PhD Optical Sciences at University of Arizona

Programme overview

As the largest optical sciences program in the United States, the Wyant College of Optical Sciences stands as one of the world's premier optical institutes. Ph.D. candidates benefit from a challenging curriculum, renowned faculty, an international student body and strong ties to leaders in the optics industry.

Faculty: James C. Wyant College of Optical Sciences | Duration: 6 years / 54 units | Study mode: full-time | Location: Tucson, AZ, United States

What you will study

PhD Coursework Requirements: Overview Optical Sciences PhD students must satisfy at least 18 credit hours of PhD thesis research, and 45 to 54 credit hours of coursework (including the minor requirement). Your PhD research advisor has discretion over the number of credit hours required between 45 and 54.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Graduate College minimum (applies to all programmes; departments may add requirements): regionally accredited bachelor's degree or comparable international degree and a minimum 3.00 GPA for degree programmes on a 4.00 scale. The Graduate College does not require the GRE, though individual programmes may. Programme-specific requirements are listed in the Graduate Admissions Guide.

Domestic applicants: USD 15,500 a year (2026-27). FY 2027 published base tuition for the Resident Graduate rate band, which applies to main-campus graduate programmes. Excludes mandatory fees, college fees, program fees and differential tuition, housing and meal plans. Source

International applicants: USD 35,800 a year (2026-27). FY 2027 published base tuition for the Non-Resident Graduate rate band, which applies to main-campus graduate programmes. Excludes mandatory fees, college fees, program fees and differential tuition, housing and meal plans. Source

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.

Apply through the official page: https://grad.arizona.edu/admissions

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