Admissions FAQ

The OPTI program is an inter-departmental and inter-college academic program that encompasses optical science and optical engineering research areas. It is administered through the Department of Physics and Optical Science, which is a Department in the College of Science, therefore it is listed under the College of Science in the online application.

Early applications are highly encouraged as this ensures full consideration and maximizes the chance of financial support. For the fall semester, the priority application deadline is March 1st with a final application deadline of August 1st. For the spring semester, the the priority application deadline is October 1st with a final application deadline of December 1st. It is advisable to have your application submitted and complete by March 1st/October 1st to be considered for financial aid awards. Additional awards may be offered after this date.

Admission to the OPTI graduate program is necessarily a selective process. To receive full consideration by the admission committee, you are advised to complete your online application by March 1st for admission the subsequent fall semester, and by October 1st for the subsequent spring semester. A complete application means that all supplementary information has been received. This ensures that you will be considered for the initial financial award offers. For international students, admission decisions are typically made no later than May 1, allowing for adequate time to secure a visa.

The GRE is waived on a case-by-case basis. Once your application is complete and submitted, please email our Graduate Program Specialist, Renee Johnson. The Admissions Committee will review your application and decide on the need for your GRE score.

The application fee is waived on a case-by-case basis. Once your application is complete and ready to submit, please email our Graduate Program Specialist, Renee Johnson.