Medical Physics (M.S.)

Medical Physics (M.S.) | Graduate

Integrating principles of physics, engineering, and biomedical sciences for clinical applications, our program trains medical physicists at the cutting edge of researching, developing, and implementing new therapeutic regimens in fields like radiology and nuclear medicine.

Medical physicists can advise clinicians on the safe and effective use of medical devices in the diagnosis and treatment of disease and help provide patients with life-changing care. The Master of Science (M.S.) in Medical Physics at Howard’s Graduate School integrates principles of physics, engineering, and biomedical sciences for clinical applications in the diagnosis and treatment of human diseases such as cancer and heart disease. The program is well-suited for those with a solid undergraduate background in physics, applied sciences, engineering, and affiliated discipline who want to pursue careers in clinical medical physics, biomedical research, or regulatory environments. Our program aims to prepare graduates to be competitive for postgraduate or clinical medical physics residencies across the U.S. and to obtain American Board of Radiology (ABR) certification to practice clinical medical physics or to pursue medical physics residency programs. The program requires 36 credits of coursework, six credits of research, and successful completion of an applied research project. As an M.S. in Medical Physics student, you'll gain practical training in the latest approaches to diagnostic imaging, radiological medicine, radiation dosimetry, and health physics, and work under the direction of top clinical and academic physicists.  Core areas of research strength include image-guided therapy, radiological dosimetry, intensity-modulated radiotherapy, radiopharmaceutical therapy, functional imaging using PET and NMR, and disease detection and diagnostics. You'll also engage in hands-on laboratory work and clinical observation experiences within Washington, D.C. area hospitals and clinical settings. Our Physics faculty are dedicated to advancing clinical research in the field — but first and foremost, they’re committed to your professional development. 

Program Snapshot

      ❱  42 credit hours 

      ❱  Full-time

      ❱  On-campus format

      ❱  Degree: M.S.

Application Deadlines

Spring 2024 entry: 

      ❱  No spring entry

Fall 2024 entry: 

      ❱  Dec. 1, 2023 (early deadline)

      ❱  Feb. 15, 2024 (priority deadline)

      ❱  Apr. 15, 2024 (final deadline)

Applicants should submit their applications as early as possible. Applicants have until the final deadline to apply. However, applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the admissions cycle. 

Transfer credits accepted (reviewed by program director)

• Degree Classification: Graduate
• Related Degrees: M.S.

Application for Admission

• Online GradCAS application
• Statement of purpose/ Statement of academic interest (500-1,000 words)
• GRE scores not required
• Official transcripts sent to GradCAS
• 3 letters of recommendation
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university or the international equivalent
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae

GRE Required?

• No

GRE Preferred Minimums

• GRE Verbal Reasoning: N/A
• GRE Quantitative Reasoning: N/A
• GRE Analytical Writing: N/A

GPA Required Minimums

• Overall GPA minimum: 3.0
• Undergrad GPA minimum: 3.0

Prerequisite Courses (Recommended)

The following course prerequisites are recommended, not required (Students deemed qualified but not having appropriate recommended training may be admitted provisionally). No expiration date for recommended prerequisites; a grade of at least a B is recommended in each course.

• Physics (advanced college-level lectures, labs not required, 9 semester credit hrs)
• Calculus-based Mathematics (college-level lecture, 3 semester credit hrs)
• Differential Equations (college-level lecture, 3 semester credit hrs)

Reference Requirements

Evaluator type accepted:

• Professor (Required)
• Supervisor/Manager
• Coworker
• Other

Evaluator type not accepted:

• Friend
• Family Member
• Clergy