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Materials to be Sent
to the College of Optical Sciences:

  1. A completed Certificate, M.S. or Ph.D. College of Optical Sciences Application including financial aid form. http://www.optics.arizona.edu/programs/applicationpackettoprint.htm You can also submit an electronic application at this web site and link to the University of Arizona Graduate College online application. 
  2. One complete set of official transcripts of all previous university work.  Note: The Graduate College does not require submission of your transcripts.  If offered admissions, Optical Sciences will forward your transcript(s) to the Graduate College Admissions Office. .
  3. Your Graduate Record Examination scores. The GRE institution code number is 4832 and the department code is 4808 or 0805. Request that the Educational Testing Service send your official scores of the general test and an appropriate subject test (engineering, mathematics, physics, etc.) to the College of Optical Sciences University of Arizona. In addition, to expedite the handling of your application, please enter your scores as percentiles (if you know them) in the appropriate space on the departmental application form. The General GRE Score Report is required.  The Subject GRE Score is optional.
  4. At least 2 letters of recommendation sent to us on your behalf. Select individuals to write these letters who are well acquainted with you and who can comment on your qualifications and promise for a career in Optical Sciences. There is no special recommendation form; these individuals should write letters on the letterhead of their company or university and sign across the back seal of the envelope.  Recommendation letters in signed sealed envelopes may be included with your departmental paper application, or your recommender can mail them directly to the address listed below. Electronic emailed letters of recommendation are accepted only from University of Arizona professors via a UofA email account.   
  5. The TOEFL Test Report is required for international students. For admissions to the College of Optical Sciences must have a TOEFL test score of 600 or more (250 or more on the computer-based test). The Ibt equivalence required  TOEFL score is 80.  The University of Arizona code is 4832. The Optical Sciences code is 99. Please include a copy of your TOEFL Score Report with your materials being sent to Optical Sciences. IELTS is accepted in lieu of TOEFL.  A score of 7 or higher is required.   All scores reported must be dated within two years of the date of admissions/enrollment.
  6. A Statement of Purpose (2 to 3 pages).
  7. A CV/resume. Note: You may email your Statement of Purpose and Resume (CV) to gail@optics.arizona.edu

Important note:  Applications are organized by name!  If your documents (test scores, transcripts, etc.) show different names, please list all names on the MS or PhD application form at "Maiden or other names".  

Please send letters of recommendation and application documents to:

Dr. Carl Maes, Associate Dean
Attn.: Admissions Committee
College of Optical Sciences, 403
University of Arizona
1630 E University Boulevard
Tucson, AZ 85721 U.S.A.

Fax Number:   520-626-1480

The deadline for submission of all application materials for fall admissions of international applicants is December 1.  For U.S. applicants, the deadline is January 1 if you require an assistantship, and January  15 otherwise. Due to the large number of applications received each year, early submission (by about December 15) of domestic applications is encouraged to enhance your chances of admission. The College of Optical Sciences normally does not admit new students for the spring semester.