Qualifications for Admission

Medical & Health Physics

Qualifications for Admission

At a minimum, students entering the MS and PhD programs should have a B.S. degree in physics, or should have a B.S. degree in engineering or physical science with a strong foundation in physics represented by coursework equivalent to a minor in physics.

The minimum physics preparation for a successful applicant typically includes:

  • Two semesters of calculus-based general (freshman) physics,
  • Sophomore-level (or higher) courses in modern physics, classical mechanics, and electricity & magnetism; and
  • One or more junior- or senior-level electives such as quantum mechanics.

Applicants must also have completed courses in differential and integral calculus, multivariate calculus, and differential equations. Additional advanced/elective physics and math courses are helpful preparation.

Although not required for admission, we recommend the following additional undergraduate coursework for those considering careers in medical physics and health physics:

  • Biology: one semester of general (cell) biology; one semester of human anatomy & physiology
  • Chemistry: one or more semesters of general chemistry and/or organic chemistry
  • Computer Science: Basic literacy in a programming language such as C++ or MATLAB; knowledge of basic numerical analysis methods is helpful

Completion of a course in human anatomy is an eligibility requirement for the American Board of Radiology certification exam. Students who did not take a human anatomy course as an undergraduate must complete this requirement during their graduate studies, typically during the summer semester at the end of the first year. Any other deficiencies in coursework deemed necessary for ABR eligibility will be determined by consultation with Program faculty, and should be completed during the first year of graduate studies.