Applying

Each of the degree programs offered by the Institute of Optics provides a broad education in the entire range of optics, from fundamental optical physics to applied optical engineering. Admission to the graduate programs in optics is highly selective.

Ready to join to the Institute of Optics? Apply online today!

Admissions Process

Admission is decided by the Graduate Admissions Committee rather than by a potential research supervisor. Only after being admitted and then completing two semesters of courses, do you join a research group. Therefore, applications should not be directed to individual faculty members, but submitted according to the instructions below.

The Graduate Admissions Committee considers many factors in their decision: GPA, GRE, TOEFL/IELTS scores, letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, classes taken, and grades of those classes.

We look at an applicant as a whole, and don’t discount an application just because it is weak in one area, especially if other areas are strong.

Financial Information

Internal Fellowships

There are numerous internal fellowships available to both PhD and MS students. All applications will be considered for these opportunities. Financial offers can vary depending upon specific circumstances and will be specified in a letter sent to each student at the time that an admission offer is made.

PhD students typically receive a stipend and a full tuition waiver. During the first two semesters of study, the stipend support comes in the form of a department fellowship. After the first two semesters, students are expected to perform research in return for their stipend.

External Fellowships

Applicants are not required to apply for external fellowships but are strongly encouraged to do so. For PhD students who normally receive funding, external fellowships can still be helpful for several reasons including:

  • Receiving or even just applying to an external fellowship is seen favorably by the Graduate Admissions Committee.
  • Having an external fellowship increases the student's chances of joining their desired research group.
  • Once in a research group, an external fellowship gives the student and advisor more freedom to pursue a project of their choice, without the constraints of grant funding.

Check out the Optics External Fellowship Opportunities (pdf) to learn more about specific opportunities.

Academic Requirements

Degree

A bachelor's degree in optics, physics, engineering, or a related technical field is required. A MS degree is not required for admission into the PhD program.

Grade Point Average (GPA)

Minimum undergraduate GPA is 3.0 out of 4.0. In previous years, the average GPA of incoming PhD students was 3.7/4.0 and for incoming MS it was 3.4/4.0.

Graduate Record Examination (GRE)

The GRE is not required for the PhD or MS program, however it is encouraged for the PhD program. A good optics candidate has GRE scores in the 80th percentile or higher in all categories. A Physics Subject Test is not required but a score can be submitted for consideration.

GRE general and subject codes:

  • Institution code: 2928
  • Department code: 0805

English Language Proficiency

All international students whose native language is not English are required to provide proof of English language proficiency through the submission of official test scores from one of the following exams. Scores more than two years old from the application deadline are not valid.

  • IELTS
  • TOEFL or TOEFL iBT Home Edition
  • Duolingo

To send in IELTS scores please use the following address:

University of Rochester
Graduate Studies
500 Joseph C. Wilson Blvd
P.O. Box 270401
Rochester NY 14627

TOEFL scores can be submitted using the code 2928 (A department code is not necessary).

Duolingo score can be sent directly to the University of Rochester at no cost.

Qualified applicants have a minimum TOEFL score of 620 (paper-based test), 260 (computer-based test), or 105 (Internet test). For the IELTS, qualified applicants have a minimum score of 7.2. While a test score below the minimum score would not entirely exclude an applicant from receiving an offer, it is strongly considered.

Application Instructions

MS and PhD program applications are accessed through the admissions portal, available below:

Apply to the Institute

To apply to the HOME program, apply to the optics MS program, the select the HOME program within the optics MS application.

Applicants who are neither citizens nor permanent residents of the US should visit the pages of the International Student Office for additional information in addition to completing the application.

There is a $70 application fee for each application. As part of the application process, students will submit the following materials online:

  • Transcripts

    Upload a copy of your transcripts and have a sealed copy of your transcript mailed to the Institute and addressed to “Graduate Admissions”. Transcripts in a non-English language must be accompanied by a certified English translation.

  • Standardized tests (GRE/TOEFL/IELTS)

    Have the testing institution send the original paper score sheets to the Institute.

  • Recommendations

    Submit three letters of recommendation.

  • Statement of Purpose

    The Statement of Purpose should clearly describe your reasons for applying to the Institute of Optics at University of Rochester, your preparation for your field of study and your research/professional interests. In the statement you can reflect on how your background aligns with the University’s core values of Meliora—ever better—including equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. You may explain how your unique experiences will shape your future pursuits in your chosen field. Please share here any information you think is relevant for the admissions committee to evaluate your application. The Statement of Purpose is typically one to three pages long with a three-page limit. Your name and date of birth should appear at the top of each page; also include page numbers.

  • Resume/CV/other documents

    No specific format or instructions.

Application Deadlines

Some of our programs have different start dates and application deadlines.

PhD Program

  • Program start: Fall 2025 starts August 25
  • Application due: December 15, 2024

MS Program (In-Person)

  • Program start: Fall 2025 starts August 25
  • Priority deadline #1: December 15, 2024
  • Priority deadline #2: February 1, 2025
  • Priority deadline #3: April 1, 2025
  • Priority deadline #4: June 1, 2025

HOME Program (MS Remote)

Full-time
  • Program start: Fall 2025 starts August 25
  • Priority deadline #1: December 15, 2024
  • Priority deadline #2: February 1, 2025
  • Priority deadline #3: April 1, 2025
  • Priority deadline #4: June 1, 2025
Part-time
  • Program start: Spring 2025, January 21
  • Application due: November 15, 2024

Non-discrimination Policy

The University of Rochester values diversity and is committed to equal opportunity for persons regardless of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion/creed, sex, sexual orientation or any other status protected by law. Further, the University complies with all applicable non-discrimination laws in the administration of its policies, admissions, employment, and access to and treatment in University programs and activities.