Courses related to topics within SPIE Optics + Photonics

Courses that give you the technical training you need to excel in your field

Live instruction in San Diego

Join us for in-person training at Optics + Photonics. Course topics include optomechanics, optical design, optical alignment, fabrication, deep learning, and more.

Jump to: Benefits | Member discounts | Become an instructor | FAQ

SPIE courses are designed to expand your knowledge and skills. Take what you learn in class and apply it directly to your work.

Full course listing to post at a later time.

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Advance your skills; improve your capabilities

There is more than one reason to take a course:

  • Quickly increase your knowledge on hot topics
  • Strengthen the capabilities of your team
  • Get key insights from experts with years of experience
  • Learn valuable skills to help solve challenges
  • Network with peers facing the same challenges
  • Earn shareable digital badges and certificates

Benefits to taking an SPIE course onsite.

SPIE Member discounts


SPIE Members receive discounts on courses, which are applied at the time of registration. SPIE Student Members receive even greater discounts on courses, particularly during early registration.

For more information contact education@spie.org.

Not an SPIE Member? Purchase Membership with your registration and receive your discount right away.

Interested in becoming an SPIE instructor? Propose a course.


SPIE instructors are highly qualified technical experts who have a passion for sharing their knowledge. If you are interested in teaching at Optics + Photonics 2024, please send a proposed course description to education@spie.org.

Course proposal submission deadline:  1 February 2024

View our roster of SPIE short courses to see what we already offer. Learn more about how to submit your idea and become an SPIE instructor with our instructor guidelines.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)


  • Check-in at registration
  • Receive badge and tickets
  • Go to Course Materials Desk*
  • Scan badge, exchange course ticket(s) for printed course materials* and receive location of course

*As a courtesy to the instructor and other attendees, please arrive to the course no later than the posted start time. Course materials can be picked up any time before the scheduled date and time of your course, but it is a good idea to pick them up at least 15-30 minutes prior.

*Printed course materials will act as a "ticket" to enter the course room. Do not go directly to the classroom without picking up your materials first.

Course room locations are provided onsite when you collect your course materials. Locations vary and courses may be held in a different location than the conferences. We recommend coming to the desk at least 15-30 minutes prior to the start of the class to give yourself time to collect your materials and walk to your classroom.

Yes. Most people collect materials for multiple courses at the same time.

There is a $75 USD service charge for processing refunds. Requests for refunds must be received by 10 August 2023; all registration fees will be forfeited after this date.

Yes, you may register for courses onsite. However, we recommend registering for courses early to ensure a seat. Courses without sufficient registration two weeks prior to the event are subject to cancellation.

There are no wait lists for courses. We recommend registering early to ensure a seat.

Course registrations include a printed copy of the course materials. Some courses may include textbooks. Check the course descriptions for more information.

If a course is cancelled, you will be contacted by SPIE staff via email.

SPIE awards digital badges and certificates to participants who attend courses and complete the evaluation and quiz. Certificates will be sent via email to attendees approximately 8 weeks after the conference has ended.

To receive a digital credential you must:

  • Be present for the entire course
  • Complete course quiz
  • Fill out course evaluation
  • Fill in your contact information in the space provided
  • Drop completed quiz and evaluation forms in the Course Evaluation Box in the course room or return to the Course Materials desk

More information about digital credentials can be found at SPIE Badges and Certificates.

No, the in-person courses will not be recorded.

There will not be an option to attend an in-person course virtually.

Some courses are available as pre-recorded, on-demand, online. To see our full list of available online courses and to learn more, visit SPIE Online Courses.