Requirements and Deadlines

Undergraduate Preparation

Students entering our medical physics program must have acquired a strong foundation in basic physics. A bachelor’s degree in physics is considered the best preparation, but other physical science majors such as nuclear engineering, mechanical engineering or electrical engineering, with coursework equivalent to a minor in physics (includes introductory physics, modern physics or equivalent, and at least three upper level undergraduate physics courses or equivalent) may be acceptable. Math background should include calculus, differential equations, Fourier analysis, and preferably linear algebra. Some facility in computer programming and electronic instrumentation is recommended. Chemistry through organic, a year of biology, and an introductory course in physiology also are advantageous. Applicants who are deficient in their physics background may be admitted conditionally. If so, additional course work in physics must be taken before the student can take the medical physics qualifying exam, which is given at the end of the second year of graduate study. Moreover, conditionally admitted students are not eligible to register for Part 1 of the American Board of Radiology physics certification exam until deficiencies are removed.

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

International applicants are required* to supply scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), also given through the Educational Testing Service.

*If you attended an undergraduate or graduate program where the instruction was in English, the TOEFL is not required.

Admission Timeline

• Workshop – Create an Application that Stands Out
  November 1 – 5 p.m. (CST) – Webex Link
  November 3 – 7 a.m. (CS) – Webex Link
• December 1, 2022 – All application materials are due*
• December 5-January 5, 2023 – Applications are reviewed
  • (*Incomplete applications might not be given consideration.)
• January 9-10, 2023 – Applications are evaluated and initial decisions** are made
  • (**highly-qualified, waitlisted, declined)
• January 10-13, 2023 – Highly-qualified applicants invited to Open House (in-person)
• February 2-4, 2023 – Open House/Interviews with faculty
• February 6-April, 2023 – Initial decisions*** made based on interviews. On-going discussions and decisions continue
  • (***offers made, waitlisted, declined).
• April 15, 2023 – Council of Graduate School’s deadline for decisions to programs who have made offer(s).

(note: the dates listed above are subject to modification)

Admission Criteria

Admission to the graduate program is competitive. Applicants are judged on the basis of their previous academic record, including grade point averages, letters of recommendation, and their personal statement of reasons for graduate study in medical physics.