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    University of Rochester

    Optics (MS)

    Last verified against the official program page on .

    Rochester, USMSIn-person2 years
    STEM-OPT
    $64,500.00
    Tuition
    over 24mo
    57%
    Acceptance
    of applicants
    37
    Cohort
    students
    30
    Credits
    $70.00
    App fee

    Optics (MS) at University of Rochester is a 30-credit, 2-year, in-person MS program based in Rochester, US. Tuition is $64,500 and the program is STEM-OPT eligible for international students.

    About the program

    The program provides broad knowledge of optics and its applications through required core courses in modern optical systems, wave optics and imaging, detection of optical radiation, and optics laboratory, plus electives and a research essay. Options include standard two-semester track, extended with summer residency, specialties in areas like photonics and medical optics, and co-op with industry experience.

    Focus: coursework
    Part-time option

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    Admissions

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    GPA thresholds, GRE/TOEFL/IELTS minimums, essay counts, recommendation letters, prerequisites, admissions contacts, and country-specific requirements like APS certification, portfolio submissions, or GATE scores.

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    Deadlines

    Spring 2027
    Nov 15, 2026

    Standardized tests

    GRE
    optional
    Min The GRE is not required for the PhD or MS program
    TOEFL
    required
    Min minimum TOEFL score of 620 (paper-based test), 260 (computer-based test), or 105 (Internet test)
    IELTS
    required
    Min minimum score of 7.2

    After the program

    Post-study work rights

    12 months OPT + 24 months STEM OPT (US)

    $16,146.00
    Annual living cost

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    Self-reported profiles of past applicants to this program.

    Prerequisites

    Specific coursework this program expects you to have completed: calculus, linear algebra, programming, statistics, and subject-specific prerequisites where applicable.

    Recommendations

    Exact count of letters required, whether academic vs professional references are preferred, and any program-specific guidance on who to ask.

    Essays

    Number of essays required (statement of purpose, personal statement, diversity statement), prompts where the program publishes them, and whether supplemental essays are optional or mandatory.

    Contact

    Direct email and phone for the admissions office handling this program, plus a link to the program-specific inquiry page where available.

    Frequently asked questions

    How much does Optics (MS) at University of Rochester cost?
    The total estimated tuition for Optics (MS) at University of Rochester is $64,500 across 30 required credits.
    Is Optics (MS) at University of Rochester online or in-person?
    Optics (MS) at University of Rochester is offered in-person.
    How long does Optics (MS) at University of Rochester take to complete?
    Optics (MS) at University of Rochester is structured around 2 years and 30 credits.
    What GPA is required for Optics (MS) at University of Rochester?
    Per the program's published guidance: Minimum undergraduate GPA is 3.0 out of 4.0
    Is Optics (MS) at University of Rochester STEM-OPT eligible?
    Yes - Optics (MS) at University of Rochester is STEM-OPT designated, allowing international graduates to extend their post-completion OPT for up to 36 months total.