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We would like to invite prospective students to apply for admission to our programs. We encourage you to apply early because admission to the College is competitive and only a limited number of students are accepted each year. We welcome applications from women, members of ethnic and racial minority groups, and from persons with disabilities.
Applying to the BS Degree Program
Information about undergraduate admission to the University of Arizona including admissions requirements and online application are available at http://admissions.arizona.edu. For more information about majoring in Optical Sciences and the Bachelor of Science in Optical Sciences and Engineering, contact Ms. Allison Huff in the Academic Programs office at allison@optics.arizona.edu or by telephone 520-626-6737.
Applying to the Professional Certificate, MS, MS/MBA, or PhD Graduate Program in Optical Sciences
The College of Optical Sciences will no longer accept paper applications. Applying is now web based in conjunction with the Graduate College Application! If you previously submitted two applications, the Optical Sciences electronic application & documents plus the separate Graduate College application, you do not need to redo your application. Contact us if you have questions gail@optics.arizona.edu
Applicants should hold a Bachelor of Science degree in optics, engineering, physics, mathematics or a related field. Before beginning graduate level coursework, students should have taken four semesters of calculus including differential equations, two or more semesters of college physics and an electromagnetism course as part of their undergraduate degree coursework. Undergraduate students in the University of Arizona's Optical Science and Engineering program take the following calculus courses: MATH 125 - Calc I, MATH 129 - Calc II, MATH 223 - Vector Calc (Calc (III), MATH 254 - Differential and Equations (Calc IV).
A GPA of 3.0 or higher is required for admissions to the College of Optical Sciences and the Graduate College at the University of Arizona.
Applicants must submit transcripts, at least two letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, a Resume/Curriculum Vitae and GRE General Test Scores to complete their application. Applicants with previous graduate level course work or an MS degree may be exempt from the GRE General Test requirement. The GRE Subject Test is optional, not required. International applicants must submit a TOEFL Score unless they meet the Graduate College definition of waiver of Toefl requirement found at International Students | The University of Arizona Graduate College. International applicants who wish to complete the Professional Graduate Certificate by distance do not need to submit a TOEFL. These applicants offered admissions will not be issued an I20 to obtain a Visa.
Applicants for the MS/MBA Dual Degree must apply to and be admitted to both the College of Optical Sciences' MS Degree Program and Eller's MBA program. For Eller MBA application requirements contact Eller MBA Programs.
MS program admitted applicants have the option to enroll in either on campus or distance optics classes. Those completing by distance will register through U of A Continuing Ed.
APPLY NOW! Complete your Certificate, MS or PhD Program application at The University of Arizona Graduate College web site. Only completed applications will be evaluated by the Admissions Committee. Decisions are generally made by March 1st and applicants are notified by email.
Application Deadlines
Optical Sciences generally does not admit new students in the spring or summer semester; however, some exceptions are made for Professional Graduate Certificate and MS Degree Program applicants. Spring applications should be completed by October 1st for consideration.
Fall semester applicants seeking funding should complete applications early. The international fall application deadline is December 1st. The domestic fall applicant deadline is January 1st if requesting funding; otherwise January 15th. Applications submitted after these dates will be processed and evaluated on an individual basis. Certificate and MS applications can be processed through July 1st.
Application Questions? Email u s at applications@optics.arizona.edu
If you have degree program requirement questions, contact Graduate Advisor Gail Varin gail@optics.arizona.edu
Change of Degree Program
If you are a currently enrolled graduate student in another department or college at the University of Arizona and you want to apply to the College of Optical Sciences, you need to complete a College of Optical Sciences application and submit an application to the Graduate College together with payment of the application fee. If you are a current College of Optical Sciences graduate student and wish to change your degree program, you must complete and submit a Change of Degree Program form and two letters of recommendation. Admission is competitive since change-of-degree applications are treated in the same way as new applications to the M.S. and Ph.D. program.
Non-Degree Graduate Admissions
Individuals holding a bachelor's degree, or its equivalent, from a college or university which grants degrees recognized by the University of Arizona, may enroll in graduate-level courses without being admitted to a graduate degree program. Such students may enroll in graduate-level course work as their qualifications and performance permit. Up to 15 units of graduate credit, earned in non-degree status and/or transferred from other institutions, may be allowed for use toward an advanced degree once the student obtains regular admission to a degree program. International applicants requiring a student visa are not eligible for graduate non-degree admission.
More information and online application for domestic (U.S. citizenship) non-degree graduate application is available at http://grad.arizona.edu/prospective-students/apply-now Up to fifteen(15) units of distance graduate credit can be applied toward an advanced degree once the student obtains regular admissions to a degree program.
WRGP/WICHE Tuition Benefit
The Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) was established to promote the sharing of higher education resources among Western states. Through Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP), residents of Alaska, Arizona, California (effective 2010-2011), Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington and Wyoming are eligible to enroll at resident rates of tuition. If you are a resident of one of these participating states, please contact Gail Varin, Graduate Academic Advisor, gail@optics.arizona.edu
Application Questions? Please visit our Frequently Asked Application Questions
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