Optical Sciences (PHD) at The University of Arizona Global

The University of Arizona Global offers the PhD of Optical Sciences (PHD) as a full-time degree delivered on campus at its University of Arizona - Main - Tucson campus in United States of America. Taught in English and completed over 5 years, the program equips students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required for optical sciences (phd) and related professional fields. The next available intake begins on August 22, 2027.

About Optical Sciences (PHD)

The Ph.D. in Optical Sciences program prepares students for extraordinary opportunities in a fast-changing, high-tech world.

Graduates should expect to find unusually comprehensive career options available to them: They may lead, found, or make vital contributions to national or international academic institutions, research facilities or companies, or they may write revolutionary texts, advise U.S. presidents and agencies, make breakthroughs in fundamental science, contribute to NASA's space program, develop critical defense technologies, innovate unprecedented advances in communications and entertainment, or devise lifesaving medical diagnostics.

Ph.D. students begin by taking a series of core courses designed to provide them with a solid background in optics. As they progress, they gain firm foundations in math and physics, statistics, electromagnetic waves, geometrical optics, quantum optics, and solid-state optics. The balance of coursework is flexible, and students will have the opportunity to explore all of the possibilities that interest them.

The centerpiece of a Ph.D. program is research leading to a dissertation, where students demonstrate a capacity for research resulting in an original contribution to scientific knowledge or engineering in Optical Sciences. As students progress, mentored by OSC faculty members, they will pass a series of oral and written exams culminating in the final Ph.D. dissertation defense.

Requirements and Admission Criteria for Optical Sciences (PHD) at The University of Arizona Global

Entry Requirements

Admissions Requirements

Minimum Admissions Requirements:

3.0 GPA or higher
GRE general test ***Please note the GRE test score requirement is WAIVED for Fall 2021 applications for admission.***
TOEFL or IELTS for international students
3 letters of recommendation
Statement of Purpose
Updated CV
Unofficial transcripts during time of application/official transcript when admitted

Please visit our Admissions page for more information.

Standardized Tests

Required test(s): GRE General Test ***Please note the GRE test score requirement is WAIVED for Fall 2021 applications for admission.***

For International Students
Minimum TOEFL: 79

Minimum IELTS: 7.0

Funding Opportunities

Funding for Ph.D. students is typically guaranteed for the first year. After that, students should secure funding through a research assistantship or a teaching assistantship. First-year funding is in the form of an RA position with the opportunity to volunteer and explore labs in the College. Funding includes tuition, health care, and a stipend. Students may also qualify for a fellowship or scholarship through the department.

Please visit our Tuition, Fees & Funding page for more information.

Admissions Deadlines

Domestic Applicants:

Fall: January 15th

International Applicants:

Fall: January 15th

International Conditional Admission

International applicants will not be considered for conditional admission by this program.

Other Information

The GRE Institution Code for The University of Arizona is 4832

ETS Major Field Code(s) for this program: 4832

NRC Taxon(a) for this program: Physics, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Astrophysics and Astronomy, Biomedical Engineering and Bioengineering, Materials Science and Engineering

English Requirements

PTEMin 60
IELTSMin 7
TOEFLMin 79

English Program Requirements

International applicants whose primary language is not English, or who attended school in a non-English speaking country, regardless of citizenship, must prove English proficiency. To determine whether you need to submit proof of English proficiency

Tuition and Fee Information for Optical Sciences (PHD) at The University of Arizona Global

Application Fee 85

How to Apply for Optical Sciences (PHD) at The University of Arizona Global

International applicants to Arizona Online campus, Global Direct campus, or a Global Microcampus should choose the Distance Learner (DL) visa type in their Application Profile.
International applicants to the Main campus must currently hold a US visa that permits incidental study.
Please verify your visa eligibility with International Student Services before applying. The application fee is non-refundable and will not be refunded if your visa status is not eligible.
Applicants must meet all Graduate College minimum admission requirements, including English proficiency.
Applicants should be prepared to submit copies of their visa documents, additional transcripts, or degree documentation if requested.
University of Arizona regulations require that all international students on non-immigrant visas carry the University of Arizona student health insurance plan.

Optical Sciences (PHD) at The University of Arizona Global

The University of Arizona Global

United States of America, Tucson