T9, T10, T14, ST19, and B11 bulb types with both medium E26 and a candelabra E12 base, these bulbs offer flexibility for a range of fixtures. With tunable… Read More…

  • Stanpro: CIRKA DECO – 5 CCT Selectable Slim LED Ceiling Luminaire

    Stanpro: CIRKA DECO – 5 CCT Selectable Slim LED Ceiling Luminaire

    Stanpro’s CIRKA DECO is a perfect blend of modern simplicity and versatility. Offered in a slim profile, CIRKA DECO offers the advantage of an integrated 5 color temperature selection and can be installed as is or transformed using one of the compatible trims (flat and decorative trims) or mounting accessories (cylinders and decorative pendants). CIRKA… Read More…