The University of Dayton's electro-optics and photonics graduate program began in 1983 with challenging courses complemented by research opportunities including a laser radar curriculum through the Ladar and Optical Communications Institute (LOCI). The world-class faculty offers cutting-edge research opportunities, often in collaboration with the U.S. Air Force and corporations. The department has 20 dedicated electro-optics laboratories on campus, and researchers have access to the largest Air Force research and development facilities in the United States.

2016, the program became a department in the School of Engineering.