Medical Physics Graduate Degree Program

MAIN AREAS OF RESEARCH

The broad research base developed by Medical Physics provides considerable flexibility to promote and accommodate the rapid influx of new discoveries and technological developments in physics. As a result, we have ongoing research in every major area of the application of physics to medicine. These areas include: advanced dosimetry and radiation oncology, biomagnetism, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), molecular imaging, molecular imaging and nano-technology, neutron/proton metrology, nuclear medicine/PET, radiation metrology/radiation calibration, radiation metrology/radiation calibration, ultrasound, diagnostic x-ray imaging.

PROGRAM FUNDING

The department typically supports 85–95 percent of students enrolled in the medical physics graduate program through department or university fellowships, research or teaching assistantships, or NIH NRSA training grant appointments.  All awards include a comprehensive health insurance program and remission of tuition. The student is responsible for segregated fees.

ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS

A bachelor’s degree in physics is considered the best preparation for graduate study in medical physics, but majors such as nuclear engineering, biomedical engineering, electrical engineering, or chemistry may also be acceptable. The student’s math background should include calculus, differential equations, linear algebra, and Fourier analysis, such as might be learned in modern optics or undergraduate quantum theory. Some facility in computer programming and electronic instrumentation is desirable. One year of chemistry, a year of biology, and an introductory course in physiology are also advantageous.

Beginning graduate students should start their studies in the fall semester, as the course sequence is based on that assumption. Students applying for admission should submit an online application and all supporting documentation by December 1 to ensure consideration for admission and financial support to begin the following fall.

Admission to the graduate program is competitive. Applications are judged on the basis of a student’s previous academic record, research experience, letters of recommendation, and personal statement of reasons for interest in graduate study in medical physics.

The application includes:

• The online application to the Graduate School
• Payment of the application fee
• Electronic copy of resume/CV (include awards, fellowships, and scholarships received, publications, volunteer activities, and research experience)
• Applicant data sheet
• Personal statement of reasons for interest in graduate study in medical physics. The personal statement should include your reasons for graduate study, why medical physics, your future career goals as it relates to a PhD (or MS) in medical physics and your area(s) of research interest. It is advantageous to also research and include the faculty member(s) with whom you would like to work. The personal statement should be no more than 3 pages, single-spaced, 11 point font or larger
• Transcripts from all academic institutions of study (scan and upload)
• Recommendation letters from people who can attest to your ability to be successful in the PhD program due to your experience, academics, etc.(submitted electronically through the online application)