The Ph.D. in Radiological Health Sciences focuses on the study of radiation and its effects on humans, society, and the environment. Areas of emphasis include cancer research and the role of ionizing radiation in inducing, diagnosing, and treating cancer, radiation biology, health physics, radioecology and radiochemistry. The core curriculum provides a comprehensive background in the radiation and radiological sciences, enhanced by elective offerings in the department. The program is designed to support the development of students into independent scientists and to prepare them for careers in industry, government, and academia.

Learn more about the Ph.D. in Radiological Health Sciences on the Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences website.

Students interested in graduate work should refer to the Graduate and Professional Bulletin.

Learning Objectives

Students successfully completing this degree will be able to:

  1. Apply knowledge of radiation exposure on health and of related fields, including radiation physics, radiation chemistry, radiation biology and statistics.
  2. Apply knowledge of radiation exposure for the purpose of diagnosis and cancer therapy.
  3. Formulate a hypothesis, design and conduct experiments, analyze and interpret data.
  4. Function as an independent scientist and in multi-disciplinary teams.
  5. Identify and solve problems associated with the effects of radiation exposure on health.
  6. Adhere to the standards of professional and ethical responsibility of the field.
  7. Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
  8. Use the techniques, skills, and modern scientific and technical tools necessary for professional practice of radiation health and exposure.

Effective Fall 2021

ERHS 550Principles of Radiation Biology 15
ERHS 751Advanced Radiation Biology I3
ERHS 770Radiation/Cancer Biology-Comparative Oncology 24
STAR 511Design and Data Analysis for Researchers I4
STAR 512Design and Data Analysis for Researchers II4
ERHS 799Dissertation12-18
Select one of the following courses:3
ERHS 530
Radiological Physics and Dosimetry I
ERHS 712
Physics of Diagnostic Imaging
ERHS 714
Radiation Therapy Physics
Electives (500-level or above) 3,431-37
Program Total Credits:72

A minimum of 72 credits are required to complete this program. 

1

ERHS 551A, ERHS 551B, or ERHS 551C may be substituted.

2

Take in four semesters for a total of 4 credits.

3

Electives must be approved by the student's advisor and graduate committee.

4

Students may apply an earned Master’s degree for up to 30 credits toward the PhD requirements.

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