NUCLEAR NONPROLIFERATION PROGRAM

There is a growing need in the US government and other international, regional and local agencies for well trained professionals in the field of Nuclear Nonproliferation. This program provides graduate level training in this field. The objective is to create a talented pool of nonproliferation specialists with a strong background in the scientific/ technological aspects of the subject and appreciation of the policy issues involved. This is a new track in the existing Health Physics M.Sc. program. It provides an in depth coverage of the scientific aspects of nuclear nonproliferation, while the policy aspects of the subject are embedded with the science in a unique set of courses that were developed specifically for this program. In addition, opportunities for internships at the Department of Energy (DOE), or other facilities in the US or abroad will be available and will provide the student with practical work experience. This is a 2 year program aimed at students interested in a career in Nuclear Nonproliferation. Upon completion of the program the students will acquire an in-depth understanding of the scientific and technological aspects and a basic understanding of the policy aspects of this field through specialized training.

Degree and Program Study: The program offers a Master of Science degree in Health Physics with a specialized track in Nuclear Nonproliferation Studies. For students who select this option, the focus of the course work and the internships will be directed toward both the science/technology aspects and the policy aspects of this subject. The students will learn about the policy aspects from nonproliferation policy experts who will be invited to teach some of the specific classes. The program has been designed to provide students with the necessary theoretical and practical knowledge to become competent health physicists specializing in nuclear nonproliferation. Students in the program will have the opportunity to gain valuable experience in various areas associated with health physics and nuclear nonproliferation.

• Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university in one of the natural sciences (i.e. Physics, Biology, Chemistry) or Engineering.
• Physics (at least two semesters).
• Calculus (at least one semester).
• All relevant requirements of the Georgetown University Graduate School.

Financial Aid:
Scholarships funded by the Department of Energy (DOE) are available for the Nuclear Nonproliferation track. An applicant who is interested in a DOE scholarship must specify it in the application. In addition, student loans are available. For information visit www.georgetown.edu/home/student_finances.html

Housing:
For information, visit the Off-Campus Housing website at www.georgetown.edu/home/housing.html

Application Deadlines:
Fall Semester:  August 1st
Spring semester:  December 17th

Online Application
The website for online application is http://www.georgetown.edu/grad/online

If you are applying to the Health Physics/Nuclear Nonproliferation Program (NNP), send your application materials to the following address:

*Office of Biomedical Graduate Education
Georgetown University
Attention: CREDENTIALS - (Program Name)
3900 Reservoir Road, NW
Med-Dent Bldg., NE 303
Box 571411-P
Washington, DC 20057-1411*

Applicants to the Master's program will be selected on a competitive basis by a faculty committee which evaluates the application, letters of recommendation, and academic record. For full-time students, it is expected that the Master's program can be completed in 2 years. Part-time students taking two courses per semester would be expected to complete the program in approximately three years. Candidates who apply for the Nuclear Nonproliferation track, must specify this track in the application.

Degree requirements: The requirements for the M.Sc. degree include completion of 30 semester credits of course work including a six-month Nuclear Nonproliferation internship, and a written comprehensive examination. The student must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher for all course work. Besides courses offered in the graduate program, related courses may be taken in other departments of the University as well as through the consortium of Universities in the Washington, D.C. area, subject to the approval of the program committee and the Graduate School.

The required courses for specialization in Nuclear Nonproliferation include the following courses: Radiation Science (RASC-500), Introduction to Nuclear Nonproliferation (RASC-560), Environmental Health Physics (RASC-600), Radiation Detection (RASC-650), Nuclear Weapons Detection (RASC-660), Nuclear Weapons Production Cycle (RASC-750), Indicators of Nuclear Proliferation (RASC-760) and Nuclear Nonproliferation Internship (RASC-998).

At the completion of the required coursework, the student must pass a written comprehensive examination. A passing grade will be required in order for the student to begin the Nuclear Nonproliferation internship. Upon completion of this internship, the student will be required to write a report and give a seminar describing the results of the internship activities. A passing grade will be required for successful completion of the requirements for the Master's degree.