PhD in Physics, Medical Physics Option

For student entering in Fall 2024 and beyond.

This sequence assumes the entering student has adequate preparation in undergraduate Mechanics, Electricity and Magnetism, Quantum Mechanics and Statistical Mechanics; therefore no physics remedial courses (PHYS.5000 level) are necessary. Note that the actual degree pathway depends on the particular preparation of the student, therefore this example may not be applicable to everyone.

Target date for Comprehensive Doctoral Examination.

Target date for start of research.

Target date for graduate research admissions exam and formation of thesis committee. Recommended date for taking ABR* Part I examination.

Target date for dissertation defense.

ABR = American Board of Radiology

Last updated: 7/16/24.

Last updated: 7/16/24

Please note:

• 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, equivalent to a minor in physics, is satisfied. Applicants with minor deficiencies (e.g., one of the required courses is missing) may be admitted with the provision of satisfying the prerequisite during the first year of graduate study. In cases when multiple prerequisite courses are lacking, we recommend that the student satisfactorily complete these courses before embarking on graduate studies in Medical Physics.
• Review complete Admission Qualifications in the academic catalog.

A limited number of Teaching Assistantships (TA) is available for qualified full-time doctoral students. The Department of Physics and Applied Physics offers TA support for the first two years of study. Thereafter, one of the research groups may offer a Research Assistantship (RA) on a competitive basis. For further details, including the current TA/RA compensation amounts, please visit Graduate Student Assistantships. 

Learn more about Tuition & Aid for Graduate Programs.