Health Physics (M.A.S.)

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the prerequisites for admission to the Master of Health Physics program?

You should enter the program with two semesters each of calculus, calculus-based physics, and chemistry. We also recommend one semester each of differential equations, modern physics, and biology.

2. What are the requirements to earn the Master's degree?

To earn the Master of Health Physics degree, you must complete a minimum of 31 credit hours from the list of approved courses while maintaining a minimum grade-point average of 3.0/4.0 (B average). 

To earn the Master of Health Physics with Specialization in Radiochemistry, you  must complete a minimum of 32 credit hours from the list of approved courses while maintaining a minimum grade-point average of 3.0/4.0 (B average). 

To earn the Master of Health Physics with Specialization in Radiological Security, Emergency Preparedness and Response, you must complete a minimum of 32 credit hours from the list of approved courses while maintaining a minimum grade-point average of 3.0/4.0 (B average).

For each track you are also required to pass a comprehensive exam. If you have a 3.5 GPA or higher in the core science courses, upon your advisor's approval, the exam requirement will be waived.

3. What mathematical skills are important in the program?

Algebra, including manipulation of multiple variables, as well as calculus, including derivatives, integrals, simple differential equations, and Taylor expansions.

4. What is the difference between medical physics and health physics?

Health physicists focus on protecting staff and patients from radiation hazards and compliance with regulatory requirements, while medical physicists focus on physical aspects of imaging and treatment procedures to achieve the clinical goals. There is significant overlap between these two fields, especially in diagnostic imaging and nuclear medicine/molecular imaging. The American Association of Physicists in Medicine has developed a position statement describing the roles of the subspecialities.

5. What about professional certification?

Professional certification requires a combination of academic training and experience in practice at a professional level. The Health Physics curriculum provides a strong preparation for the certification exam of the American Board of Health Physics. With appropriate electives in medical health physics, graduates are well-positioned for exams in Nuclear Physics and Instrumentation or in Radiation Protection by the American Board of Science in Nuclear Medicine. The American Board of Radiology requires that candidates complete a medical physics residency prior to certification. (Students may complete the Part I exam while enrolled in their clinical training programs.)

6. Are Illinois Tech’s health physics courses recognized as CEC courses?

Yes, the following health physics courses are all AAHP Approved Continuing Education Credit Courses.

PHYS 550 – Instrumentation for Health Physics

PHYS 566 – Environmental Health Physics

PHYS 571 – Radiation Physics

PHYS 572 – Introduction to Health Physics

PHYS 573 – Standards, Statutes, and Regulations

PHYS 575 – Case Studies in Health Physics

PHYS 576 – Radiation Dosimetry

PHYS 577 – Operational Health Physics

PHYS 578 – Medical Health Physics

7. Can I take all the health physics courses online?

All of the courses offered in the health physics program can be taken online except for Radiation Instrumentation Laboratory (PHYS 550) and the optional Radiochemistry Lab (PHYS 581).

8. When can I start?

If the prerequisites have been met, you may begin your graduate studies in fall, spring, or summer semesters.

9. How long will it take?

Part-time students earning a professional science master's degree can generally finish the program in two and a half years.

10. How many courses should I take in a semester?

The part-time program is designed for students to take a maximum of two courses per semester. On occasion, students may take three courses a semester when available—with prior approval from their adviser.

11. What will my diploma state as the degree earned?

Your diploma will state that you have earned a Master of Health Physics.

12. May I start off as a Master of Health Physics student and transfer into a specialization track?

Yes, it may be possible to transfer into either the Master of Health Physics with a Specialization in Radiochemistry or the Master of Health Physics with a Specialization in Radiological Security, Emergency Preparedness and Response track. You must first consult with your academic adviser to receive permission to do so.

13. Where can I find additional information about Illinois Tech's policies and procedures?

▸  Information for current graduate students can be found on the Office of Graduate Academic Affairs website.

▸  Information for applicants can be found on the graduate admission section of the Illinois Tech website.

▸  Inquiries about online course access can be found on the Office of Digital Learning website.

▸  For course descriptions, see the Graduate Bulletin.

▸  For a student ID card, contact Access, Card, and Parking Services at 312.567.8968