About
The purpose of the Physics M.S. and Ph.D. degrees are to prepare students for a career in Physics Research or in education at the university level. The program achieves this with a custom program for each student set up by their advisor and their advising committee. At the M.S. level students will learn to formulate, conduct and report on research, and in the case of Ph.D. the students will be able to conduct these steps independently.
Available Options
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Thesis Track
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Non-Thesis Track
Accreditation
For information regarding accreditation at UNLV, please head over to Academic Program Accreditations.
Learning Outcomes
- Understand electromagnetic theory at the graduate level.
- Understand quantum theory at the graduate level.
- Understand mathematical methods for physics at the graduate level.
- Understand statistical physics at the graduate level.
- Perform an original research project at the doctoral level.
- Communicate scientific topics to a scientific audience.
- Possess strong background of knowledge in physics and mathematics.
- Solve doctoral-level problems in physics.
- Communicate the critical importance of physics in society.
- Possess the confidence and ability to be an independent thinker.
Career Possibilities
Students who obtain the Masters of Science Degree (M.Sc.) in Physics typically develop critical skills that are very beneficial to a wide array of professions. Such skills include but are not limited to: data analysis, computer modeling, data measurement, high technology awareness/familiarity/expertise, ability to conduct independent scholarship/experimentation, leadership, writing/communication proficiency, mathematical expertise, creativity (“thinking outside of the box”) and critical thinking/analytical reasoning. The level of skills will depend on the nature of their masters thesis project (e.g. experimental or theoretical) but in general, physicists are considered to be deep thinkers and problem solvers. They are thus aggressively sought out for high-level jobs in many areas of human endeavor. As the bedrock of all science, mastery in physics (which by necessity includes mastery in mathematics) gives students confidence and ability to solve a wide variety of problems that are critically and widely relevant to society.
Soon after obtaining their M.Sc., many physics students seek to enter a Ph.D. program in physics or in other related fields. If they opt to not continue their education, they can obtain limited faculty positions (e.g. visiting professor, professor-in-residence) in academic/degree-granting institutions - usually private and public four year colleges, professional schools and community colleges. These faculty positions are generally offered by physics departments but physicists can also be hired by chemistry, geology, materials science, atmospheric science, applied math, history of science, engineering, medical physics, and biology departments depending on their particular thesis project/field of expertise. Master-level physicists may also teach in K-12 educational institutions (public and private) with additional teaching certification.
Masters-level physicists can also obtain positions in national laboratories (e.g. operated by the Department of Energy, NASA, and also Department of Defense) as technicians/technical staff members working on projects associated with national security (weapons research), energy (e.g. nuclear and renewable energy and battery research), climate change, and many other areas of national interest.
Masters-level physicists are often hired by private companies in research- and leadership- based positions, many of which are technology-based (e.g. Raytheon and Tesla). Many of today’s technological innovations that drive our economy (e.g. the transistor, laser, x-ray machines, NMR/MRI, CCD cameras, microwave ovens, etc.) were developed by physicists who in many cases founded companies creating these technologies.
Many physicists with an M.Sc. have been hired by financial firms due to their proficiency in data analysis and market modeling/prediction.
Recent graduates from the UNLV M.Sc. program in physics have continued their education by enrolling in the physics Ph.D. program at UNLV. Others have obtained technical staff member positions at NSTEC and are enrolled in post-Masters training programs at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Some have also become commissioned officers in the US Navy and others have found employment in the public sector.
Requirements
Master of Science - Health Physics
The Master of Science in Health Physics is divided into two subplans: Environmental Health Physics and Medical Physics. The Environmental Health Physics subplan is accredited by the Applied and Natural Science Accreditation Commission of ABET. The Medical Physics subplan in radiation therapy physics is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Physic Education Programs (CAMPEP). The subplan from which each student graduates is identified on his/her transcript, i.e., Master of Science in Health Physics: Environmental Health Physics subplan, or Master of Science in Health Physics: Medical Physics subplan. More information can be found at: unlv.edu/provost/vpaa/accreditation
Plan Description
The Master of Science (M.S.) – Health Physics is designed to prepare students in the field of health physics to administer public and private radiation health programs; investigate medical uses of radioactivity; measure and control radiation in the workplace and the environment; ensure compliance with radiation protection regulations; assist in the cleanup of radioactive and hazardous waste sites; evaluate worker, patient, and public radiation doses; and conduct research in radiation protection.
For more information about your program including your graduate program handbook and learning outcomes please visit the Degree Directory.
Plan Admission Requirements
Applications available on the UNLV Graduate College website.
Complete the Graduate College online application for admission. Completed applications, official Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores, one copy of official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions, and all other documents (i.e., recommendation provider information and statement of professional goals) should be uploaded into the online application system.
Students seeking admission to the graduate program in health physics must fulfill the following admission requirements:
- Overall GPA of 3.00 (A=4.00 or equivalent) in undergraduate work. Applicants with a GPA below 3.00, but not less than 2.75, may be admitted as a graduate provisional student.
- Successful completion (grade of C or better) of the following course work:
- Seven-semester credits in biology including an introductory modern biology course and one higher level course
- Ten-semester credits in chemistry or geology including a general chemistry sequence and one higher-level course
- Eight-semester credits in elementary calculus (mathematics through differential equations is recommended)
- Twelve semester credits in physics including a general physics sequence
- A course in computer programming (an additional course in numerical methods or scientific computing is recommended) Applicants not meeting a limited number (maximum of nine credits) of prerequisite requirements may still be admitted to the program. However, prerequisite deficiencies must be completed during the first year of study and prior to registering for Thesis or Professional Paper.
- Completion of a regionally accredited baccalaureate degree in health physics, one of the basic sciences, or in a closely related scientific or engineering field. Applicants holding a degree in a non-related field may be given special consideration if they have completed all prerequisite course work.
- Students seeking entry to the medical physics specialization must have a strong foundation in physics and, as such, applicants are required to have either an undergraduate degree in physics or a degree in a related engineering or physical science discipline with course work equivalent to a minor in physics (includes at least three upper level undergraduate physics courses).
- A score ranking in the 50th percentile or higher on the verbal and quantitative sections of the Graduate Record Exam (GRE). Tests taken prior to August 2011 require a composite score of 1,000 or higher on the verbal and quantitative sections of the Graduate Record Exam (GRE).
- Three letters of recommendation from former instructors or employers that speak to the applicant's potential as a graduate student. Contact information for recommendation providers should be entered into the recommendation page of the online application. Recommenders will then upload their letters directly into the student's online application.
- A statement of approximately 300 words indicating the student's professional goals and reason for seeking graduate education.
- All domestic and international applicants must review and follow the Graduate College Admission and Registration Requirements.
Students are accepted into a degree program as described in the Graduate Catalog. The faculty and corresponding sub-disciplines and sub-plans within the described programs are subject to change at any time.
Plan Requirements
See Subplan Requirements below.
Subplan 1: Environmental Health Physics
Subplan 2: Medical Physics
Subplan 1 Requirements: Environmental Health Physics
Course Requirements
Required Courses – Credits: 18
Complete 18 credits by completing all courses below:
Seminar Course – Credits: 3
Complete 3 credits of the following course:
Core Courses – Credits: 6
Complete 6 credits by completing all courses below:
Elective Courses – Credits: 7
Complete 7 credits from the following list of courses, any graduate-level health physics (HPS) courses, or other advisor-approved graduate-level courses.
- HPS 750 - Radiation Risk Assessment
- HPS 760 - Environmental Restoration and Radioactive Waste Management
HPS 760 - Environmental Restoration and Radioactive Waste Management
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Culminating Experience – Credits: 6
Complete 6 credits of one of the following courses:
Plan Degree Requirements
- Maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.00 or above each semester enrolled.
- Receive a grade of B (3.00) or above in all core health physics courses. If less than a B is earned, the course may be repeated. The student must be in good standing to repeat a course, and any core course may be repeated only once.
- Select a thesis advisor from the full graduate faculty in the program by the end of the student's first semester in the program. Failure to select a thesis advisor may result in probation or eventual termination from the program.
- In consultation with their advisor, a student will organize an advisory committee of at least three departmental members. In addition, a fourth member from outside the department, known as the Graduate College Representative, must be appointed. An additional committee member may be added at the student and department's discretion. Please see Graduate College policy for committee appointment guidelines.
- Pass the comprehensive oral examination. The comprehensive oral exam will be taken by all students after completion of the second semester of enrollment in the program. The exam will be pass/fail. Students who fail the exam may re-take the exam prior to the start of their third semester of enrollment. Students who fail their second attempt will be separated from the program. Students may not defend their thesis prospectus or proceed with their professional paper until successful completion of the oral exam. The exam will be administered by the graduate faculty from Health Physics.
- Continuously register for three credits of thesis or professional paper each semester while working on the thesis or professional paper until completion.
- Credit by Challenge Examination: Graduate courses in the Health Physics program may not be challenged for credit.
- Allotment of Credits: Students have a choice of catalog under which they wish to graduate
- The year of official matriculation, or
- The year of graduation
- Students are encouraged to meet the requirements of the current catalog.
- A final oral examination will be held following completion of the thesis or professional paper resulting from a research project. The final examination must be held by the Graduate College deadline in the term in which the student plans to complete the degree requirements.
Graduation Requirements
Subplan 2 Requirements: Medical Physics
Course Requirements
Required Courses – Credits: 18
Complete 18 credits by completing all courses below:
Seminar Course –Credits: 3
Complete 3 credits of the following courses with at least 1 credit from each course:
Core Courses – Credits: 13
Complete 13 credits by completing all courses below:
Culminating Experience –Credits: 6
Complete 6 credits of one of the following courses:
Plan Degree Requirements
- Maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.00 or above each semester enrolled.
- Receive a grade of B (3.00) or above in all core health physics courses. If less than a B is earned, the course may be repeated. The student must be in good standing to repeat a course, and any core course may be repeated only once.
- Select a thesis advisor from the full graduate faculty in the program by the end of the student's first semester in the program. Failure to select a thesis advisor may result in probation or eventual termination from the program.
- In consultation with their advisor, a student will organize an advisory committee of at least three departmental members. In addition, a fourth member from outside the department, known as the Graduate College Representative, must be appointed. An additional committee member may be added at the student and department's discretion. Please see Graduate College policy for committee appointment guidelines.
- Pass the comprehensive oral examination. The comprehensive oral exam will be taken by all students after completion of the second semester of enrollment in the program. The exam will be pass/fail. Students who fail the exam may re-take the exam prior to the start of their third semester of enrollment. Students who fail their second attempt will be separated from the program. Students may not defend their thesis prospectus or proceed with their professional paper until successful completion of the oral exam. The exam will be administered by the graduate faculty from Health Physics.
- Continuously register for three credits of thesis or professional paper each semester while working on the thesis or professional paper until completion.
- Credit by Challenge Examination: Graduate courses in the Health Physics program may not be challenged for credit.
- Allotment of Credits: Students have a choice of catalog under which they wish to graduate
- The year of official matriculation, or
- The year of graduation
- Students are encouraged to meet the requirements of the current catalog.
- A final oral examination will be held following completion of the thesis or professional paper resulting from a research project. The final examination must be held by the Graduate College deadline in the term in which the student plans to complete the degree requirements.
Graduation Requirements
Plan Graduation Requirements
The student must submit and successfully defend their thesis or professional paper by the posted deadline. The thesis defense must be advertised and is open to the public.
After the thesis defense, the student must electronically submit a properly formatted pdf copy of their thesis to the Graduate College for format check. Once the thesis format has been approved by the Graduate College, the student will submit the approved electronic version to ProQuest. Deadlines for thesis defenses, format check submissions, and the final ProQuest submission can be found here.
Students may apply for graduation up to two semesters prior to completing their degree requirements. All required forms must be submitted to the graduate college via the Grad Rebel Gateway.
Documents/Downloads
Contacts
Graduate Coordinator
Timothy L. Porter
Department of Physics and Astronomy
The Department of Physics and Astronomy offers comprehensive programs on two of the most basic and fundamental sciences–physics and astronomy. Physics is the study of matter, energy, motion, and force. Its concepts help us understand how the universe behaves. Astronomy studies the universe beyond the earth’s atmosphere, including celestial objects and the formation and development of the universe.
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College of Sciences
The School of Life Sciences offers programs that meet the needs of students intending to enter the workforce or pursue advanced training in the sciences, medicine, and other professional and technical fields. We provide a well-rounded foundation in natural, physical, and mathematical sciences that can set students up for successful careers and professional programs.