Program Overview

Master of Science - Health Physics

About

The Master of Science in Health Physics is divided into two sub-plans: Environmental Health Physics and Medical Physics. The Environmental Health Physics sub-plan is accredited by the Applied and Natural Science Accreditation Commission of ABET. The Medical Physics sub-plan in radiation therapy physics is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Physics Educational Programs (CAMPEP). The sub-plan from which each student graduates is identified on his/her transcript, i.e., Master of Science in Health Physics: Environmental Health Physics sub-plan, or Master of Science in Health Physics: Medical Physics sub-plan.

Available Options

• Environmental Health Physics: Professional Paper Track
• Environmental Health Physics: Thesis Track
• Medical Physics: Professional Paper Track
• Medical Physics: Thesis Track

Accreditation

For information regarding accreditation at UNLV, please head over to Academic Program Accreditations.

Learning Outcomes

Environmental Health Physics Sub-plan

• Demonstrate competency in applying the theoretical and problem-solving aspects of health physics and related disciplines.
• Demonstrate competency in the practical applications of health physics.
• Effectively communicate technical information in both oral and written form.
• Are competent in research methods and are able to critically review research with the intent of applying findings to their practice.
• Are pursuing health physics certification.
• Are actively engaged in the health physics profession.
• Conduct themselves in a professional and ethical manner.

Medical Physics Sub-plan

• Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental principles associated with the clinical use of both ionizing and non-ionizing radiations.
• Demonstrate an understanding of basic sectional anatomy and common pathologies in medical imaging modalities including CT, MRI, ultrasound, and PET.
• Demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of the operation of radiation-producing and detecting devices commonly used in therapeutic applications.
• Explain the basic computational principles associated with therapeutic and diagnostic applications.
• Apply knowledge of the wide-ranging clinical duties of a therapeutic medical physicist through clinical experiences.
• Apply knowledge and skills obtained in coursework to research experiences in medical physics-related projects.
• Demonstrate the ability to critically evaluate research and scholarship in medical physics.
• Demonstrate a sound understanding of medical physics ethics and the ability to provide appropriate clinical care to patients in a professional and safe manner.
• Effectively communicate technical information in both oral and written form.
• Explain the value of the pursuit of self-directed learning and professional development.

Career Possibilities

Health Physicists

• Research
• Industry
• Education
• Environmental protection
• Enforcement of government regulations

Medical Physicists

• Hospitals
• Imaging centers
• Radiation oncology centers
• University medical centers
• Industry

Requirements

Plan Admission Requirements

• Overall GPA of 3.00 (A=4.00 or equivalent) in undergraduate work.
• Successful completion (grade of C or better) of the following course work:
  • Seven-semester credits in biology including an introductory modern biology course and one higher-level course
  • Ten-semester credits in chemistry or geology including a general chemistry sequence and one higher-level course
  • Eight-semester credits in elementary calculus (mathematics through differential equations is recommended)
  • Twelve semester credits in physics including a general physics sequence
  • A course in computer programming (an additional course in numerical methods or scientific computing is recommended)
• Completion of a regionally accredited baccalaureate degree in health physics, one of the basic sciences, or in a closely related scientific or engineering field.
• Students seeking entry to the medical physics specialization must have a strong foundation in physics and, as such, applicants are required to have either an undergraduate degree in physics or a degree in a related engineering or physical science discipline with course work equivalent to a minor in physics (includes at least three upper-level undergraduate physics courses).
• A score ranking in the 50th percentile or higher on the verbal and quantitative sections of the Graduate Record Exam (GRE).
• Three letters of recommendation from former instructors or employers that speak to the applicant's potential as a graduate student.
• A statement of approximately 300 words indicating the student's professional goals and reason for seeking graduate education.

Plan Requirements

• Maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.00 or above each semester enrolled.
• Receive a grade of B (3.00) or above in all core health physics courses.
• Select a thesis advisor from the full graduate faculty in the program by the end of the student's first semester in the program.
• Pass the comprehensive oral examination.
• Continuously register for three credits of thesis or professional paper each semester while working on the thesis or professional paper until completion.

Subplan 1 Requirements: Environmental Health Physics

Total Required Credits: 40

Course Requirements

• Required Courses – Credits: 18
  • HPS 602 - Radiation Detection
  • HPS 603 - Radiation Physics and Instrumentation Laboratory
  • HPS 701 - Applied Nuclear Physics
  • HPS 703 - Radiation Interactions and Transport
  • HPS 720 - Radiation Dosimetry
  • HPS 730 - Advanced Radiation Biology
• Seminar Course – Credits: 3
  • HPS 611 - Health Physics Seminar
• Core Courses – Credits: 6
  • HPS 616 - Advanced Health Physics
  • HPS 670 - Environmental Health Physics
• Elective Courses – Credits: 7
  • HPS 750 - Radiation Risk Assessment
  • HPS 760 - Environmental Restoration and Radioactive Waste Management
• Culminating Experience – Credits: 6
  • HPS 797 - Thesis
  • HPS 796 - Professional Paper

Subplan 2 Requirements: Medical Physics

Total Required Credits: 40

Course Requirements

• Required Courses – Credits: 18
  • HPS 602 - Radiation Detection
  • HPS 603 - Radiation Physics and Instrumentation Laboratory
  • HPS 701 - Applied Nuclear Physics
  • HPS 703 - Radiation Interactions and Transport
  • HPS 720 - Radiation Dosimetry
  • HPS 730 - Advanced Radiation Biology
• Seminar Course – Credits: 3
  • HPS 611 - Health Physics Seminar
  • HPS 792 - Ethics for Medical Physicists
• Core Courses – Credits: 13
  • HPS 676 - Sectional Anatomy
  • HPS 740 - Medical Imaging Physics
  • HPS 742 - Radiation Therapy Physics
  • HPS 742L - Therapy Physics Clinical Rotation and Lab
  • HPS 795 - Independent Study
• Culminating Experience – Credits: 6
  • HPS 796 - Professional Paper
  • HPS 797 - Thesis

Graduation Requirements

• The student must submit and successfully defend their thesis or professional paper by the posted deadline.
• The thesis defense must be advertised and is open to the public.
• After the thesis defense, the student must electronically submit a properly formatted pdf copy of their thesis to the Graduate College for format check.
• Once the thesis format has been approved by the Graduate College, the student will submit the approved electronic version to ProQuest.
• Deadlines for thesis defenses, format check submissions, and the final ProQuest submission can be found here.
• Students may apply for graduation up to two semesters prior to completing their degree requirements.
• All required forms must be submitted to the graduate college via the Grad Rebel Gateway.