Overview

The Optical Sciences program from The University of Arizona prepares graduates to serve as scientists or engineers in leadership positions in academia, research and industry. Graduates may work with other OSC Ph.D. alumni who have published scholarly books, headed scientific organizations, advised United States presidents and government agencies, contributed to NASA’s space program, devised lifesaving medical technology, directed national and international corporations, and founded successful companies.

Qualifying Examination

A qualifying examination is required to demonstrate sufficient mastery to pursue the doctorate as well as to determine areas of study where further course work is necessary.
All College of Optical Sciences Ph.D. students will be required to complete and pass a written qualifying examination that covers Optical Design, Electricity & Magnetism, Interferometry & Diffraction, and Quantum Mechanics & Optical Physics.
The exam must be taken in the week before the beginning of the fall semester of the second year in the Ph.D. program.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Electromagnetic Waves

Geometrical Optics

Optical Design and Instrumentation

Optical Physics and Lasers

Quantum Optics

Diffraction and Interferometry

Physical Optics

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 60 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-08-24 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-01-15 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

110

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TOEFL^® IBT

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IELTS

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Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Tucson, United States

Disciplines

Physics View 190 other PhDs in Physics in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

GRE^®

Required

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

110

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Bachelor’s degree in optics, engineering, physics, mathematics, or a related field.
Coursework must include four semesters of calculus including vector calculus and differential equations, and should include two or more semesters of calculus-based college physics including an electromagnetism course. A course in linear algebra is also recommended.
3.00 GPA
International applicants: TOEFL 79, IELTS 7.0, or CESL Endorsement

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

23400 USD / year

≈ 23400 USD / year
Out-of-State

23400 USD / year

≈ 23400 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

12700 USD / year

≈ 12700 USD / year

Living costs

Tucson

United States

830 - 1140 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for Optical Sciences.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Qualifying Examination

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Tucson

Funding

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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