Applicants are expected to have a strong foundation in physics, documented by either a degree in physics or in a related engineering or physical science with the following undergraduate coursework at the minimum:
- Physics (required): Core calculus-based physics courses, typically equivalent to a minor in physics, including two semesters of general physics plus upper level Classical Mechanics, Electricity and Magnetism, Quantum Mechanics (preferred) or Modern Physics (accepted), and Electronics or other advanced laboratory;
- Mathematics (required): Three semesters of calculus and one semester of differential equations;
- Anatomy (required): One semester of undergraduate-level human anatomy. A course in anatomy and physiology is preferred.
- Computer Science (strongly preferred): Competency in a scientific/engineering programming language and knowledge of fundamental numerical methods;
- Chemistry (preferred): Two semesters of general chemistry;
- Biology (preferred): One semester of general biology;
- Anatomy (preferred): One semester of human anatomy. Although anatomy is not a requirement for admission, completion of an appropriate anatomy course is a requirement before graduation.
Successful applicants typically have an undergraduate major in physics, engineering, or a similar technical field. Students with other undergraduate degrees may be accepted if the prerequisite coursework is satisfied. Applicants with minor deficiencies, such as the undergraduate anatomy course, may be admitted with the provision of satisfying the prerequisite during the first year of graduate study. In cases when many prerequisite courses are lacking, we recommend that the student satisfactorily complete these courses before embarking on graduate studies in Medical Physics.
The application deadline is normally the first day of February. Further information on the graduate admission process, including an online application form, may be accessed at the UMass Lowell Graduate Admission website.
Programs of Study
Master of Science in Medical Physics
The MS Degree in Medical Physics requires 31 hours of didactic courses, 2 hours of clinical training (counting as laboratory courses), and a thesis of publishable quality that includes a minimum of 6 hours of thesis research. Elective courses may be taken to meet particular educational needs, especially for the student’s research.
Doctor of Philosophy in Medical Science
The Ph.D. program in Medical Physics is an Applied Physics Option in the Department of Physics, and it offers an en-route MS degree option: Students who entered the program with a BS or non-Medical Physics MS degree and pass the Comprehensive Examination may be eligible for the MS degree in Medical Physics if they have satisfied the relevant MS degree requirements as detailed above. Detailed description of the programs of study is published each year by the Department of Physics and Applied Physics, which includes the Medical Physics Programs, and it is available from the Physics Graduate Coordinator. For further information, the Medical Physics Program can be reached at: MED_PHYS@uml.edu.