Professional Science Master's Program
Master of Health PhysicsThe advent of the Nuclear Age has brought about tremendous advancements in nuclear and radiological technologies that provide unprecedented benefits to mankind. When ionizing radiation is used properly, it is an excellent means for diagnosing and treating medical conditions, for providing a steady supply of safe and cost-effective nuclear power, and for furthering scientific research using radioisotopes and radiation sources. In order to assure continued usage and development of these technologies, universities must educate health physicists to be vigilant in their oversight, use, and disposal of radioactive sources as well as oversee the protection of those being exposed to these sources. Health physicists employed in government agencies, nuclear facilities, national laboratories and medical centers must be highly trained professionals. Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) fulfills this critical need by offering a professional master of health physics (MHP) degree program. The MHP provides in-depth knowledge of radiation protection and detection while emphasizing strong analytical and communication skills. This is a non-thesis degree that can be completed in less than three years of online, part-time study. In addition, students must complete one on-site instrumentation course that provides valuable hands-on experience. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) "health physicists are provided with many opportunities. The field is broad, diverse, and continually evolving." Aside from being in demand in a variety of work environments, health physicists also enjoy other benefits, including very competitive salaries in an otherwise challenging market (see 2012 Health Physics Society Salary Survey). Let IIT's master of health physics program help prepare you for an important, exciting, and rewarding career in the field of health physics. Come study with nationally renowned faculty members to further advance your career goals, especially if you are working towards becoming a Board Certified Health Physicist. If your career goals do not require a full master's degree, we offer a Certificate in Radiological Physics. We also offer a distinct co-terminal BS/MAS program for the completion of a bachelor of science in physics and a master of health physics in just five years. Admission RequirementsTo be considered for admission, applicants must have completed course-work in calculus through differential equations and a calculus-based general physics sequence. A course in modern physics, including some basic quantum mechanics, is strongly recommended. Domestic students are required to hold a bachelor's degree in physical or biological sciences with a GPA of at least 3.0/4.0 from an accredited U.S. institution of higher education. International students are required to hold a four-year bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum GPA equivalent to a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. All applicants must submit their transcripts, two letters of recommendation, a $55 application fee, and a professional statement. Applicants for spring 2014 and beyond will be required to submit a resume no longer than two pages in length. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is required for all international students, domestic students with an undergraduate GPA between 2.5 and 3.0, or at the request of the admissions committee. For more information on how to apply, please visit the Office of Graduate Admission. Note that International applicants must meet English Language requirements and submit financial support documents. Required Courses*Students must take either PHYS 566 or PHYS 579 **Students must take either COM 423 or COM 523 ***Students must take either INTM 511 or PHYS 563 Continuing Education CreditsAre you a certified health physicist in need of recertification by the American Board of Health Physics (ABHP) or the American Board of Radiology (ABR)? IIT offers 10 American Academy of Health Physics (AAHP) approved continuing education credit (CEC) courses aimed to help you achieve this goal. AAHP describes a creditable CEC course as a “bona fide offering by accredited institutions for which academic credit is offered” and one that is "professionally enhancing." The CECs offered at IIT fit that description perfectly and can all be taken online for your convenience (with the exception of the instrumentation course). Below is a list of the CEC courses, describing how many credits they each fulfill and an identification number that will help you locate the specific course on AAHP's list of approved courses for 2012.
Program AdministrationProgram Director Director, Professional Master's Programs Advisory Board Sander (Sandy) Perle Bobby R. Scott, Ph.D. Otto Raabe, Ph.D. John Rich Elizabeth Brackett Health Physics ResourcesFellowship Opportunities There are a number of fellowship opportunities for graduate students of Health Physics at the Health Physics Society web page. Links to resources and documents for Health Physicists Apply Online | Master of Health Physics FAQ |
Professional Master's NewsS.Y. Chen Named Director of Professional Master of Health Physics Program
Chen, who comes to IIT from Argonne National Laboratory, has a rich history in the field of health physics. In his most recent position as senior environmental engineer and strategic area manager in the Environmental Science Division at Argonne, he developed an integrated risk assessment program to address federal risk-based policies. More > S.Y. Chen, from Argonne National Laboratory, accepts directorship of IIT's Professional Master of Health Physics program. The announcement of his new position has received coverage in the Chicago Tribune, the Los Angeles Times, and the Baltimore Sun. Professional Master's Programs Director Elizabeth Friedman Speaks at NPSMA National Conference Elizabeth Friedman, director of professional master's programs for the College of Science and Letters, presented in two sessions at the National Professional Science Master's Association's (NPSMA) 3rd National Conference, November 7-9 in Denver, Colo. Friedman was a founding member of the NPSMA (2005-2007) and served six years on the board in various positions including president (2010). More > |
