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Distance Learning
The distance learning program brings the College of Optical Sciences's greatest strengths — its outstanding teaching faculty and its leading-edge video technology — to postbaccalaureate students worldwide. We aim to deliver the highest quality optics classes to working adults in ways that complement their educational levels, their professional experiences and their current responsibilities.
Several of our highly regarded degree programs are available entirely online or with very limited residency requirements:
- Professional Graduate Certificate in Optical Sciences
- Master of Science in Optical Sciences
- Master of Science in Photonic Communications Engineering
Distance students can also apply for nondegree status. Up to six units completed in nondegree status may apply toward the Graduate Certificate; up to 12 units may apply to an M.S. or Ph.D. degree.
Prerequisites
Prospective distance students need a bachelor's degree in optics, engineering, physics, mathematics or a related field. They must have successfully completed four semesters of calculus, including differential equations; two or more semesters of college physics; and an electromagnetism course as part of their undergraduate coursework.
Registration and Tuition
The distance learning program is administered via UAOnline. Students are required to register for UAOnline courses through the UAccess Student Center. For information about distance tuition and funding please see the Tuition, Fees & Funding section.
Online Course Registration
To enroll in an optics distance class, you will register through your UAccess Student Center using the following steps:
- Select the "Student Center" at http://uaccess.arizona.edu.
- Log in using your UA NetId.
- In the Academics section, click on “Enroll”. This will take you to the Add Classes screen.
- Click on the SEARCH tab at the top of this screen. This will take you to the Search Criteria screen.
- For TERM, select the semester you will be taking the class.
- In SUBJECT, type in or select OPTI.
- For CAMPUS verify is says UAOnline.
- Click the green SEARCH button. You should see all the OPTI courses on the screen.
- Scroll down to select your class and click on “Enroll” at the bottom of the screen to register for the course.
Distance Course List
Peruse the College of Optical Science's distance learning course list including class information, semester offered, course type and instructor.
Distance Course Videos
Watch and download distance learning course videos. You must be enrolled as a distance learning student in order to access your video list.
Graduate Student Video Resources
Helpful videos that will answer common questions asked by graduate students. Topics include academic programs staff, funding, UAccess, GradPath and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have a question about OSC's distance learning program? Peruse our frequently asked questions to learn more about distance learning.
Contacts
For questions about degree programs or nondegree classes, please contact grad-advising@optics.arizona.edu. For questions about course delivery options, homework policies and more, please contact distance-learning@optics.arizona.edu.
