The University of Arizona

The University of Arizona (UA) is a public research university located in Tucson, Arizona. Founded in 1885, it was the first university in the Arizona Territory and has since grown into a leading institution known for its academic excellence, research contributions, and commitment to innovation. The university is classified as a Carnegie R1 institution, indicating the highest level of research activity.

UA offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs across various disciplines, including science, engineering, business, humanities, and health sciences. The university is home to 20 colleges and schools, including the Eller College of Management, the College of Engineering, and the James E. Rogers College of Law. It is also known for its strong programs in astronomy, space sciences, and environmental studies.

The University of Arizona is a leader in space exploration and planetary sciences, with strong ties to NASA. The university has played a key role in numerous space missions, including the OSIRIS-REx mission, which successfully collected samples from the asteroid Bennu. The Lunar and Planetary Laboratory at UA is one of the most respected research centers in the field.

UA is also recognized for its commitment to sustainability and innovation. The university has implemented various initiatives to promote environmental responsibility, including research in renewable energy, water conservation, and climate change. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities, including research labs, libraries, and student centers, providing a dynamic learning environment.

The university has a diverse student body, with students from all 50 U.S. states and over 100 countries. It offers a vibrant campus life with numerous student organizations, cultural events, and athletic programs. The Arizona Wildcats, the university’s athletic teams, compete in the NCAA Division I as part of the Pac-12 Conference. The Wildcats have a strong tradition in basketball, football, and other sports.

UA is also known for its commitment to community engagement and outreach. The university collaborates with local and global organizations to address societal challenges and improve quality of life. Programs such as the Arizona Online initiative provide flexible learning opportunities for students worldwide.

With a strong emphasis on research, innovation, and student success, the University of Arizona continues to be a leading institution in higher education. Its dedication to academic excellence, groundbreaking discoveries, and community impact make it a top choice for students and scholars from around the world.

• College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

  Founded in 1889, the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences' acclaimed teaching, research and Cooperative Extension programs strive to ensure the resilience and health of people, environments and economies in Arizona and around the globe. CALS prepares students for success in a wide range of careers in agricultural and environmental sciences, biosystems engineering, retailing, family studies, comparative biomedical sciences and more. Our world-renowned faculty engage in research and partner with industry and communities to develop new knowledge and new technologies to benefit society.

  The various curricula offer professional preparation for careers in agribusiness, government, public service agencies, retail and service industries, human health institutions, the food service and processing industry, financial institutions, youth development agencies, conservation and environmental organizations, farming and ranching, research, extension, communication and education. As the primary land-grant component of the University, the College administers a variety of programs at its regional Agricultural Centers and engages in Cooperative Extension efforts with federal, state and county governments and agencies.

• College of Architecture, Planning and Landscape Architecture

  The College of Architecture, Planning and Landscape Architecture (CAPLA) is an international leader in the development of sustainable design and planning solutions for arid regions of the world. CAPLA’s setting in Tucson offers inspiration and guidance to faculty and students working directly with and in response to the diverse ecology and culture of the Sonoran Desert while developing processes for analysis and design that are portable to other arid and semi-arid locales.

  CAPLA faculty work at the forefront of sustainability and regenerative development, specifically, alternative energy, water conservation, landscape ecology, climate change adaptation, affordable housing, and heritage preservation. Its alumni are recognized internationally for modern desert architecture, landscape architecture, and urban and regional planning and design comprising what is known as the "Arizona School."

• College of Education

  The University of Arizona College of Education — Arizona's first — was founded in 1922 with an enrollment of 145 students. Working with other colleges, the College of Education is responsible for the vast majority of teacher education on campus. The college prepares special educators, school and rehabilitation counselors, school principals and superintendents, and leaders for K-12 and higher education. Research is a valuable part of our agenda, and we recognize that a formidable college will include a wide range of scholarship and research — from insight-based, fundamental research to engineering-focused programs of research and development.

  The college secured a $27 million grant to examine how improvements in access to and quality of educational and health services impact young children’s development. No other state has ever done a longitudinal study like this.
  College of Education alumni are known throughout the world! The founder of Sesame Street’s, Joan Ganz Cooney, is one of our grads.
  Graduates include teachers, of course, but also researchers, counselors, school psychologists, special education teachers, principals, and superintendents — just to name a few.
  We’re home to the state’s only programs to prepare rehabilitation counselors and educators of the deaf and blind.
  The college is diverse. Nearly 27 percent of our students are minorities. About 23 percent of the college’s faculty is made up of minorities (16 percent of which is Hispanic).
  Our International Collection of Children’s and Adolescent Literature is the largest collection in America. There’s only one larger collection in the world.

• College of Engineering

  The College of Engineering was founded when the University of Arizona was established in 1885. For more than 125 years, UA College of Engineering alumni have explored, shaped and made habitable the world, indeed the universe, in which we live.

  Today, graduates of the College are entrepreneurs who develop high-tech companies, create jobs, and improve our quality of life. An engineering education provides the research to build new industries and the knowledge for those who run them.
  Engineers help people, and engineering programs at the UA College of Engineering have enormous breadth and far-reaching social consequences. Among many other things, students and faculty design new retinas for damaged eyes, affordable water purification systems for third world countries stricken by drought, environmentally sustainable manufacturing methods, hybrid cars and solar energy systems, bio-sensors that detect and keep people out of life-threatening danger, optical imaging systems for cancer detection, data collection and decision support systems for the military, and buildings that can withstand earthquakes and other major events.

• College of Fine Arts

  The College of Fine Arts consists of four professional schools: Art, Dance, Music and Theatre, Film and Television. The mission of the college is to prepare students to create, to teach, to participate in, to understand and to value the arts. Fine Arts faculty members sustain excellence in teaching, creative expression, and research in the arts and are a source of creation, knowledge, and inspiration about the arts for Arizona and the nation.

• College of Humanities

  What are the humanities? They’re the disciplines that make life meaningful. Intercultural communication. Conviction and questioning. Personal identity. Collective action and community building. The faculty, students and staff of the College of Humanities are passionate about their pursuit of life-changing and world-defining challenges. They work in the streets of Tucson, the corporations and agencies that form the national bedrock, and in the embassies and institutions around the world devoted to identifying problems, l

• College of Medicine - Phoenix

  The University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix inspires and trains individuals to become exemplary physicians, scientists and leaders who are life-long learners and inquisitive scholars and who will embrace professionalism, innovation and collaboration to optimize health and healthcare for all. The College proudly incorporates innovation in the curriculum, preparing students to be physicians for tomorrow, utilizing technology, simulation and advances in medicine. The College of Medicine – Phoenix admitted its inaugural class of first-year medical students in August 2007 and now accepts 80 students per year.

• College of Medicine - Tucson

  The University of Arizona College of Medicine - Tucson offers full four-year medical education programs. Partnering with hospitals, clinics and other affiliates statewide, the college offers a rich, hands-on experience for medical students on the path to becoming health-care professionals. Research concentrations include cancer, cardiovascular disease and diabetes, neurological disorders and biomedical imaging, among others. Research programs in both the clinical and basic science departments and in the multidisciplinary centers promote collaborative research across the college, the University and throughout the state of Arizona.

• College of Nursing

  Established in 1957, the University of Arizona College of Nursing is leading through innovative learning. As a top school in the country for strengthening the nursing workforce, we educate entry and advanced practice nurse leaders to deliver comprehensive, coordinated and compassionate health care; shape health policy for individuals, families, communities and care systems; and advance nursing science through innovative research, technology and collaboration.

• College of Optical Sciences

  The University of Arizona College of Optical Sciences educates students in all aspects of the study and application of light, performing internationally recognized research in optical engineering, quantum optics, applied optics and photonics, and image science.

  The College of Optical Sciences is the world’s premier optical institute, with award-winning faculty members, a diverse student body, challenging courses, pioneering research programs and close relationships with the optics industry.

  Optics is fast-paced, technologically challenging and rapidly changing. Our discoveries have initiated many of the revolutions seen in the field, and our faculty and staff work continually to reflect those changes in our programs.

• College of Pharmacy

  Established in 1947, the College of Pharmacy was the first health professions college at the University of Arizona.  Now regarded as one of the premier colleges of pharmacy in the nation, the college admits up to 100 students each year to the four-year doctor of pharmacy degree program, which prepares highly qualified pharmacists for the nation’s healthcare workforce. The college also offers master’s and PhD degrees in the pharmaceutical sciences and in pharmacology and toxicology, preparing scientists in drug discovery and development, pharmacoeconomics, environmental toxicology and other disciplines.

  The College of Pharmacy also has administrative offices at the Phoenix Biomedical Campus, and plans academic programs there as the campus develops. Pharmacy students complete clinical learning experiences throughout the State of Arizona, with approximately 40 students doing rotations in the greater Phoenix area.

• College of Science

  The College of Science brings together globally prominent faculty in disciplines at the core of scientific inquiry and education. One of the largest colleges at the University of Arizona, the College of Science is a nexus of award-winning programs and centers that encourage both independent and collaborative-driven research.

  Our 15 academic departments and research units encompass the range of physical, mathematical, environmental and life sciences. We are an integrative learning institution, offering next-generation scientists the opportunity to engage in groundbreaking research side-by-side with accomplished faculty. Our scientists and students also share their knowledge with the local and broader community through extensive outreach and public service initiatives.

• College of Social and Behavioral Sciences

  In the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, faculty and students examine the biggest questions facing humanity, from climate change to international affairs to personal identity and what it means to be human in the 21st century. The college offers a wide variety of programs in which students learn about the histories, cultures, interactions, motivations, beliefs, fears, stories, and impacts of people around the world, past and present.

  The College of SBS prepares students to succeed in an increasingly interconnected world by teaching social and emotional intelligence, an appreciation of cultural and interpersonal differences, the analytical skills to critically assess decisions, and an understanding of societal contexts and environments.

  As one of the largest colleges on the UA campus, SBS serves approximately 5,000 undergraduate students through 27 degree programs, which include popular majors such as anthropology, political science, English, journalism, and communication. In addition, 1,300 graduate and professional students are enrolled in SBS schools and departments.

• Colleges of Letters, Arts and Science

  The UA Colleges of Letters, Arts and Science offers a signature University experience: opportunities for students to explore areas of study that cannot be contained within a single department or college. Consisting of the colleges of Fine Arts, Humanities, Science, and Social and Behavioral Sciences, this new collaborative college will advance innovative programs that cross the boundaries of humanities, arts and the sciences. It will foster interdisciplinary research and offer undergraduate and graduate students unparalleled opportunities to learn from and contribute to a diverse intellectual community.

• Eller College of Management

  The Eller College of Management, one of the largest colleges at the University of Arizona with the University’s most sought-after degrees, continues to build on a tradition of excellence begun in 1913.

  Internationally recognized for pioneering research, innovative curriculum, distinguished faculty, excellence in entrepreneurship, and social responsibility, the college supports 5,500 undergraduate and 600 graduate students.

  The college is also home to top-ranked entrepreneurship, MIS, MBA, doctoral, and undergraduate programs, and leads the nation’s business schools in generating grant funds for research.

• Graduate College

  The Graduate College provides central support and leadership to serve, oversee and advance all aspects of the graduate enterprise at the University of Arizona. Over 130 individual colleges, departments and programs offer world-class graduate degrees and maintain outstanding facilities and opportunities for research and creative scholarly activity. The University of Arizona is one of the nation's top 20 public research institutions, enabling graduate students to work with leading researchers and providing an ideal environment for graduate study. We place high priority on interdisciplinary studies; we strongly promote intellectual and cultural diversity; and we encourage international exchange.

• Honors College

  The Honors College is a University-wide academic college that serves nearly 4,000 high-ability undergraduates at the University of Arizona. The Honors College enables talented students to reach the highest levels of excellence, engage in research and creative activity, develop a lifelong passion for learning, and improve the quality of life and society through research, leadership and community service.

  Admission to The Honors College is highly competitive and selective. Students are admitted on the strength of their academic preparation and achievements in high school or community college.

  Honors courses offer a challenging academic experience characterized by personal attention, active discussions, in-depth analysis, accelerated pace of learning, and student-faculty interaction. An honors education encourages interdisciplinary interests, achievement of educational and career goals, and the application of passion and knowledge in real world settings. Graduating with Honors is excellent preparation for graduate or professional school, the path taken by nearly 80 percent of alumni.

• James E. Rogers College of Law

  Founded in 1915 as the first law school in Arizona, the James E. Rogers College of Law is a national leader in legal education, research and scholarship. The College of Law has an outstanding academic program to prepare lawyers for leadership and service throughout the state, the country and the world. Its core values — justice, professional integrity, public leadership and community service — impact all of its programs, activities and decisions. The college is small by choice, with approximately 150 students in each entering class and a total student body of about 500. The college's size and varied curriculum permit small classes and close interaction between students and faculty.

• Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health

  Established in January of 2000 by the Arizona Board of Regents, the Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health is the first nationally accredited college of public health in the Southwest. Today, the UA Zuckerman College of Public Health remains the only accredited college of public health in the State of Arizona with campuses in Tucson and Phoenix.

  The UA Zuckerman College of Public Health offers a dynamic academic curriculum that includes the undergraduate degree in public health and graduate degrees in Biostatistics, Environmental Health Sciences, Environmental & Occupational Health, Epidemiology, Family & Child Health, Global Health, Health Behavior & Health Promotion, Health Delivery, Industrial Hygiene, Maternal & Child Health, and Public Health Policy & Management. In its short history, the college has gained national and international recognition for its research productivity and integration into communities across Arizona, the Southwest, Mexico and the globe. The faculty, alumni and students are consistently finding new approaches to solving the most challenging public health issues of the day including chronic disease prevention, clean air and water, mother and child health, and advocacy for public health policy. The college is also nationally known for expanding the definition of public health service in the academic setting through its Service Learning program.

The University of Arizona (UA) was founded in 1885 as the first university in the Arizona Territory, more than 25 years before Arizona became a state. The university was established in Tucson after the territorial legislature selected the city as the site for the institution. Despite initial challenges, including resistance from local residents and difficulties in securing funding, the university officially opened its doors in 1891 with 32 students and six teachers.

In its early years, the University of Arizona focused on agricultural and mechanical education, reflecting the needs of the region. Over time, it expanded its academic offerings and research capabilities, becoming a leading institution in various fields. The university played a crucial role in scientific advancements, particularly in space exploration, optics, and environmental sciences. The Lunar and Planetary Laboratory, established in 1960, contributed significantly to NASA missions, including the Phoenix Mars Lander and OSIRIS-REx asteroid mission.

Throughout the 20th and 21st centuries, UA continued to grow in size and reputation. It became a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU) in 1985, recognizing its status as a top-tier research institution. The university also developed strong programs in health sciences, business, and engineering. The University of Arizona Health Sciences Center has been instrumental in medical research and education, serving the state and beyond.

Today, the University of Arizona is a globally recognized institution with over 45,000 students and a diverse faculty. It offers hundreds of degree programs across multiple disciplines and maintains a strong commitment to innovation and research. The university's impact extends beyond academics, with contributions to economic development, sustainability, and public service. With a rich history and a forward-looking vision, the University of Arizona continues to be a leader in higher education and research.

The University of Arizona has specific admission requirements for undergraduate and graduate applicants. For undergraduate admissions, students must submit an online application, pay the application fee, and provide official high school transcripts. The university considers factors such as GPA, coursework, and standardized test scores (SAT or ACT), though test scores may be optional for some applicants. International students must also demonstrate English proficiency through tests like TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test.

For graduate admissions, applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. They need to submit an online application, pay the application fee, and provide official transcripts. Additional requirements may include GRE or GMAT scores, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and a resume or CV. Some programs may have specific prerequisites or portfolio requirements.

The University of Arizona has rolling admissions for undergraduate students, meaning applications are reviewed as they are received. However, priority deadlines exist for scholarships and financial aid. Graduate program deadlines vary by department, so applicants should check specific program requirements.

International students must also provide proof of financial support and may need to complete additional visa-related documentation. The university offers various scholarships and financial aid options for both domestic and international students.

Overall, the admission process at the University of Arizona is designed to evaluate academic achievements, extracurricular involvement, and personal statements to ensure a well-rounded student body.

The University of Arizona is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), one of the six regional accrediting agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. The HLC is responsible for ensuring that institutions of higher education meet established standards of quality and effectiveness. The University of Arizona has maintained continuous accreditation since 1917, demonstrating its commitment to academic excellence and institutional integrity.

Accreditation by the HLC ensures that the University of Arizona meets rigorous academic standards and provides students with a high-quality education. It also allows the university to participate in federal financial aid programs, ensuring that students have access to financial support for their education. The accreditation process involves periodic reviews, self-assessments, and external evaluations to ensure that the university continues to meet the required standards.

In addition to institutional accreditation by the HLC, many of the University of Arizona’s individual programs hold specialized accreditations from professional organizations. These specialized accreditations ensure that specific academic programs meet industry standards and prepare students for professional careers. Some of the university’s accredited programs include those in business, engineering, nursing, law, and education.

For example, the Eller College of Management is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), which is a prestigious accreditation held by only a small percentage of business schools worldwide. The College of Engineering holds accreditation from the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), ensuring that its engineering programs meet high academic and professional standards. The James E. Rogers College of Law is accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA), which is essential for graduates who wish to practice law in the United States.

The accreditation process is an ongoing effort that requires the university to continuously assess and improve its academic programs, faculty qualifications, student support services, and institutional policies. The University of Arizona regularly submits reports and undergoes evaluations to maintain its accreditation status.

Students and prospective applicants can verify the university’s accreditation status by visiting the Higher Learning Commission’s website or checking the University of Arizona’s official accreditation page. Accreditation is an important factor for students to consider when choosing a university, as it ensures that their degrees will be recognized by employers and other educational institutions.

By maintaining its accreditation, the University of Arizona demonstrates its dedication to providing a high-quality education, supporting student success, and upholding the highest academic standards.

The University of Arizona offers a vibrant student life with numerous opportunities for academic, social, and personal growth. Located in Tucson, Arizona, the university provides a diverse and inclusive environment where students can engage in various activities, clubs, and organizations.

One of the key aspects of student life at the University of Arizona is its wide range of student organizations. With over 600 clubs and organizations, students can find groups that match their interests, whether in academics, culture, sports, or hobbies. These organizations help students build connections, develop leadership skills, and enhance their college experience.

The university also has a strong Greek life presence, with many fraternities and sororities that offer social, academic, and community service opportunities. Greek life provides students with a sense of belonging and a chance to participate in philanthropic events and leadership development programs.

Athletics play a significant role in student life at the University of Arizona. The Arizona Wildcats compete in NCAA Division I sports, and students actively support their teams by attending games and participating in school spirit events. The ZonaZoo, the official student section, is one of the largest and most passionate student cheering sections in the country.

Campus facilities also contribute to a fulfilling student experience. The Student Union Memorial Center serves as a hub for dining, studying, and socializing. The university offers various dining options, including cafes, restaurants, and food courts, catering to different dietary preferences. Additionally, the Campus Recreation Center provides fitness facilities, group exercise classes, and outdoor adventure programs to promote student well-being.

The University of Arizona emphasizes student support services, including academic advising, career counseling, and mental health resources. The THINK TANK provides tutoring and academic support, while the Life & Work Connections program offers wellness resources.

Cultural and artistic events are also an essential part of student life. The university hosts concerts, theater performances, and art exhibitions throughout the year. The Arizona Repertory Theatre and the Center for Creative Photography are just a few of the cultural institutions on campus that enrich students' experiences.

Overall, student life at the University of Arizona is dynamic and engaging, offering students numerous opportunities to grow academically, socially, and personally. Whether through clubs, athletics, cultural events, or support services, students can find ways to make the most of their college years.

The University of Arizona offers a wide range of services and facilities to support students beyond lectures and seminars. These resources are designed to enhance academic success, personal well-being, and overall student experience.

One of the key facilities available to students is the University of Arizona Library, which provides access to extensive research materials, study spaces, and technology resources. The library system includes multiple locations, such as the Main Library and the Health Sciences Library, offering quiet study areas, group collaboration rooms, and digital resources.

For students looking to maintain an active lifestyle, the Campus Recreation Center offers a variety of fitness and wellness programs. The facility includes a gym, swimming pools, basketball courts, and group fitness classes. Outdoor recreation programs, such as hiking and adventure trips, are also available.

The Student Health and Wellness Center provides medical services, mental health counseling, and wellness programs. Students can access primary care, immunizations, and mental health support through Counseling and Psych Services (CAPS).

The Career Services Center helps students with career planning, resume building, and job search strategies. The center organizes career fairs, networking events, and internship opportunities to help students transition into the workforce.

The Student Union Memorial Center serves as a hub for student life, offering dining options, study spaces, and event venues. It also houses student organizations, meeting rooms, and entertainment facilities.

For students needing academic support, the Think Tank provides tutoring, writing assistance, and academic coaching. This resource helps students improve their study skills and succeed in their coursework.

The university also offers housing and dining services, ensuring that students have comfortable living arrangements and access to diverse meal options. On-campus housing includes residence halls and apartment-style living, while dining facilities provide meal plans and various food choices.

Additionally, the Cultural and Resource Centers support diversity and inclusion by offering programs and spaces for students from different backgrounds. These centers include the African American Student Affairs, Native American Student Affairs, and LGBTQ+ Resource Center.

Overall, the University of Arizona provides a comprehensive range of services and facilities to support students in their academic, personal, and professional development.

The University of Arizona is a top-ranked public research university located in Tucson, Arizona. It offers a world-class education with a strong emphasis on innovation, research, and student success. Here are a few reasons why students should choose the University of Arizona:

1. Academic Excellence – The University of Arizona is recognized for its high-quality academic programs, with over 300 undergraduate and graduate degree options. It is classified as a Carnegie R1 institution, meaning it is among the top research universities in the United States.

2. Cutting-Edge Research Opportunities – The university is a leader in space exploration, environmental science, and biomedical research. It has partnerships with NASA and has played a key role in major space missions, including the OSIRIS-REx asteroid mission.

3. Diverse and Inclusive Community – The University of Arizona is known for its commitment to diversity and inclusion, welcoming students from all backgrounds. It provides numerous resources to support students academically and personally.

4. Beautiful Campus and Great Location – Located in Tucson, the university offers a stunning campus with modern facilities, beautiful desert landscapes, and a warm climate. Tucson is also known for its vibrant arts scene, outdoor activities, and rich cultural heritage.

5. Strong Career Support and Alumni Network – The university provides excellent career services, internships, and networking opportunities to help students succeed after graduation. Its alumni network includes successful professionals in various industries worldwide.

6. Top-Ranked Programs – Many of the university’s programs are ranked among the best in the nation, including business, engineering, optical sciences, and environmental studies.

7. Student Life and Athletics – The University of Arizona offers a dynamic student life with over 600 student organizations, clubs, and NCAA Division I athletics. The Arizona Wildcats have a strong sports tradition, particularly in basketball and football.

With its strong academic reputation, research opportunities, and vibrant campus life, the University of Arizona provides an excellent environment for students to grow, learn, and succeed.