Program Overview

Master of Science in Radiological Health Health Physics Specialization

The Master of Science in radiological health, health physics specialization focuses on gaining an in-depth understanding of the risks and benefits associated with radiation in order to protect public health and the environment.

This program features a practicum course, during which students visit Los Alamos National Laboratory, Idaho National Laboratory, or an operational uranium mine. At one of the labs, meet with top scientists in the field and see radiation control in action. Learn about different types of contamination and the devices and protective clothing used to prevent and remediate it. At the mine, see where uranium is removed from the ground, processed, and packed, as well as its impact on the environment.

Students also have the opportunity to choose a medical health physics track, which prepares students for health physics opportunities in a clinical setting, such as a hospital radiation safety officer, and opens the door to a medical physics residency or entry-level medical physics position in a radiotherapy clinic or radiology department.

This program is accredited by the Applied and Natural Science Accreditation Commission of ABET, under the commission’s General Criteria and Program Criteria for Health Physics and Similarly Named Programs.

Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences

The Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences is home to one of the largest environmental health programs in the nation, and the only one that incorporates radiological health into its core curriculum. Students and researchers in environmental health investigate how natural and built environments affect human and animal health and seek solutions to minimize negative health consequences of environmental and workplace exposures. Radiological health has a long tradition at CSU focused on the biological effects of radiation, including laboratory studies of the damaging effects of radiation, and clinical uses of radiation in diagnostic imaging and cancer therapy.

Program Highlights

• Opportunity to engage in radiation research through partnership with Japan’s Fukushima University
• Access to a wide range of assistantships
• Comprehensive curriculum includes extensive laboratory exercises, field trips, and research
• Option to pursue combined Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in health physics

Research Opportunities

Hands-on learning is a key part of this degree program. Students will learn through field experiences, including a week-long trip to Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico.

Through collaborations with Fukushima University, Hirosaki University, and the University of Tsukuba, students have the opportunity to study and do research in Japan. Students may work with faculty to determine if pursuing a research project or short course in Japan is an option for their graduate work.

Students working on research projects at CSU have access to seven research labs licensed for radioactive work, a radionuclide counting lab, and two teaching labs for hands-on training. Equipment includes radioanalytical instrumentation, solid-phase characterization tools, and other general lab instrumentation that can be used with non-radioactive and radioactive samples. The department also runs an irradiation services laboratory that can irradiate samples using a variety of radiation sources.

Application Information and Deadlines

Interested applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 to be considered for this program. The Graduate Record Exam is not required.

Applicants should have a broad science background in physics, calculus, biology, and chemistry.

To apply, complete the graduate application.

Date | Action
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February 1 | Priority Consideration Deadline (for Domestic Applicants)
May 1 | Fall Application Deadline (for International Applicants)
July 1 | Fall Application Deadline (for Domestic Applicants)
September 1 | Spring Application Deadline (for International Applicants)
November 1 | Spring Application Deadline (for Domestic Applicants)

Tuition and Financial Aid

Graduate research assistantships are available on a competitive basis to qualified students.

Grants from the Graduate School, various scholarships, and/or research assistantships from faculty research grants are also available.

Visit the Office of Financial Aid to apply for financial aid opportunities like scholarships, grants, loans, and student employment, understand tuition, fees, and the billing process, establish residency, and find other financial aid resources.