BSOSE Optical Sciences & Engineering at University of Arizona

Programme overview

Lenses, lasers, telescopes, cameras and communications are all part of optical engineering, which has applications ranging from medical imaging to space exploration. Optical engineers specialize in light manipulating systems. Students seeking the Bachelor of Science in Optical Sciences and Engineering take on advanced research initiatives for improved technology in solar energy, weather forecasting, data transfer and storage, medical diagnostics, electronic devices and space probes.

Faculty: James C. Wyant College of Optical Sciences / College of Engineering | Duration: 4 years / 128 units | Study mode: full-time | Location: Tucson, AZ, United States

What you will study

Departments require a specific GPA in Advanced Standing Requirement courses.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Admission is to the university, not to this major specifically. University-wide first-year requirements: 3.0 unweighted high school GPA in the 16 core academic courses (4 years English, 4 years mathematics, 3 years laboratory science, 2 years social science including 1 year American history, 2 years of the same second language, 1 year fine arts or career and technical education); SAT/ACT scores are not required for admission. Some majors and colleges set additional progression or advanced-standing requirements after admission.

Domestic applicants: USD 12,168 a year (2026-27). FY 2027 published base tuition for the Resident Undergraduate rate band, which applies to main-campus undergraduate programmes. Excludes mandatory fees, college fees, program fees and differential tuition, housing and meal plans. Source

International applicants: USD 42,600 a year (2026-27). FY 2027 published base tuition for the Non-Resident Undergraduate rate band, which applies to main-campus undergraduate programmes. Excludes mandatory fees, college fees, program fees and differential tuition, housing and meal plans. Source

First-year entry: Fall 2027 start term (fall semester begins August 23, 2027 for international students). Transfer entry: Spring 2027 and Fall 2027 start terms.

Spring semester begins January 13 and fall semester begins August 23 for undergraduate international students; for graduate students spring begins January 14 and fall August 25.

First-year, Fall 2027: application opens August 1, 2026; Early Action deadline November 1, 2026 (priority consideration for admission, merit aid and the W.A. Franke Honors College), with decisions beginning January 15, 2027; later applications move to Regular Decision, considered on a space-available basis. Enrollment fee deadline is May 1.

Transfer: Spring 2027 applications close December 1, 2026; Fall 2027 applications open January 1, 2027 and close June 1, 2027.

The undergraduate application fee is $50 for Arizona residents, $80 for non-Arizona U.S. residents and $85 for international students; apply through the Common App. SAT/ACT scores are not required for admission.

Apply through the official page: https://www.arizona.edu/admissions/undergraduate/first-year

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