Distance Learning

The distance learning program brings the college's two greatest strengths — its outstanding teaching faculty and its leading-edge video technology — to students worldwide. The mission of the distance learning program is to bring the highest quality optics classes to working adults in ways that complement their educational level, their professional experience and their current responsibilities.

Prospective distance learning students 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.

The college has successfully offered its distance courses to individuals worldwide and to working professionals via courses tailored specifically to employees at companies such as Lockheed Martin, Aerospace and Raytheon. Changchun University of Science and Technology in the People's Republic of China has established a program offering our distance learning classes to their students.

If you have questions about the certificate program, M.S. distance programs or taking classes as a nondegree graduate student, e-mail Graduate Academic Advisor Gail Varin or call 520-626-0888.

Classes

• Fall 2012 Classes
  Fall classes begin Aug. 20
• Spring 2013 Classes
  Spring classes begin January

• All Distance Learning Classes
  A complete list of all online classes offered on a rotating basis. DVD option available.

• Costs and Payments
  View tables of all required tuition and fees

• Registration
  Complete the instructions from the UA Outreach College:

  • Search for courses. Add to your shopping cart by clicking the Register for Class button, or
  • Download the Fall 2012 registration form (PDF).

• Frequently Asked Questions

Graduate Certificate

• Graduate Certificate
  Earn the Professional Graduate Certificate in Optical Sciences entirely through distance learning

• Application and Admissions
  Prospective students apply for admission through the UA Graduate College

• Distance Learning Course Registration
  Admitted students register for distance classes through the UA Outreach College

Master's Degrees

• Master of Science
  Earn the Master of Science in Optical Sciences entirely online by taking distance classes

• Master of Science in Photonic Communications Engineering
  All required lectures for the M.S. in PCE are available through distance learning.

• Admission to the M.S. Programs
  Prospective students apply for admission through the UA Graduate College

• Distance Learning Course Registration
  Admitted students must register for distance classes through the UA Outreach College

• Semester-in-Residence Registration
  Students completing their semester in residence register through UAccess Student

• M.S. Reference Manual
  This all-in-one page provides information on policies, requirements and steps to the M.S. degree.

Short Courses on DVD
 

Students taking distance learning courses also expressed an interest in self-paced, noncredit short courses produced by the College of Optical Sciences — just right for an evening or weekend at 2–14 hours in length.