Health physics is the discipline associated with using radiation for the benefit of society. This includes applying scientific principles and practical knowledge to ensure that these benefits are obtained without unreasonable risks to humans or the environment. The profession has evolved into a necessary part of all applications involving radiation, including radiation use in medical and industrial settings. Sources of radiation range from naturally occurring radioactivity to man-made sources of radiation, such as reactors. Successful professionals in health physics have broad backgrounds in physics, biology, and instrumentation, and understand risks and risk analysis.
The required coursework is structured to provide a sound foundation in the basic skills essential to the health physics profession. Students may concentrate on specific areas of interest through a wide selection of elective courses. Laboratory exercises, field trips, and research supplement the formal coursework.
The M.S. in Radiological Health Sciences, Plan B, Health Physics Specialization is accredited by the Applied Sciences Accreditation Commission of ABET.
Students interested in graduate work should refer to the Graduate and Professional Bulletin.
Learning Objectives
Upon successful completion, students will be able to:
- Apply knowledge of health physics and related fields or specialties, including statistics, radiobiology, radiochemistry and radioecology.
- Formulate a hypothesis, design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data.
- Develop and implement a program to meet radiation safety needs of workers and protection of the general public.
- Function independently and on multi-disciplinary teams.
- Identify and solve health physics problems.
- Adhere to the standards of professional and ethical responsibility of the field.
- Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
- Understand the impact of solutions to contemporary public health issues in a global and societal context.
- Use the techniques, skills, and modern scientific and technical tools necessary for professional practice of health physics.
Effective Fall 2021
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ERHS 530 | Radiological Physics and Dosimetry I | 3 |
| ERHS 531 | Nuclear Instruments and Measurements | 2 |
| ERHS 550 | Principles of Radiation Biology | 3-5 |
| or ERHS 450 | Introduction to Radiation Biology | |
| ERHS 561 | Radiation Public Health | 2 |
| ERHS 563 | Environmental Contaminant Modeling I | 2 |
| or ERHS 570 | Radioecology | |
| ERHS 630 | Radiological Physics and Dosimetry II | 3 |
| ERHS 632 | Techniques in Radiation Dosimetry | 1 |
| ERHS 665 | Radiochemistry | 3 |
| ERHS 693D | Research Seminar: Health Physics | 1 |
| ERHS 786 | Practicum | 3 |
| Select one of the following courses: | 3-4 | |
| Biostatistical Methods for Quantitative Data | ||
| Quantitative Methods for Radiation Safety | ||
| Design and Data Analysis for Researchers I | ||
| Select at least 3 credits from the following: | 3 | |
| Environmental Toxicology | ||
| Fundamentals of Toxicology | ||
| Non-Ionizing Radiation Safety | ||
| Environmental and Occupational Health Issues | ||
| Industrial Hygiene | ||
| Industrial Hygiene Laboratory | ||
| Quantitative Methods for Radiation Safety 1 | ||
| Environmental Contaminant Modeling I 1 | ||
| Chemical and Biological Warfare Agents | ||
| Radioecology 1 | ||
| Research | ||
| Aerosols and Environmental Health | ||
| Design and Data Analysis for Researchers II | ||
| Statistics for Environmental Monitoring | ||
| Elective | ||
| 500-level or greater elective 2 | 3 | |
| Program Total Credits: | 32-35 | |
A well-written, comprehensive, and scholarly professional paper prepared on a topic approved by the student’s graduate committee that is successfully defended in an oral examination.
For more information, please visit Requirements for All Graduate Degrees in the Graduate and Professional Bulletin.
Summary of Procedures for the Master's and Doctoral Degrees
NOTE: Each semester the Graduate School publishes a schedule of deadlines. Deadlines are available on the Graduate School website. Students should consult this schedule whenever they approach important steps in their careers.
Forms are available online.
| Step | Due Date |
|---|---|
| 1. Application for admission (online) | Six months before first registration |
| 2. Diagnostic examination when required | Before first registration |
| 3. Appointment of advisor | Before first registration |
| 4. Selection of graduate committee | Before the time of fourth regular semester registration |
| 5. Filing of program of study (GS Form 6) | Before the time of fourth regular semester registration |
| 6. Preliminary examination (Ph.D. and PD) | Two terms prior to final examination |
| 7. Report of preliminary examination (GS Form 16) - (Ph.D. and PD) | Within two working days after results are known |
| 8. Changes in committee (GS Form 9A) | When change is made |
| 9. Application for Graduation (GS Form 25) | Refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School Website |
| 9a. Reapplication for Graduation (online) | Failure to graduate requires Reapplication for Graduation (online) for the next time term for which you are applying |
| 10. Submit thesis or dissertation to committee | At least two weeks prior to the examination or at the discretion of the graduate committee |
| 11. Final examination | Refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School Website |
| 12. Report of final examination (GS Form 24) | Within two working days after results are known; refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School website |
| 13. Submit a signed Thesis/Dissertation Submission Form (GS Form 30) to the Graduate School and Submit the Survey of Earned Doctorates (Ph.D. only) prior to submitting the electronic thesis/dissertation | Refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School website. |
| 14. Submit the thesis/dissertation electronically | Refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School website |
| 15. Graduation | Ceremony information is available from the Graduate School website |