FAQs About the B.S. in OSE Degree

Who Signs Up for This Program?

We have educated students from all over the United States, from Canada, Mexico, Europe, the near and far East, Africa and South America. Unofficially, minority enrollment has been over 20%, and about 10% of our students are women.

How Long Does it Take to Complete the Degree?

If a student stays on schedule, it is possible to complete the degree program in four years. Advanced Placement and/or a few summer sessions will help. About one-third of our students complete their degree work within this time frame. Most of our students, however, choose a slightly more relaxed schedule and complete the degree requirements in one extra semester. Students who work full or part time will necessarily need a little longer.

What Classes do BS Degree Optics Students Take?

Our students are enrolled in an exciting program that includes courses required by the University of Arizona and classes in optics, engineering, math, mechanics, chemistry and several technical electives. To see what classes and labs our students take during their freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior years, please visit our Optics Curriculum pages. If you would like more information about our BS degree courses, please visit our Optics Classes pages.

How Many Students are in the Classes?

Our sophomore classes usually have about 40-60 students. Junior and senior classes are usually a little smaller.

Are the Classes Taught by Teaching Assistants?

No. All of the required classes are taught by highly qualified faculty members who are experts in their field. Graduate students from our MS and PhD programs assist our faculty members by working for them as graders and laboratory instructors.

Are there Research Opportunities at Optical Sciences for Undergraduate Students?

A number of our undergraduates are participating in faculty research projects. Tasks are not as challenging as those undertaken by PhD candidates, but meaningful contributions to research programs are made daily by undergraduates, with full recognition in resulting publications.

Does the Program Prepare Undergraduate Students for Graduate School?

The primary objective of our program is to train students for immediate employment after graduation, but students who have entered the MS or PhD programs after graduation have been extraordinarily successful. About one-third of our BS degree students have gone on to earn MS or PhD degrees, either directly after graduation or after working for several years.

Can BS Degree Students Graduate with Honors?

This prestigious designation is reserved for exceptional students who maintain a GPA of 3.5 or better and take on additional challenges in advanced classes and special projects.

How can I Apply to the Bachelor of Science in Optical Sciences and Engineering 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 the BS in Optical Sciences and Engineering Degree Program

Please contact Ms. Allison Huff in the Academic Programs office by email at allison@optics.arizona.edu or by telephone at 520-626-6737. We look forward to hearing from you!