Introduction

The field of Health Physics is devoted to the protection from the adverse health effects associated with exposure to radiation. The Health Physics program offers a Master of Science degree with a special track in Nuclear Nonproliferation (NN) studies. For students who select the Nonproliferation option, the focus of the internships and the required courses will be directed more toward the science, technology and some policy aspects of this subject. The traditional Health Physics program has been designed to provide students with the necessary theoretical and practical knowledge to become competent health physicists. Students in the program will have the opportunity to gain valuable experience in various areas associated with health physics, such as basic radiation physics, radiation detection and dosimetry, environmental radiation protection and radiation biology.

Program Mission

There is a growing need in the US government and other international, regional and local agencies for well trained professionals in the field of Health Physics. The objectives of this program are to provide graduate level training in Health Physics and to create a talented pool of Nuclear Nonproliferation specialists with a strong background in the scientific and technological aspects of the subject and appreciation of the policy issues involved.

Requirements for Graduation

For the traditional Health Physics track the requirements for the M.S. degree include completion of 26 semester credits of course work, a written comprehensive examination, and a thesis. The student must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher for all course work. Upon completion of the thesis research, the student will be required to defend the results orally before the thesis committee, which may include specialists from outside the University. Approval of the written thesis and satisfactory presentation before the examining committee constitute successful completion of the requirements for the Master's degree. For full-time students, it is expected that the Master's program can be completed in 24 months. Part-time students taking two courses per semester would be expected to complete the program in approximately three years.

Faculty

The Health Physics program consists of 12 full-time, part time and adjunct faculty. Our faculty consists of internationally recognized experts in the field of Health Physics who are involved in cutting edge research in the field. The program has recently received a Nuclear Nonproliferation training grant from the Department of Energy, as well as prestigious research grants to develop radiation detection methods for nuclear nonproliferation applications and treaty verification. Members of our faculty were selected for important awards such as the Health Physics Faculty Award which was given by DOE for outstanding researchers and educators in the field of Health Physics. Some of our faculty members serve as a consultants to industry and are actively involved in a variety of national and international organizations.

Students interested in a career in Health Physics are invited to apply.

Deadlines are August 1st for the Fall semester and December 17th for the Spring semester. For more information, please contact the Program Director, Professor Marko Moscovitch at 202-687-8993, Email: moscovim@georgetown.edu.