Major in Health Physics

Health Physics is the science of radiation safety. Health physicists work in industry and medical and research facilities to protect people and the environment from natural and man-made sources of radiation while also ensuring society can obtain the benefits of radiation with minimal risks. Students will begin their studies with foundational science courses including physics, biology, math, and chemistry. Health physics courses will provide a sound foundation in the basic skills essential to the health physics profession. All students in the Health Physics major will complete a professional internship for academic credit.

Learning Objectives

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

1. Identify, formulate, and solve broadly defined technical or scientific problems by applying knowledge of mathematics and science and/or technical topics to areas relevant to health physics.
2. Demonstrate effective communication of health consequences, and risk management to workers and the public.
3. Understand the impact of solutions to contemporary public health issues in a global and societal context.
4. Apply techniques, skills, and modern scientific and technical tools necessary for professional practice of health physics.

Effective Spring 2025

¹

BZ 101 is required unless a student has received a 4 or higher in AP Biology or IB Biology, or a passing CLEP score of 50+.

²

Select enough elective credits to bring the program total to a minimum of 120 credits, of which at least 42 must be upper-division (300- to 400-level).

Distinctive Requirements for Degree Program:
To prepare for first semester: The curriculum for the Computer Science major assumes students enter college prepared to take calculus. Entering students who are not prepared to take calculus will need to fulfill pre-calculus requirements in the first semester.