what can you do with a phd in medical physics

Ph.D. in Medical Physics

General info.

• Faculty working with students: 59
• Students: 51
• Students receiving Financial Aid: 100% of PhD students
• Part time study available: No
• Application terms: Fall
• Application deadlines: December 2

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://medicalphysics.duke.edu

Program Description

The Medical Physics Graduate Program is an interdisciplinary program sponsored by five departments: radiology, radiation oncology, physics, biomedical engineering, and occupational and environmental safety (health physics). Four academic tracks are offered: diagnostic imaging physics, radiation oncology physics, nuclear medicine physics, and health physics. There are currently 51 faculty members associated with the program, and many of these are internationally recognized experts in their fields of study.

The program has available one of the best medical centers in the United States, with outstanding facilities in radiology and radiation oncology for the clinical training elements of the programs. The program has 5,000 square feet of dedicated educational space in the Hock Plaza Building and access to state-of-the-art imaging and radiation therapy equipment in the clinical departments.

Existing equipment and facilities include:

• radiation oncology equipment for 3-D treatment planning, image guided therapy, and intensity modulated radiation therapy;
• radiation protection lab equipment (whole body counter, high resolution germanium gamma detector, liquid scintillation counter);
• dedicated equipment for radiation dosimetry;
• nuclear medicine cameras and scanners in PET and SPECT;
• digital imaging laboratories with dedicated equipment for physics and clinical research in digital radiography and CT;
• the Ravin Advanced Imaging Laboratories;
• the Center for In Vivo Microscopy;
• laboratories for monoclonal antibody imaging and therapy;
• excellent resources for MRI imaging (including a research MR scanner, the Brain Imaging and Analysis Center, and the Center for Advanced Magnetic Resonance Development); and
• ultrasound laboratories in biomedical engineering.

The program is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Medical Physics Educational Programs (CAMPEP).

• Medical Physics: PhD Admissions and Enrollment Statistics
• Medical Physics: PhD Completion Rate Statistics
• Medical Physics: PhD Time to Degree Statistics
• Medical Physics: PhD Career Outcomes Statistics

Application Information

Application Terms Available:  Fall

Application Deadlines:  December 2

Graduate School Application Requirements See the Application Instructions page for important details about each Graduate School requirement.

• Transcripts: Unofficial transcripts required with application submission; official transcripts required upon admission
• Letters of Recommendation: 3 Required
• Statement of Purpose: Required (See department guidance below)
• Résumé: Required
• GRE Scores: GRE General (Optional)
• English Language Exam: TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test required* for applicants whose first language is not English *test waiver may apply for some applicants
• GPA: Undergraduate GPA calculated on 4.0 scale required

Writing Sample None required

Additional Components To help us learn more about you, please plan a video response to the following question:

How would a Duke PhD training experience help you achieve your academic and professional goals? (max video length 2 minutes). When you are ready, please use the Video Essay tab in the application to record your video.

We strongly encourage you to review additional department-specific application guidance from the program to which you are applying:  Departmental Application Guidance

List of Graduate School Programs and Degrees

Department of Radiation Oncology

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Medical Physics

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Medical Physics program at Washington University in St. Louis provides for students to learn fundamental concepts and techniques, and perform academic research in the field of medical physics. The program is geared towards undergraduates with a strong background in physics and mathematics, graduate students with a physics and mathematics background from fields outside of medical physics, as well as continuing learners with a CAMPEP-accredited Master’s level degree in Medical Physics. Students in the program will be exposed to a wide array of diagnostic medical imaging, radiation therapy, nuclear medicine, and radiation safety approaches and techniques, and will perform cutting-edge research with renowned investigators. These experiences will equip students with the knowledge, skills and experiences necessary to further their careers in clinical and/or academic medical physics.

Graduates of the program will:

• Gain a solid academic foundation for a career in medical physics in any of the focus areas of medical physics, including medical imaging, radiation therapy, and nuclear medicine.
• Develop skills to become independent investigators and perform cutting-edge research.
• Pose new questions and solve problems in medical physics.
• Generate innovative ideas and conduct research to improve the quality and safety in clinical physics.

The program will also help develop the professional and interpersonal skills necessary for success in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment. The program has adopted the  AAPM’s  philosophy of  medical physics 3.0 , which is based on developing intelligent tools and applications for the future of precision medicine, and has been developed based on anticipating the future needs of the medical applications of physics. Through a mixture of didactic training, research training, and hands-on experience, students in the program are introduced to a broad array of cutting-edge tools and techniques and their use in the various disciplines of medical physics and patient care.  Students in the PhD in Medical Physics program will furthermore learn how to develop new techniques, approaches, and technology to contribute to the continued evolution of the field of medical physics.

The objectives of the PhD in Medical Physics program are:

• To prepare students to become independent investigators in the field of medical physics and be able to drive their own research programs by exposing them to cutting-edge research and state-of-the art technology.
• To equip students with sufficient theoretical and practical background knowledge in medical physics to enable entry into CAMPEP-accredited clinical residency programs or to pursue careers in academic, industrial, or regulatory environments.

The Doctor of Philosophy in Medical Physics program endeavors to provide a welcoming and supportive environment for individuals of all backgrounds and lifestyles, in accordance with Washington University School of Medicine’s focus on fostering a diverse and inclusive environment.  Washington University School of Medicine’s culture of collaboration and inclusion is the foundation for success in everything it does. The School of Medicine recognizes that by bringing together people from varying backgrounds, experiences and areas of expertise, it can develop richer solutions to complex scientific questions, train culturally sensitive clinicians and provide health care in a way that best serves our diverse patient population. To support these values, the School of Medicine is deeply committed to building a diverse and inclusive community in which everyone is welcomed and valued. Washington University encourages and gives full consideration to all applicants for admission, financial aid and employment regardless of race, color, ethnicity, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, ability, gender identity or expression, national origin, veteran status, socio-economic status, and/or genetic information. We implement policies and practices that support the inclusion of all such potential students, trainees and employees and are committed to being an institution that is accessible to everyone who learns, conducts research, works and seeks care on our campus and we provide reasonable accommodations to those seeking that assistance.

Program Format and Course Catalog

• Financial Information
• Program Faculty

Additional Resources

• Frequently Asked Questions

Living in St. Louis

• ACGME Clinical Residency Program
• Check out St. Louis
• Medical Physics Residency Program in Radiation Oncology (CAMPEP-Accredited)
• Program Format & Course Catalog
• Program Statistics – Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• Master of Science in Medical Physics (CAMPEP-Accredited)
• Post PhD Graduate Certificate in Medical Physics (CAMPEP-Accredited)
• Graduate Education & Training in Cancer Biology and Medical Physics
• Clinical Clerkship Opportunities for Medical Students
• Purdy Summer Research Fellowship Program

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Learn More!

Virtual information session.

Hear what makes our Medical Physics Graduate Programs stand out! Watch our recent Virtual Information Session to hear program highlights and more from our program director, current students, and alumni.

Watch Virtual Information Session video

View more information about our Program Statistics »

Apply Your Physics Background

A career in medical physics offers you the opportunity to use your physics background to provide people with life-changing options every day. Medical physicists play a critical role at the cutting-edge of patient healthcare, overseeing effective radiation treatment, ensuring that instruments are working safely, and researching, developing and implementing new therapeutic techniques.

Preparation for Professional Success

Our CAMPEP accredited programs  are grounded in providing the highest standard of patient care. Our students have numerous opportunities to gain hands-on experience at some of the most advanced medical imaging and therapy facilities in the world through paid clinical work; practicum experience (master's degree); clinical shadowing (certificate program); opportunities for research, publication, and presentation; and much more. It is for this reason that our degree and certificate programs enjoy a high residency placement rate for our students, year after year. Our medical physics faculty, staff, and residents are invested in making our students competitive for medical physics residency programs and help them to develop the competencies and skills needed for professional success. 

Program Objectives

• Provide students with comprehensive exposure to the science and art of the physics of radiation oncology, medical imaging, and radiation safety
• Prepare each student for a future career as a medical physicist in at least one subspecialty
• Provide students with information on pathways for non-clinical career opportunities
• Prepare students for a medical physics residency, PhD program in medical physics, or graduate studies in a related area, if so desired
• Prepare students, academically and clinically, for Part I of the certification examinations of the American Board of Radiology (ABR)

We welcome you to  contact us  to learn more about the possibilities that await you in the Medical Physics Graduate Programs at Penn.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The Medical Physics Graduate Programs are strong proponents of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We support students from diverse backgrounds because we believe that fostering an inclusive, multicultural environment benefits our students, our programs, and the field of medical physics at large.

The Medical Physics Graduate Programs’ diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives are supported by the University of Pennsylvania , Penn Medicine , the Department of Radiation Oncology , the Perelman School of Medicine , the Department of Bioengineering , and the Physics Department .

Selected students will have the opportunity to complete a funded, summer clinical practicum experience in Ghana through the innovative  Global Medical Physics Training and Development Program .  

Two (2) $25,000 scholarships are available per year to support students who enroll full-time in our Master of Science in Medical Physics degree program.

Read all about our programs' news and highlights in the fifth edition of Radiation Communication , our Medical Physics Graduate Programs' newsletter.

Wayne State University

School of medicine, medical physics medical physics, ph.d. in medical physics.

GENERAL INFO

Jay Burmeister, PhD, DABR, FAAPM Director, Medical Physics Graduate Program Wayne State University School of Medicine

The curriculum consists of 60 post baccalaureate graduate course credits, including the required courses, with at least 30 credits at the 7000 level and above.  Students must successfully complete the Qualifying Examination and an Oral Exam.  After qualifying, 30 research and dissertation credits must be taken, including oral dissertation defense. Thus, the entire program consists of 90 graduate credits.  It is essential that the PhD Dissertation represent original research work which must be presented at a Public Defense lecture.  Also, all students will be encouraged to complete a (non-credit) Clinical Internship.

The PhD program in Medical Physics is designed to train graduate students with a background in Physics, Engineering, or related science to become medical physicists practicing in research and clinical service in Radiation Oncology, Diagnostic Imaging, and/or Nuclear Medicine.  Our objectives are to remain one of the top medical physics educational programs in North America, to produce leaders and innovators in the advancement of the technical aspects of medical care, and to place our graduates in high quality research and clinical positions in the academic and health care professions.  In doing so, our ultimate goal is to improve the quality of health care in Radiation Oncology, Diagnostic Imaging, and/or Nuclear Medicine.

PREREQUISITES

In addition to the prerequisites for the Master's program :

• Graduate Record Examination: Subject Test in Physics (recommended).

REQUIRED COURSEWORK

All the required M.S. courses , (with the exception of ROC 7999) plus:

plus additional didactic coursework to meet requirements (some electives listed below):

SAMPLE ELECTIVE COURSES

PH.D. QUALIFYING EXAM

The PhD Qualifying Examination is usually taken by students after completion of all the required courses and is one of the requirements which must be successfully completed before being admitted to candidacy for the degree. The examination is in two parts, both written. Before taking the exam the student must have filed a Plan of Work with the Graduate School. The written exam consists of a four-hour (Part I) Radiological Physics Exam based on the Canadian College of Physicists in Medicine (Board) Exam, followed by a four-hour (Part II) exam on problem solving in Medical Physics based upon the required ROC courses within the program.  The passing requirements are the same for both the Part I and Part II exams.  The examinee must achieve an average score of 70% for each exam, and must score at least 50% on all questions.

All questions for the Part I exam are selected from a bank of about 100 questions assembled into six topic groups. The exam consists of six questions, one question from each group being selected randomly for each exam. Candidates must answer four of the six questions. Copies of the Question Booklet are provided to all Ph.D. students by the Program Director. For the Part II Exam, questions are divided into three sections: (1) Diagnostic Imaging & Nuclear Medicine, (2) Radiation Oncology Physics, and (3) Radiological Physics, Radiation Dosimetry, Radiation Safety, and Radiobiology.  The examinee will receive two questions in each section. Candidates must answer four of the six questions, with at least one question selected from each of the three sections.

Students register for the Qualifying Exam with the Program Director at least two months before the Part I exam.

For the Oral Examination, the student is expected to review a potential research program and is required to demonstrate an adequate command of knowledge of the field of study, with the ability to organize and apply that knowledge toward completion of the proposed research. The Oral Exam will normally be administered after the candidate has successfully completed the Qualifying Exam, but no more than one year after, and is just beginning to work on a potential dissertation research project.  It will consist of a public seminar followed by a closed dissertation committee meeting.  All PhD students will meet with their respective committees, at a minimum, once per year.  Additional meetings will be scheduled as needed.

CLINICAL INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

The purpose of the clinical internship is to provide practical experience so that graduates will be immediately useful upon employment. Interns will gain clinical experience under the direction of program faculty at the Karmanos Cancer Center, along with potentially other area facilities.  An internship covering IMRT quality assurance will also be offered through Karmanos Cancer Center.  Arrangements will be made during the fall term.  Additional clinical opportunities may be secured by the individual students through faculty mentors.

TRANSFER OF CREDIT

Up to 30 credits may be transferred in from another accredited university to meet the didactic requirements of the PhD degree.

Division of Radiation Oncology

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PhD Admissions FAQ

If you have questions, not answered here or elsewhere on our web pages, send an email to  hst-phd-admissions [at] mit.edu (HST PhD Admissions staff) .

What is the MEMP PhD program?

The Medical Engineering and Medical Physics (MEMP) PhD program trains students to advance human health. The MEMP program is a unique combination of curriculum, practice and community that integrates:

• A thorough graduate education in a classical discipline of engineering or physical science
• In depth training in the biomedical sciences and the practice of medicine through preclinical coursework alongside medical students and clinical experiences in hospital wards
• Access to research opportunities in labs at Harvard, MIT and Harvard teaching hospitals
• A community of peers with career paths in medicine, science, engineering, business, and government
• Original research in the form of a doctoral thesis

What makes MEMP unique?

The MEMP program differs significantly from many biomedical engineering (BME) doctoral programs because of its breadth and its depth in multiple dimensions. It not only emphasizes grounding in a classical discipline but also provides much more exposure to the medical sciences than most BME programs. This exposure comes in many forms, including biomedical sciences coursework in which MD students are peers, as well as through multiple clinical experiences. The MEMP program also provides an open environment that allows students to follow their interests even when they cross the conventional barriers between disciplines, professions and institutions.

Alumni tell us that the HST Introduction to Clinical Medicine (ICM), which is the capstone experience differentiating MEMP from traditional BME programs, is transformative and has a major impact on their careers.

• The clinical experience is priceless.  Provides months of real-world exposure to the challenges - and rewards - of medicine, from diagnosis to treatment
• Doing ICM also made my coursework relevant - I saw myriad applications for engineering expertise and abundant problems needing to be tackled. ICM brought these to life in a way lectures or textbooks never would have.
• The types of students who are drawn to MEMP because of Intro to Clinical Medicine (ICM) are those who want to understand problems from many different angles, not just their engineering discipline, and builds the interdisciplinary culture that HST strives for right from the beginning .
• From direct observation from my peers and colleagues, HST alumni, that have entered both academia and industry, the ICM experience has prepared them in ways that may have otherwise taken years to learn in order to interact with physicians and advance translation of ideas and products... Medicine is a culture and knowledge base that needs to be experienced in the clinic, learning with patients, and cannot be appreciated solely in the classroom.

Is my background appropriate for MEMP?

MEMP applicants should have an undergraduate (bachelors/baccalaureate) degree in an engineering discipline or a physical/quantitative science field (for example, chemistry, physics, computer science, computational neuroscience). A masters degree is not required. Successful candidates will have demonstrated a sustained interest in applications of engineering and physical science principles to biology or medicine through courses, research, and/or industrial experience.

When members of the admissions committee review submitted applications, they are assessing whether applicants are prepared to succeed in graduate courses in engineering or physical sciences at MIT. To determine if your background provides sufficient preparation for our program, you can review the program’s requirements for a concentration area here and here . Materials for many of the classes listed on the TQE form are available on MIT Open Courseware , which allows you to see the level at which the material is covered.

Does HST offer fee waivers?

Applying to graduate school can present a financial obstacle for many qualified applicants. Application fee waivers are available for US citizens and permanent residents who meet eligibility requirements set by the  MIT Office of Graduate Education . All requests are made through the MIT Office of Graduate Education process. 

How do I apply to MEMP?

All MEMP candidates are required to apply through MIT, using the MIT online Application for Graduate Admission. Note that MEMP students enrolled through MIT can work in the labs of any Harvard or MIT faculty member, including those at Harvard-affiliated hospitals and research institutes .

Can I apply to MEMP through via Harvard?

Candidates who have applied to MEMP via MIT and are simultaneously applying for graduate study with one of our partner units at Harvard – the Harvard Biophysics Graduate Program or the Harvard School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) – may optionally follow these instructions to apply to participate in the MEMP curriculum in conjunction with their PhD at Harvard. This path is appropriate if:

• you have a particular interest in the curriculum of Harvard's interdepartmental Biophysics Program; or
• you are interested in joining the lab of a Harvard SEAS faculty member to work on a SEAS-based project. 

Successful applicants to MEMP through Harvard must be accepted by both their Harvard program and HST. If you are accepted to MEMP through both MIT and Harvard, you can choose which offer to accept.

Can I apply to multiple PhD programs in the same year?

Yes, you may apply to multiple MIT graduate degree programs in the same admissions cycle. HST encourages applicants to consider the suitability of programs at different institutions and in other MIT departments. Each application to MIT is considered separately, and MIT will charge a separate application fee for each program that you apply to.

How do MEMP students select their research advisors and thesis project?

MEMP PhD students admitted through MIT work in a wide variety of research areas and can work in the labs of any MIT or Harvard faculty member. This includes research labs located at many institutions affiliated  with Harvard  and  with MIT .   Faculty formally affiliated with the HST program are listed at http://hst.mit.edu/faculty-research/faculty , but MEMP students are not restricted to working with these individuals.

As part of the admissions process, promising applicants are invited for interviews. After offers of admission have been extended, admitted candidates will have opportunities to interact with faculty and current students as part of MEMP Open House in early March. Due to the large number of applications, we do not encourage candidates to contact potential research mentors prior to being invited to interview.

When can I begin an application?

The application website opens each year on August 1 for admission in fall of the following year.

What is the deadline to apply?

Application deadlines  are typically in early December preceding the fall term in which you intend to enroll.

We appreciate receiving all letters of recommendation by the application deadline, as that will expedite the processing of your application. We will accept letters of recommendation received up to 7 days after the application deadline. Applications will be considered incomplete and may not receive full consideration if the required three letters are not received by that extended deadline.

It is not possible to make changes to your application after the deadline, even if new information becomes available regarding publications, awards, grades, etc. If you are invited to interview, you can share those updates with members of the admissions committee at that time.

Is the GRE required?

No, GRE test scores are not required or accepted.

I'm an international student. Is an English proficiency exam required, and how do I submit exam scores?

HST places a high premium on both written and spoken communication skills. International students applying to HST should select one of the following options.

Option 1 : Submit IELTS, Cambridge English, or TOEFL exam scores. You must schedule your test so official results will be sent and received by our application deadline.

• HST requires a minimum score of 7 on the IELTS test. IELTS does not use a code system; please designate Health Sciences and Technology (HST) as the MIT department for sending your scores. 
• HST requires a minimum score of 185 for the Cambridge English C1 Advanced and C2 Proficiency assessments.
• HST accepts all versions of the TOEFL iBT test and requires a minimum score of 100. Please have your official TOEFL test scores sent to MIT using institution code 3514 . A department code is not necessary. All scores received by MIT are matched to submitted applications. 

Option 2 : If you meet one of the following criteria, you are not required to submit IELTS, Cambridge English, or TOEFL scores:

• English is your first (native) language;
• You have received a degree from a high school, college, or university where English is the primary language of instruction;
• You are currently enrolled in a degree program where English is the primary language of instruction

Please provide these answers in the  Personal Background  and Academic History  section of your MIT MEMP application. 

Option 3 : If you do not meet the criteria in Option 2 , but you believe that you have sufficient English proficiency for graduate study (for example, many years of professional activities reading, writing, and speaking English), you may choose not to submit test scores. In this case, you should do both of the following:

• Describe your experience and skill levels in writing, reading, and speaking English in the Test Scores  section on your application. 
• Ask one or more recommenders whose native language is English to include their subjective evaluation of your English language preparation for graduate study as part of their letter of recommendation.

If you cannot provide current IELTS, Cambridge English, or TOEFL scores and do not meet the criteria in Options 2 or 3 , you may apply to HST, but we cannot guarantee that your application will receive full consideration.

How do I convert international or letter grades to GPA?

Please include the cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) as reported on your transcript. You should not convert international or letter grades to a GPA. If there is no cumulative grade available, enter n/a for not applicable or 0 (zero).  

What supporting documents are required, and how do I submit them?

Specific instructions for submitting resumes/CVs,  transcripts,  and letters of recommendation  follow. Please do not send copies of journal articles, certificates, photographs, or any other materials; they will not be reviewed.

Test score reports: We do not accept GRE or MCAT scores. Detailed instructions for international applicants submitting TOEFL or IELTS scores can be found here .

Resumes/CVs:  The online application will prompt you to upload a resume or CV.

Transcripts: As part of the online application, you will upload grade reports or unofficial transcripts from each college or university where a degree has or will be earned.  Candidates who are offered admission and choose to enroll  will be asked to arrange for an official transcript to be sent directly from each school where a degree has been awarded.

Please do not send official transcripts until you are prompted to do so. We accept both paper and electronic transcripts. Transcripts that do not already include an English version must be accompanied by a certified English translation.

Letters of recommendation:  Three letters are required, and one or two additional letters (up to a total of five) will be accepted. At least two letters should be from people well acquainted with your academic work and research abilities. 

Each letter should be on institutional letterhead and include a legible signature. Letters should be received by the application deadline, but no later than December 9 .

Whenever possible, letters should be submitted online. We do not accept letters of recommendation by email or fax. If your recommender encounters difficulties, instruct them to  hst-phd-admissions [at] mit.edu (contact us) for assistance.

May I include a publication that has been submitted or is currently under review, in revision, accepted for publication or in press?

Publication information should be listed in the applicant's CV.

Applicants may refer to submitted manuscripts - such as journal articles or conference proceedings - at any stage of the publication process. Please clarify the current state of the review process. If you are invited to interview, you may be asked to provide an update on the current status of a manuscript. 

May I send additional supporting materials?

No, please do not send additional supporting materials. They will not be reviewed.

What happens after HST receives my application?

Once your application is complete, you will receive an email confirmation. Due to the high volume of activity near the deadline, it may take a few days to receive this confirmation. We appreciate your patience and understanding. If your application is incomplete (for example, due to missing letters of recommendation), you will receive status updates via email until the application is complete or through December 20, whichever comes first. 

Applications are reviewed by multiple members of the HST PhD admissions committee, and selected candidates are invited to participate in virtual interviews that occur in late January. Offers of admission are sent by mid-February and admitted candidates are invited to visit Cambridge for a series of Open House events in late February or early March. Admitted candidates must accept or decline their offer of admission by April 15.

Can I send an updated material after I submit my application?

Unfortunately, due to a large number of applications, we are not able to replace material within a submitted application unless there is an egregious error (i.e. wrong letter of recommendation, a file will not open, etc.)

It is not possible to make changes to your application after the deadline, even if new information becomes available regarding publications, awards, grades, etc. If you are invited to interview, you can share those updates with members of the admissions committee at that time. 

When will I know if I have been selected for an interview? When are the interviews?

In mid-January, promising candidates will receive an email invitation to partcipate in video conference interviews. Candidates who are not selected to interview will receive formal notification of their status as soon as possible.

The remote interviews will be scheduled to take place in late January. Interviews will be offered at a variety of times throughout the day, Monday thru Friday. The specific time slots will be shared with candidates when they are invited to interview, and each interviewing candidate will ultimately be assigned to a single two-hour block. As part of that process, we will make every effort to accommodate scheduling constraints and preferences. 

How will I know whether or not I have been accepted?

Applicants invited to interview will be notified by mid-February of HST's decision. All notifications are sent via email.

Candidates offered admission will be asked to let us know their decision as soon as possible, but no later than April 15th. 

What are my chances of being accepted to MEMP?

The admissions committee reviews applications holistically, considering all aspects of an applicant’s life experiences in addition to academic achievements, research experience, and letters of recommendation. Successful candidates typically have a grade point average of 3.6 or higher on a 4.0 scale, strong letters of recommendation from faculty or others with whom they have worked closely, and relevant prior research experience. We understand that not all applicants have had the same access to undergraduate research experiences. 

Admission to MEMP is competitive, with approximately 10% of applicants invited to interview and offers of admission extended to roughly half of the interviewed candidates.

What types of financial support are available?

HST MEMP is a fully-funded program. Students in good academic standing receive full financial support – consisting of living expenses, tuition, and health insurance - for the duration of their graduate studies.  Almost all incoming students receive departmental fellowship support for the first academic year. In subsequent years, students receive full financial support from a combination of  research assistantships (RAs) , teaching assistantships (TAs) , and fellowships . HST is proud that more than 1/3 of our students are supported by external fellowships. More information is available here: https://hst.mit.edu/academic-programs/financial-support/MEMPs . 

Where can I learn more about MIT’s tuition, fees, and estimated cost of living?

As described above, all students in good academic standing receive full financial support – consisting of stipend, tuition, and health insurance - for the duration of their graduate studies. For more detailed information regarding the cost of attendance, including specific costs for tuition and fees, books and supplies, housing and food as well as transportation, please visit the MIT Student Financial Services website at  https://sfs.mit.edu/graduate-students/guide/grad-cost-of-attendance/ .  

I'm an international student. How does that effect my chances of being admitted and receiving first-year funding?

All applications are evaluated without consideration of nationality or citizenship. Similarly, funding offers to admitted candidates are typically the same for domestic and international candidates.  International students comprise approximately 25% of currently enrolled MEMP students.

If I'm accepted, can I defer my admission until the following year?

You should apply to MEMP by the application deadline that immediately precedes the fall term in which you intend to enroll. HST does not grant deferrals for students to pursue business ventures, work experience, public service opportunities, travel or educational programs unrelated to medical engineering. HST will consider requests for deferrals in cases where applicants receive opportunities for international study via the Churchill Scholarship, Whitaker International Fellowship, Rhodes Scholarship and other similar programs.

Can I apply to MEMP if my undergraduate major is in the life sciences?

A traditional life sciences curriculum is generally not adequate preparation for MEMP.  However, some successful applicants have an undergraduate (bachelors/baccalureate) degree in life sciences augmented by extensive coursework in mathematics, physics, engineering, and/or computer science. This may take the form of a formal minor program or a less-formal collection of courses that provide a similar level of expertise in a quantitative field.

When the admissions committee reviews submitted applications, they are assessing whether applicants are prepared to succeed in the relevant graduate courses at MIT. To determine if your background provides sufficient preparation, you can review the program’s requirements for a concentration area and the classes that fulfill that requirement . Materials for many of the concentration area classes are available here , which allows you to see the level at which the material is covered and to assess your preparation.

Can I apply to MEMP if I already have a medical degree or if I am currently enrolled in medical school?

The MEMP curriculum combines training in engineering or a physical/quantitative science discipline with classes in biomedical sciences and clinical experiences. The admissions process generally favors candidates who would benefit from both elements of the training over those candidates who already hold a medical degree or are enrolled in medical school. If you choose to apply, your statement of purpose should specifically address the rationale for your proposed training in MEMP, as opposed to a more traditional science or engineering PhD program. How will the MEMP curriculum enhance your career path, given that you have already obtained biomedical sciences training and deep clinical perspectives?

Additionally, if you have not studied an engineering or physical/quantitative science discipline in addition to medicine, you should consult the FAQ here .

Can I apply if...

... I'm a first year grad student at MIT in Mechanical Engineering (or another engineering or physical/quantitative science discipline)? I didn't know about HST when I applied to graduate school, but now I'm really interested in MEMP.

Yes, you may. If admitted, you would transfer from Mechanical Engineering to MEMP. It's very likely that the coursework and research that you are doing in your first year of graduate school can be used to satisfy requirements towards your MEMP degree.

Will I have to take MEMP Quals if...

... I'm a first year grad student at MIT in Chemical Engineering ( or another engineering or physical/quantitative   science discipline ), I've already passed my quals in my department, and I've been accepted to MEMP for next year?

If you've already passed doctoral qualifying exams in another department at MIT, then you can submit a petition requesting to substitute that qualifying exam for your MEMP quals. The faculty committee that oversees MEMP quals will decide on your petition by reviewing your academic performance and comparing the ChemE quals to the MEMP quals.

Do MEMP students get a master's degree on the way to their PhD?

Master's degrees are not required in MEMP, and HST does not typically grant master's degrees to MEMP students. It is possible for MEMP students to earn a master's degree in a related field (for example, electrical engineering or mechanical engineering). If you are interested in this option, you must apply directly to the appropriate department for their master's program and notify HST if admitted.

In most cases, the coursework and research required for the master's degree can also be used to satisfy requirements towards your MEMP degree. Students will be assigned an Academic Advisor from both graduate departments and will complete master's degree requirements first.

Who do I contact for other questions?

We're happy to help. Just email us at  hst-phd-admissions [at] mit.edu (subject: MEMP%20Admissions%20question) (hst-phd-admissions[at]mit[dot]edu)

MIT Admissions Blog

Learn more directly from HST students via  MIT's Admissions Blog .

HST distinguished scholars, on a boat cruise 2022

Prospective Students

Biomedical Physics - an Emerging Interdisciplinary Field

• PhD Program

Why Apply Here?

• Writing Your Personal Statement
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The PhD Degree in Biomedical Physics

The Biomedical Physics Program (BMP) is joint effort under the Stanford School of Medicine Departments of Radiology and Radiation Oncology and offers instruction and research opportunities leading to a PhD degree in Biomedical Physics. The goal is to train students in research focused on technology translatable to clinical medicine, including radiation therapy, image-guided therapy, diagnostic, interventional, and molecular imaging, and other forms of disease detection and characterization with molecular diagnostics. These students will be prepared for a variety of career paths, including faculty positions at academic institutions, clinical physics roles in radiology and radiation oncology departments, industry, and roles at government and other private sector organizations focusing on medical- and bio-technology. Given the evolution of modern medicine towards technologically sophisticated treatments and diagnostics, particularly in the areas of imaging, molecular biomarkers, and radiation therapy, there is a need for well-trained leaders with this educational background and the skills to conduct meaningful and significant research in this field. Stanford University has a rich tradition of innovation and education within these disciplines, with advances ranging from the development and application of the medical linear accelerator towards radiation treatment of cancer to the engineering of non-invasive magnetic resonance imaging having been pioneered here. Accordingly, Stanford is home to a breadth of faculty with outstanding achievements. Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, the close proximity and frequent interactions among the Stanford Schools of Medicine, Engineering, and Humanities and Sciences provide an ideal environment to offer students outstanding training in both the clinical and scientific aspects of this discipline.

The program can provide flexibility and can complement other opportunities in applied medical research at Stanford. Special arrangements may be made for those with unusual needs or those simultaneously enrolled in other degree programs within the University. Similarly, students with prior relevant training may have the curriculum adjusted to eliminate requirements met as part of prior training.

Prerequisites

As Biomedical Physics is a highly multidisciplinary area of study, we are seeking students from a variety of scientific backgrounds.  Undergraduates with strong quantitative skills majoring in physics, engineering, or the biological sciences are encouraged to apply.  No GRE exams are required for admissions.

Degree Requirements

The doctoral program is a full-time, residential, research-oriented program, with student typically starting in the fall quarter and spending an average of about 5-6 years at Stanford.

Candidates are encouraged to explore the various research interests of the biomedical physics core and affiliated faculty, with lab rotations during the first year expose students to different laboratories. Prior to being formally admitted to candidacy for the doctoral degree at the end of the second year of study, each student must demonstrate knowledge of biomedical physics fundamentals and a potential for succeeding in research by passing a qualifying examination. Students later complete and defend a doctoral dissertation.

Details of the curriculum and specific degree requirements are described on Stanford Bulletin .

All BMP PhD students who maintain satisfactory academic progress receive full financial support (tuition and a living stipend) for the duration of their doctoral program. However, the number of admitted students is limited by funding, hence applicants are encouraged, but not required, to apply for external fellowship support (e.g., NSF or Stanford's Knight-Hennessy Scholars program ) on their own.

Application Instructions and Deadlines

Applications are due late November/early December each year. See details on the Graduate Admissions webpage .

There is a $125 application fee . Applicants who need assistance with the application fee are encouraged to apply for a fee waiver . Preference is given to low-income, first-generation, and underrepresented minority students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

The Application Deadline: December 1, 2023 (11:59:59 pm PST).

• Complete the Biomedical Physics PhD application online. Note that only one Stanford PhD application per academic year is allowed, and that Biosciences, Bioengineering, and Electrical Engineering are not part of the Biomedical Physics Program.
• Submit scanned (unofficial) transcripts as part of the Biomedical Physics application. Graduate Admissions only requires admitted applicants who accept the offer of admission to submit official transcripts that shows their degree conferral. Please do not send or have sent any official transcripts to us at this time.
• See our page about the Personal Statement.
• Please include an up-to-date version of your CV.
• The GRE General Test score is not required and will not be considered if submitted. We do not require any GRE Subject Test scores.
• Application materials, including letters of recommendation, should be received by the deadline. We do review all applications, including incomplete ones.
• For materials that are mailed, please use our Contact Address.
• Please do NOT upload supporting materials, such as published papers, unpublished manuscripts, BS or MS theses, writing samples, posters, or class projects, with your application.
• Check the status of your application can be tracked through the Biomedical Physics status webpage . Interview invitations go out in early January, and interviews are in late February or early March. Offers of admission are made on a rolling basis starting in March. Finals decisions from admitted candidates are due by April 15.
• The selection of PhD students admitted to BMP is based on an individualized, holistic review of each application, including the applicant’s academic record, the letters of recommendation, the statement of purpose, personal qualities and characteristics, and past accomplishments.
• Deferral of admission: BMP generally does not allow deferral of admission to the PhD program, and it is better for you to apply when you are ready to begin your graduate study following the normal timeline. However, sometimes one's circumstances change; please contact us if that happens to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

It is highly recommended that you review our Frequently Asked Questions page.

The Biomedical Physics Program recognizes that the Supreme Court issued a ruling in June 2023 about the consideration of certain types of demographic information as part of an admission review. All applications submitted during upcoming application cycles will be reviewed in conformance with that decision.

The Biomedical Physics Program welcomes graduate applications from individuals with a broad range of life experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds who would contribute to our community of scholars. The review process is holistic and individualized, considering each applicant’s academic record and accomplishments, letters of recommendation, prior research experience, and admissions essays to understand how an applicant’s life experiences have shaped their past and potential contributions to their field and how they might enrich the learning community at Stanford.

Students are expected to enter with a series of core competencies in mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics or engineering, and computing. Students entering the program are assessed by the examination of their undergraduate transcripts and research experiences. Specifically, the department requires that students have completed mathematics through multivariable calculus and linear algebra, and must hold, or expect to hold before enrollment at Stanford, a bachelor’s degree in engineering or physical science from a U.S. college or university accredited by a regional accrediting association. Applicants from institutions outside the U.S. must hold the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree from a college or university of recognized standing. See minimum level of study required of international applicants .

Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply for predoctoral national competitive fellowships, especially those from the National Science Foundation. Applicants to the Ph.D. program should consult with their financial aid officers for information and applications.

The deadline for receiving applications is December 2, 2024. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not required for admission to the Ph.D. program in Biomedical Physics.

Further information and application instructions for all graduate degree programs may be obtained from Graduate Admissions .

Application Fee and Fee Waivers

The  application fee is $125  and is non-refundable. You will be prompted to pay the application fee at the time you submit your application. The acceptable form of payment is via credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, JCB, Discover, and Diners Club) or bank transfer from a U.S. checking account. If you do not have a credit card then you should make arrangements with a family member or friend to use theirs. Checks by mail are not accepted.

Fee Waivers

Applicants who need assistance with the application fee are encouraged to apply for a fee waiver. Priority for fee waivers is given to applicants who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents. International applicants who need assistance with the application fee are eligible to apply for the School-Based fee waiver. For a complete list of fee waiver options and eligibility requirements, please visit the Graduate Admissions  website .

Please note that fee waiver requests are required to be submitted 10 business days prior to the application deadline (December 2 at 11:59:59 pm PST); so please plan accordingly.

• Reputation and Environment . Amplified by the astounding intellectual and technological capital of Silicon Valley, Stanford University, one of the world's leading academic institutions, is dedicated to finding solutions to big challenges and to preparing students for leadership in a complex world. Integrating a premier medical school with world-class adult and children’s hospitals, Stanford Medicine fosters an unrivaled atmosphere of interdisciplinary exploration and collaboration that has produced many of the innovations that sparked a biomedical revolution. The Biomedical Physics program is an essential component of Stanford Medicine’s commitment to excellence in education, scientific discovery, bench-to-bedside research, and clinical innovation.

• Curriculum . Our core courses span a wide array of topics, including radiation physics and therapy, imaging sciences, molecular imaging and diagnostics, with much of the material based on cutting-edge research conducted here at Stanford.

• Interdisciplinary Research Opportunities . BMP in a new PhD program housed within the Departments of Radiology and Radiation Oncology. Leveraging research and clinical expertise at Stanford Hospital, Lucile Packard Children's Hospital, and Stanford Clinics, the BMP program also includes faculty from the Stanford Biosciences , Bio-X , ChEM-H , Wu Tsai Neurosciences , Bioengineering , Electrical Engineering , and Computer Science programs, all of which are in close physical proximity on Stanford's main campus.

• Related Stanford PhD Programs . As the scope of medical physics has expanded, students pursuing careers in this field have been distributed throughout a number of training programs ranging from physics to engineering to bioengineering to biology. Situated within the clinical departments of Radiology and Radiation Oncology, the BMP program integrates novel technical developments in radiation therapy, imaging, and molecular diagnostics with the unique challenges of clinical medicine.

• Location . Situated in the heart of entrepreneurial Silicon Valley, Stanford University's campus occupies over 8000 acres, bordering Palo Alto, CA and provides easy access to the amenities of the San Francisco Bay Area.

Instructions for Writing Your Personal Statement

You are required to submit a Personal Statement as part of the Graduate Application for the BMP PhD degree.

The BMP program is designed for students interested in the application of physics and engineering principles to problems in clinical medicine, with an emphasis on translational science. The Admissions Committee will read your Personal Statement carefully to determine how well your aspirations align with the mission of the BMP PhD Program.

In your Personal Statement, please tell us how your schooling, work, research, and life experiences prepare you for study at BMP, describe your passion for research, current research interests, and career goals, and explain how our training program will enable you to achieve them.

The Personal Statement should be 1-2 pages. Please do not append class projects, research proposals, draft manuscripts, published papers, posters, or other ancillary materials.

Questions about the Program

Where can I find the details about the program?

Please review this website, and our program listing in Stanford University Bulletin .

What is the best way to see if my interests align with the program?

Review the details of our curriculum and summary descriptions of core and affiliated faculty . You should also do web searches to find the faculty websites and check out their most recent publications on PubMed . 

What is the difference between Stanford's BMP program and medical physics programs in other universities?

Students pursuing careers at the intersection of technology and medicine can enroll in a variety of related Stanford programs ranging from physics to engineering to biology. Situated within the clinical departments of Radiology and Radiation Oncology, the BMP program uniquely integrates novel technical developments in radiation therapy, imaging, and molecular diagnostics with the unique challenges of clinical medicine.

How do BMP graduate students pick a lab and faculty research supervisor?

Students do up to 3 rotations the first year in labs chosen through mutual agreement by the student and the faculty member.

How long does it take to get a degree?

Is the Stanford BMP PhD program CAMPEP accredited?

This is a new Biomedical Physics PhD program and is not yet accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Physics Education Programs (CAMPEP). 

What kind of jobs are available for Stanford BMP graduates?

Students who successfully complete  the BMP PhD program will be capable of pursuing careers in academia, clinical medicine, and industry.  Graduates will be competitive for faculty positions in nationwide medical physics programs, as well as in related university departments including Bioengineering, Biomedical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Radiology, and Radiation Oncology. In addition, a variety of industrial positions at companies developing medical and imaging technologies would be available to graduating doctoral students. They may, for example, work for a Fortune 500 company like General Electric , a large-cap company like Varian Medical Systems , or a publicly traded company like ViewRay . All of these companies have a substantial need for Ph.D. scientists in biomedical physics as they provide unique expertise in translational medical imaging and medical therapy that is distinct form their engineering colleagues. Medical companies developing imaging, radiation therapy, and molecular diagnostics, biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, and non-medical companies with a focus on technology development could each exploit the unique skill set of BMP graduates. Examples include Siemens Healthcare , Philips Healthcare , Canon Medical Systems , Bruker , Accuray , Elekta , IBA Worldwide , Bayer , Guerbet , Hologic , Genentech , Agilent , and Google Health . Trainees may also find professional opportunities in the federal government working at either the NIH or FDA , both of which seek scientists with the precise training provided by our program. Additional career opportunities would be available at the intersection of tech and medicine by way of local start-up companies and consulting firms.

Questions about Applying

Should I apply to the Stanford BMP Program?

Only you know enough about your circumstances to make this decision. We encourage all applicants to consider their personal and career goals, their background and abilities, financial constraints, and reasonable alternatives, before applying.

What is "Biomedical Physics"?

I'm interested in several departments in Stanford. Which one should I apply to?

This is a very important decision, so it is worth your time to explore and consider your options carefully. Stanford Biomedical Physics is very interdisciplinary; if admitted, you will be able to pick research supervisors from among multiple faculty having a wide range of research interests. You should select a PhD program on the basis of your background, your interest in a particular curriculum, your fit with the program's research, and your career plans. In general, we recommend apply to BMP if you are primarily interested in the application of novel developments in radiation physics, imaging science, and molecular imaging to solve clinical problems. See also the next few FAQs.

What is the difference between Stanford Biomedical Physics, Biosciences, and Bioengineering?

Can I apply to both BMP and other Stanford PhD programs at the same time?

No. You are limited to one PhD application per academic year.  The Biomedical Physics PhD program is distinct from degrees offered by other Stanford programs such as Biosciences , Bioengineering , and Electrical Engineering . Therefore, it is important to decide which program best fits your background and career goals. Note that if you are accepted into another program, you are welcome to take BMP courses.

How do I apply?

Review our website to see if our program is a good fit with your goals. The specifics depend on the degree program to which you are applying. You can find instructions for each degree under  Prospective Students .

When can I apply? What is the application deadline?

Applications to the PhD program are accepted each autumn from (roughly) mid-September to late November/early December for admission the following Autumn. For details of timing for the other degree programs, see their respective webpages. All PhD applications are reviewed together, so there is no competitive advantage in applying early; however, we very strongly recommend that you not wait until the last minute (or day).

I missed the deadline. Can I apply late (or early) to the PhD program?

No. We do not accept applications to the PhD program out of the normal cycle, as it causes problems both for admission’s process which is coordinated with the other Stanford programs and for arranging funding.

Does Stanford BMP offer conditional admission?

Is my application good enough?

We are unable to answer that question for specific applicants. The BMP admissions committee considers many factors, including grades, letters of recommendation, the personal statement, prior research experience, life circumstances, and fit with our program. The decision is based on a composite of these elements in the context of all the applications we receive each cycle. You should also note that admission to our program, especially for the PhD, is  very  competitive, so it is to your advantage to make sure your application is as strong as you can make it in all of the listed dimensions.

Stanford requires a TOEFL score (if needed) of greater than or equal to 100. If your score is below 100 and you are accepted, Stanford requires that you retake the exam to achieve that threshold. Unfortunately, we cannot make exceptions to this rule. See  here .

How many people apply?

This is a new PhD program, so we do not yet have reliable statistics regarding the number of applicants.  However, we anticipate the PhD application process will be highly competitive.

Is it okay if some of my application materials arrive late?

You need to submit the main application before the deadline.

Unofficial test scores (TOEFL) and unofficial transcripts should arrive before the deadline. Your unofficial transcripts and test scores will be validated when your official ones are received by the University, which can occur after the admissions deadline.

Outside of that, we strongly recommend against late applications, including letters of recommendation. We start reviewing applications immediately after the deadline closes. Incomplete applications will be reviewed, but incomplete applications are unlikely to be as strong as the complete ones, placing you at considerable disadvantage in an already very competitive application process.

What is the status of my application?

We realize that the application process is anxiety provoking, and it is natural to be concerned about the possibility of information missing from your application or wondering where you are in the application ranking. After the formal deadline, if something has changed, you may email the updated information to us. We ask, though, that you refrain from contacting us to request routine updates about your status. If your application is deficient in some way, we will contact you. However, you will have to wait for interview invitations and the final admission decisions on schedule.

Oops. I forgot to upload some of the supplemental materials for my application and now the system won't let me add them. What should I do?

Just email the additional materials to our  Contact Address .

What is the general timeline for admissions?

Applications are due late November or early December. Invitations for interviews (PhD only) go out in early January. Interviews are early March. Offers of admission are sent starting early March. Your final admission decisions are due April 15. Most students start in the Autumn (late Sept, Stanford is on quarter system).

I have been out of school for a while. Do you accept older students?

Yes. We anticipate some of our students will have gotten other degrees, worked in industry, or had other relevant experiences before entering the BMP program.

I was not admitted. Can I meet with someone to tell me why?

While we understand that situation is disappointing, we are not able to provide individual feedback to unsuccessful applicants.

Can I meet with BMP faculty before applying? Can I request an interview?

Due to time constraints, we are not able to accommodate all requests to meet one-on-one with our faculty prior to submitting an application, give individual tours, or meet to provide guidance about applications, the admissions process, and career planning.

We only interview a limited number of applicants. Top candidates for our PhD program will be invited out to visit us during the application process. We will contact you by mid-January if we want you to come for an interview. Note that the interview process is quite extensive; you will interview with multiple faculty and students, tour our campus, and meet with many of our current students in social settings.

I have contacted one of the BMP faculty about admissions. Will I receive a response?

Our faculty members receive many emails and requests for information. Unfortunately, they are unable to respond to all such contacts. Please email specific questions about the admissions process to us at our  Contact Address .

Should I contact faculty to get a research assistantship before I am admitted?

Generally, we only admit PhD students whose funding is pre-arranged by the BMP program or outside scholarship. There is more information about funding here . As part of the admission process, we will bring your application to the attention of the appropriate faculty. Just to be clear, you apply to the BMP program; you do not apply to individual faculty labs.

I have taken some coursework at Stanford before. Can I count those units towards another degree if I am admitted?

Generally, yes. However, you can't count the same course towards two different degrees. If you have extra units from a prior degree or a currently active degree program, then those units can count towards a BMP PhD if you are admitted. The total number of units required for the relevant BMP degree does not change.

Do I need any particular undergraduate major in order to apply?

No. We anticipate accepting students from diverse backgrounds, including those with undergraduate training in physics, engineering, biomedical sciences, and computer science.

If I'm accepted into the BMP program, can I work with a particular professor?

If you have already identified a possible research mentor, then you are one step ahead. However, be advised that even if admitted, there is no guarantee that that professor would have space in their lab, have appropriate funding, or be a good interpersonal match with you. In general, we recommend that you apply to Stanford BMP because your interests align well with our overall program philosophy and emphasis.

Does BMP offer a master's degree?

We currently only offer a PhD program.

Is there a part-time PhD degree program? Is there a distance learning PhD?

No. Our faculty believe that the PhD must be obtained on-campus, with full-time involvement.

I applied before. Do you need official copies of my transcripts again?

Can I transfer credit?

Transferring credit means using credit for courses taken  outside of  Stanford to reduce the number of credits taken  at  Stanford.

For the PhD degree: Yes. The PhD requires 135 units, of which 90 units must be taken at Stanford during the PhD program. Thus, you could transfer credits taken elsewhere or taken at Stanford in another graduate program. More information is  here .

Are the GREs required?

No. The GRE General Test score is not required and will not be considered if submitted. We do not require any GRE Subject Test scores.

Do I have to take the TOEFL?

TOEFL scores are required by Stanford University of all applicants whose first language is not English. There are some complications and exceptions. See the  official Stanford policy  for details. If you take the test near our application deadline, email the unofficial scores to us as soon as possible; the official scores can arrive after the deadline. Stanford requires a TOEFL score (if needed) of greater than or equal to 100. If your score is below 100 and you are accepted, Stanford requires that you retake the exam to achieve that threshold. Unfortunately, we cannot make exceptions to this rule. See here .

Can I take another language exam in place of the TOEFL?

No. Stanford only accepts the TOEFL.

Can international students apply to the program?

We welcome applications from international applicants. International applicants follow the same application process as other applicants, with additional rules and requirements listed here. 1)  You need to hold a four-year bachelor’s degree in order to apply. The exact requirements vary by country and are listed on the Office of Graduate Admissions International Applicants page . 2) Applicants whose first language is not English must submit an official test score from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Stanford accepts only ETS (Educational Testing Service) scores. We accept MyBest scores but at this time we are not accepting TOEFL Essentials test scores (see Stanford Graduate Admission Required Exams webpage). 3) We do not advise applicants about visas. The Bechtel International Center has information about how to maintain visas for international students. The US State Department has information about student and exchange visitor visas.

Do I need to have a master’s degree before applying to the PhD program?

Questions about Tuition, Fees, Program Costs, Funding, and Financial Aid

How much does it cost to get a PhD?

Tuition and other fees for Academic PhD programs are set by Stanford University. The most up-to-date listing is on the Stanford Registrar's  website .

What financial aid does BMP provide?

All BMP PhD students who maintain satisfactory academic progress receive full financial support (tuition and a living stipend) for the duration of their doctoral program.

Is there a fee for applying for admission?

The fee for applying for admission to any graduate program at Stanford is $125. However, the Biomedical Physics graduate program is committed to increasing the diversity of biomedical research and Stanford University. We will offer application fee waivers to a limited number of candidates. Preference is given to low-income, first generation and underrepresented minority students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

Can I request an application fee waiver?

The Biomedical Physics graduate program is committed to increasing the diversity of biomedical research and Stanford University. We will provide application fee waivers to a limited number of candidates. Preference is given to low-income, first generation and underrepresented minority students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

• You should only request a BMP-based waiver if you do not qualify for the GRE or Diversity Program Participation fee waivers.
• Given the limited availability of fee waivers, only request one if you are sure you will be applying for admission this application season.
• Applications for fee waivers will be reviewed and approved on a first-come, first-serve basis.
• Acceptance or denial of your application for a fee waiver does not affect your likelihood of admission into a graduate program. 
• If the application fee waiver request is approved, the applicant will be sent a code to enter in the payment section of the online graduate admissions application.
• No refund will be given if you apply for a fee waiver and pay the application fee instead of using your application fee waiver code.  If we deny your request for a waiver, we will instruct you to pay the fee.

Waiver Application Form:

• In 250-500 words, describe your research experiences.
• In 250 words or less, describe how your research interests and background (in terms of race, ethnicity, culture, gender identity, socioeconomic status, citizenship or immigration status, sexual orientation, disability/ability, veteran status, work, and life experiences) would contribute to the diversity (broadly defined) of students pursuing a PhD at Stanford.
• In 250 words or less describe why you believe you are eligible for and should receive a fee waiver.  Priority is given to students from communities that may be systemically minoritized in biomedical research, experiencing financial hardship, qualified for federal financial aid, are first in their family to pursue an advanced degree, or are from environments with limited access to university research programs. 
• List any research, honors, and diversity-related programs in which you have participated.
• Send the materials in items 1-4 above along with your name, mailing address, phone, and email address to [email protected] with the subject “Fee Waiver Request”.

All fee waiver requests must be submitted no later than November 10th. 

Other Questions

How much does it cost to live close to Stanford University or in the SF Bay Area? How can I find out about my housing options?

The SF Bay Area is expensive. Many graduate students choose to live on campus for convenience and to minimize costs. Please refer to Stanford's  Housing Office  for more information.

What do I do if I still have questions?

Send us email ( Contact Us ). We are busy keeping all the machinery behind the scenes running smoothly, but we try to respond to every inquiry within one to two business days. It is much better to email us questions directly rather than asking us if you can call.

Additional Resource (Video)

Information Session - Recorded September 14th, 2021 ( click lower right icon to expand )

Medical Physics

Paths of study, pathways in medical physics.

The field of medical physics is just a few decades old and rapidly growing — which makes it an exciting place to study, to perform research, and work.

Like the similar fields of biophysics, health physics, and biomedical engineering, medical physics explores the intersection of physics and biology, but adds a greater emphasis on direct patient care.

Finding your niche within the field may take time and exploration, but here are a few pointers to help you determine which path to follow.

Choosing a Specialty Track

How do I know which specialty track is right for me? Our medical physics program features two main specialties:

1. Diagnostic Imaging Physics 2. Radiation Therapy Physics

Medical physicists typically choose one of these specialties for the focus of their training and career.

In diagnostic imaging, medical physicists work with a clinical radiology team to test diagnostic equipment for quality assurance, aid in diagnosis based on imaging results, and provide patient radiation dose estimations from imaging studies, and to develop new imaging technologies and protocols to improve the quality of medical imaging.

Diagnostic imaging might be right for you:

• If you want to help improve imaging techniques used to diagnose a variety of conditions and pathologies
• If you enjoy precise calculations and machine calibrations
• If you want to work with a wide variety of imaging equipment: CT, MRI, X-ray, and much more
• If you’re considering a consulting career evaluating diagnostic imaging machines
• You are primarily interested in the use of low-dose ionizing radiation, or other non-invasive imaging technology to diagnose human disease.

In radiation therapy, medical physicists work with a clinical oncology team to plan and deliver radiation treatment to cancer patients. Physicists research and develop new technologies used to target cancers with tumor-killing doses of radiation. They also oversee quality assurance and safety protocols for accelerators and other technologies used in cancer treatment. Areas of research in medical physics are often multidisciplinary, broad, and typically include aspects of both experimental and computational work.

Radiation therapy might be right for you:

• If you want to work directly on treatment plans for individual patients
• If you want to be more personally involved in each patient’s care
• You are primarily interested in the application of high doses of ionizing radiation to treat cancers

Choosing a Degree Program

How do I choose which degree to pursue?

At Vanderbilt, you have two main pathways for training in medical physics:

• A two-year Master of Science in Medical Physics (MSMP) in diagnostic imaging or radiation therapy physics
• A four-year Doctorate in Medical Physics (DMP) in diagnostic imaging physics

Our Master of Science in Medical Physics (MSMP) might be right for you if you…

Want to keep exploring both specialties of medical physics

At Vanderbilt, we offer an MSMP path for both radiation therapy physics and diagnostic imaging physics. Since the first year of coursework looks fairly similar for both paths, you can explore both sides more fully during your first year and make your final decision about your specialization at the end of your second semester.

Aim to apply to residency after your two years of training here

While the DMP builds two years of residency-equivalent training into the program, most MSMP graduates attend a residency program for their desired specialty, either at Vanderbilt or elsewhere.

Want to get a degree and go right to work as a resident, pay for which is typically on par with medical residencies.

Have an interest in a PhD or research-focused career

Our MSMP pathway includes a thesis option, so you can explore research in a low-risk way to see if a PhD might be right for you.

The MSMP and DMP are both clinically-focused degrees, but the timeline of the MSMP degree is typically better suited for a transition to a PhD program in medical physics or another science.

Historically, some of our MSMP students have continued graduate study by joining the Vanderbilt University Physics PhD program and crafting a dissertation on a medical physics topic.

Importantly, after completing our CAMPEP accredited MSMP degree, students are free to pursue a PhD in any scientific field. Students wishing to continue with a PhD at Vanderbilt may apply, for example, to Physics, Cancer Biology, Neuroscience, or Biomedical Engineering, or outside programs.

Click here to view a sample academic plan for a Master’s candidate.

Our Doctorate of Medical Physics (DMP) might be right for you if you…

Want to pursue a career in Diagnostic Imaging, rather than Radiation Therapy

The DMP program at Vanderbilt focuses on diagnostic imaging. If you’d like to specialize in radiation therapy, consider the MSMP radiation therapy physics track.

Not quite sure about your specialization yet? That’s okay! Check out our MSMP program, which gives you a taste of both therapy and imaging tracks. In the MSMP, you have the opportunity to switch tracks after your first year of classes, if you’re drawn towards the other specialty instead.

Want to dedicate yourself to a clinical career, rather than to full-time research

Unlike a traditional PhD, the DMP is a clinical degree— much like a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or a Doctor of Audiology (AuD). Vanderbilt’s DMP includes a valuable research component, but hands-on clinical experience is the heart and soul of the four-year program.

If you think you may want to pursue a PhD later, which focuses more on academic research, including a multi-year independent study dissertation, consider the Vanderbilt MSMP program. This two-year master’s degree is the perfect jumping off point for applying to PhD programs in medical physics.

Would like to earn the highest clinical degree available in the medical physics field in four years.

The DMP is the highest terminal clinical degree for medical physics, unlike a PhD that focuses on independent research over several years. Earning a DMP increases your marketability as a job applicant in clinical medical physics. With a DMP, you’re expertly equipped to help train the next generation of clinical medical physicists.

MSMP graduates typically participate in the NMS match to find a place to continue clinical training in residency. After successful completion of the requirements for the first two years, an MSMP degree (in passing) is awarded as you move into years 3 and 4 of the DMP program.

Once accepted into DMP, you have two guaranteed years of residency-equivalent training at our state-of-the-art medical center under the guidance of the expert team of diagnostic imaging physicists at Vanderbilt.

Would like to commit to one place for four years, rather than moving again for a separate residency

In our DMP, you’ll develop deep working relationships with world-renowned medical physicists, who’ll be your professors and advisors throughout your four years here. To them, you’re far more than an observer— you’re a future colleague.

If you have family or would like to avoid changing cities again for residency, the four-year DMP program could also be a great choice. You’ll be able to complete all the training required to become a qualified medical physicist, right in Nashville.

Click here to view a sample academic plan for a Doctoral candidate.

No matter which route you choose, you’ll gain personalized medical physics training on a small group level and a robust network of mentors and future colleagues to support you.

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GSBS Medical Physics Program

The Medical Physics Graduate Program

Medical physics is a   profession   that combines principles of physics and engineering with those of biology and medicine to effect better diagnosis and treatment of human disease while ensuring the safety of the public, our patients and those caring for them.

The Medical Physics Graduate Program offers the Specialized Master of Science degree and the Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees through the MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Houston Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. Two UT components, UTHealth Houston and   MD Anderson, jointly support the program, with the majority of faculty and students, as well as the program administration, working at MD Anderson.

The S.M.S. degree is a professional master's degree that prepares the student for clinical practice as a medical physicist. The Ph.D. degree is intended for the student who is preparing for a career that includes a strong research component. The two degree tracks have similar didactic curricula, but the S.M.S. research project is typically more clinically focused and shorter in duration than the research work for the M.S. and Ph.D. degrees.

In addition to the SMS and PhD degree programs in Medical Physics, the GSBS offers a Graduate Certificate in Medical Physics. The certificate program is intended for those who already have a PhD in physics or a related discipline and are interested in obtaining the didactic education in medical physics that is required by residency programs and by the American Board of Radiology. Some of the requirements for admission to this program are a PhD in physics or else a PhD in a related discipline plus at least a minor in physics and medical physics research experience at The University of Texas MD Anderson or UTHealth Houston.

Photo (Right):  Functional MRI (fMRI) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) tractography for presurgical evaluation of brain tumor resection (image courtesy of Anthony Liu, PhD)

Medical Physics Program Resources

How to apply.

Students who wish to study medical physics should apply online through the  GSBS website

When your application is complete (including all of the required documentation such as transcripts and letters of reference), the GSBS will forward it to the program admission committee for consideration. Strict adherence to the deadlines is advised.

If you are applying to the Specialized Master of Science Program ("SMS"), which is our professionally oriented terminal master’s degree, select "M.S." as the Degree Plan. If you are applying to the M.S./Ph.D. program, select "Ph.D." as the Degree Plan, even if you expect to earn the M.S. degree on the way to the Ph.D. Most of our Ph.D. students take advantage of the opportunities that the Graduate School offers to by-pass the master’s degree en route to the Ph.D.

Under Areas of Research Interest, you need not select secondary areas of study if your only interest in the MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences is our Medical Physics program.

Review Process

The program admission committee reviews applications on a rolling basis. Applicants who are especially promising will be invited to visit the GSBS and the program for an interview. Typically, more applicants are interviewed than can be offered admission.

Over the course of the reviewing season, the program admission committee will recommend to the Dean of the GSBS that offers be extended to the highest ranking applicants. All of those offers will be honored through April 15. However, because our program has a maximum number of funded positions in the incoming class each year, applicants who accept another offer are asked to decline ours promptly so that another meritorious applicant may be extended an offer.

We attempt to have interviewed every applicant to whom we make an offer. In extraordinary circumstances, this has been by telephone or over the Internet, but normally interviews are conducted in person in Houston. Ideally these would be during GSBS visitation events.

The interview visit is a time for the program and the applicant to get to know each other even better than the application documents allow. Interviewees have a student host to guide them around and to talk about what the program is really like and what Houston is really like.

The applicant typically will talk to half a dozen faculty members and at least as many students. The content of the interviews varies with the interests and attitudes of the interviewer, so the best advice that we can give for preparation is to know your facts (e.g., the title of your senior thesis project, if you are doing one) and to be yourself.

The Profession of Medical Physics

Medical physics is a field of study and practice that applies the facts and principles of physics and engineering to medical practice. It is distinct from biomedical engineering, biophysics and health physics in its focus on patient care. Medical physics is a profession because its practitioners work independently, albeit often as members of a health care team, and we take personal responsibility for the quality of our work.

There are two main specialties within medical physics, therapy and imaging. Therapy is the delivery of ionizing radiation with palliative or curative intent and imaging uses ionizing and nonionizing radiation for diagnostic purposes. some medical physicists practice all aspects of medical physics, but specialization as a therapeutic radiological physicist, diagnostic radiological physicist, medical nuclear physicist or medical health physicist is becoming more typical.

Medical physics requires a solid undergraduate preparation in physics or another technical discipline (for example, nuclear engineering) and graduate study. While many current medical physicists studied pure physics or related engineering subjects at the graduate level, increasingly graduate study in medical physics   per se   is now the predominant route of entry into the profession. Graduate programs in medical physics and residency programs in medical physics may be certified by the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Physics Educational Programs (CAMPEP). Not only does CAMPEP accreditation betoken a high quality program, but graduation from a CAMPEP - accredited graduate program and a CAMPEP - accredited residency program are prerequisites to certification by the largest certifying board.

Medical physicists demonstrate their preparation and professional competence by achieving certification. The predominant certifying board in the U.S. is the American Board of Radiology, which, along with the American Board of Health Physics and the American Board of Science in Nuclear Medicine, administers certification examinations. These examinations typically consist of a written section covering basic medical physics, a second written section focusing on a particular specialty (e.g., therapeutic radiological physics, diagnostic radiological physics, medical nuclear physics, medical health physics, magnetic resonance imaging physics, or molecular imaging), and an oral examination. One may not take the examinations until one has earned appropriate educational credentials and has accumulated satisfactory practical experience through residency.

A number of states in the U.S., of which the first was Texas, license medical physics as a profession. They do this as a means of protecting the public safety and welfare. In Texas, one may not practice medical physics without a license. Texas issues temporary licenses to medical physicists who are preparing for their certification examinations by gaining practical experience, either as on-the-job training or in a clinical physics residency program. Temporary licensees must practice under the direct supervision of a fully licensed medical physicist. Medical physicists with full licenses may practice their licensed specialty independently, their preparation for which is demonstrated by education, by experience and by board certification.

Medical physicists in the U.S. have one primary professional organization, the American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM). Many medical societies also welcome medical physicists and have strong and active membership among medical physicists.

Medical physicists might practice privately — often consulting for several institutions — or work on a hospital staff or in an academic healthcare institution. We work closely with radiation oncologists, radiologists, nuclear medicine physicians, dosimetrists, nurses, a variety of medical technology specialists and hospital administrators. Our work requires strong scientific and technical abilities, clear communication, good people skills and the capability to work carefully, accurately, thoroughly and promptly. People's well-being depends upon the quality of our work.

To learn more about the profession of medical physics, visit

• The American Association of Physicists in Medicine
• The American Board of Radiology
• The American Board of Medical Physics
• The American Board of Science in Nuclear Medicine
• The Commission for the Accreditation of Medical Physics Educational Programs
• The Texas Medical Board

Among the journals that publish the research work of medical physicists are

• Journal of Applied Clinical Medical Physics
• International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology and Physics
• Academic Radiology
• Journal of Nuclear Medicine

Medical Physics PhD student Meyer awarded Fulbright Fellowship

Farach-Carson named 2023 Oldham faculty award recipient

MD Anderson CPRIT Research Training Program announces 2022-2023 scholars

4 GSBS students awarded UTHealth CPRIT fellowships

MD Anderson CPRIT Research Training Program announces 2021-2022 scholars

Robert j. shalek fellowship.

In the period between 1950 and 1984, Robert J. Shalek, for whom this fellowship is named, worked at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. During that time the institution grew from small beginnings in temporary buildings to a leading cancer center with a large physical plant and over 6,000 employees.

During the same period medical physics, which had started in the United States around 1915, but had languished as a profession, took guidance from the well-developed British example and grew into a confident and respected profession. Dr. Shalek was shaped by and contributed to these events.

Following Drs. Leonard Grimmett and Warren Sinclair, both very experienced medical physicists from England, he served as head, or chairman, of the Physics Department from 1960 to 1984. Under his direction, the department became recognized as a major research and teaching center in medical physics.

Click here to learn more about Robert J. Shalek Fellowship

Medical Physics Information

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2022 Fall Student Handbook

Photo (Left):  The IROC-Houston IMRT head & neck phantom about to be scanned in a CT simulator during the COVID-19 pandemic (photo courtesy of Sharbacha Edward)

Career Profile: Become a Medical or Clinical Physicist

The medical or clinical physicist career at a glance

Education: MS or PhD in medical physics or related field

Additional training: For clinical physics, a residency, CAMPEP, and Board certification is needed for working in the US and Canada. For academic medical physics, postdoctoral training is needed.

Salary: Starting salaries range from $80K - $130K, and mid-career salaries range from $180K - $250K.

Outlook: Medical physics is a highly rewarding career with employment opportunities in academia, industry, clinical and government sectors. There is ample demand for medical physicists in each sector.

What they do

Medical physics opens doors to many types of career paths: one can find research and development work in industry or government, teach and conduct research in academia, or pursue the clinical track. The biomedical tech industry also offers opportunities for entrepreneurship.

A medical physicist in government or industry typically works on:

• Conducting research and development for new technologies
• Translating technologies for clinical use/developing medical equipment
• Testing and managing machines and systems for diagnostics and therapy (e.g., MRI, linacs)
• Training medical personnel (e.g., technologists, dosimetrists) on equipment use
• Marketing new products and developing clinical value propositions

An academic medical physicist has the following responsibilities:

• Mentoring and teaching students and residents
• Writing and applying for grants
• Overseeing research and development on new technologies
• Serving on department committees
• Developing and delivering patient treatments (if in a joint clinical position)

Typical activities for clinical physicists include:

• Consulting with patients and physicians
• Overseeing delivery of treatment to patients, such as radiation treatment for cancer
• Developing patient treatment plans and checking charts
• Performing quality assurance on medical equipment
• Mentoring/training residents and students (if in a joint academic position)

Education & background

In general, a BS in physics or related discipline, followed by an MS or PhD in medical physics is preferred. Graduate training in a related field is also acceptable, but specific jobs may require relevant experience, such as that in nuclear or MRI physics.

Someone pursuing an industry or government job will need an MS or PhD in medical physics or a related field, such as nuclear physics or biophysics. For academic faculty positions a PhD is often required, and a postdoc may be needed before obtaining a permanent position.

For a clinical career as a medical physicist in the US or Canada, either an MS or a PhD should be pursued at a CAMPEP -approved graduate program. Other countries may have different requirements.

Additional training

Following the MS (or PhD), a two-year CAMPEP-accredited residency is required for most clinical positions in the US or Canada. Clinical career paths also require board certification, such as from the American Board of Radiology (ABR), the American Board of Medical Physics (ABMP), the Canadian College of Physicists in Medicine (CCPM), or from other similar organizations.

Additional skills that may help advance one’s career as a medical physicist in any employment sector include: good communication, critical thinking, advanced math, electronics, analytical and problem solving skills. Volunteering at a hospital or interning with a clinical lab can also be beneficial.

For more information, see the American Association of Physicists in Medicine website .

Career path

Industry & government.

Following the BS degree, one may become a technician at a company or national lab. After some experience and depending on the person’s preference, they may pursue a management role. Following an MS or PhD degree, the person would start in a research and development role, and can then pursue a management position after five to 10 years. Depending on their preference, the medical physicist may choose to take on business activities, such as monitoring profit/loss for a company. Some medical physicists also choose to become independent consultants or entrepreneurs.

The career path usually consists of pursuing a postdoctoral position after obtaining a PhD in medical physics or related field, followed by a professorship. The path to advancement in a faculty appointment goes from assistant professor to associate professor to full professor. Some academic medical physicists may become department chairs or find other leadership roles at their institution or within a professional organization.

After completing residency, a junior medical physicist will complete certification to become a board certified clinical physicist. After 5+ years, it is possible to move into a leadership role as a senior physicist at a hospital or clinic with financial and personnel management responsibilities.

Other career paths

Medical physics, similarly to any science degree, also opens doors to becoming an editor for a research journal or a science writer. Additional opportunities include working for a non-profit or a foundation, such as the National Foundation for Cancer Research.

Switching between sectors

As there is a lot of overlap between conducting academic research and developing technologies, it is easier for medical physicists, than those in other physics subdisciplines, to horizontally move between an academic or industry career. Also, career moves between academic or industrial and clinical positions are common.

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Christina Barrow is a medical physicist at the Department of Veteran Affairs in Louisiana.

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After having several different careers across her life, December Martin combined her passions for helping people and the ocean by becoming a Program Manager at Sofar Ocean, a company that helps to unlock ocean data at scale.

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After earning her PhD, Julie decided to become a clinical medical physicist to interact with patients rather than only doing research.

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Kathy McCormick is a physical scientist at US Government Accountability Office.

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Ph.D. BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES MEDICAL PHYSICS

Oakland’s ph.d. in biomedical sciences opens the door to a rewarding career in biology, medicine, or research..

Oakland University’s biomedical sciences Ph.D. in medical physics provides first-rate training for research in areas of physics related to medicine. Designed for students who seek research careers in hospitals, academia, or the biotech industry, our doctoral biomedical science degree enables you to conduct biomedical research in state-of-the-art facilities at world-renowned hospitals. You’ll work on high-level projects with major funding from national foundations and federal agencies, getting one-on-one mentoring and training from veteran researchers in the biomedical sciences. Recent graduates of Oakland’s biomedical sciences PhD program have a strong record in the job market, landing biomedical research jobs at highly rated hospitals and prestigious universities such as the University of Michigan and University of Pennsylvania.

Biomedical Science Ph.D. in Medical Physics: The Oakland University Advantage

The biomedical science Ph.D. in medical physics is housed in Oakland’s physics department. You’ll enjoy the first-rate amenities and faculty of a large research university, plus the collegiality, personalized training, and supportive relationships of a smaller institution.

Our Ph.D. biomedical program enables you to:

• Conduct research in outstanding hospitals. Oakland’s biomedical Ph.D. program has longstanding relationships with numerous hospitals in southeastern Michigan, including Henry Ford Hospital and William Beaumont Hospital.
• Work in top-notch research facilities. We support our biomedical research Ph.D. candidates with advanced technology that includes confocal microscopy laboratories, flow cytometry instrumentation, darkroom and isotope laboratories, cold rooms, and a tissue culture suite that supports work with biohazardous materials. The campus also houses the Center for Biomedical Research, a collaborative hub of research and training.
• Collaborate with high-level researchers. You’ll get attentive, first-rate training from exceptional faculty who are highly accomplished in biomedical research and publication. Doctoral advisors in Oakland’s biomedical sciences program are active in areas such as cell migration, magnetic particle imaging, cancer therapy, and nuclear medicine.
• Enter the job market with excellent credentials. Graduates of Oakland’s biomedical sciences Ph.D. program have an outstanding employment record. Recent alumni have found positions at the University of Michigan, University of Pennsylvania, Henry Ford Hospital, and other prestigious institutions.
• Acquire well-rounded professional experience. In Oakland’s biomedical sciences Ph.D. program, you’ll gain the ability to pursue research careers in numerous settings, from hospitals to medical labs, universities, and industrial R&D departments.

What Can You Do With a Biomedical Sciences Ph.D. in Medical Physics?

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in the biomedical sciences is expected to grow 6 percent by 2030. Biomedical engineers earn a median annual salary of $92,620, while the median earnings for medical scientists are $91,510. Compensation is projected to grow 17 percent by 2030.

After completing the Ph.D. in biomedical sciences, you’ll be qualified for high-level jobs such as:

• Tenure-track university professor
• Clinical researcher
• Biomedical scientist
• Biomedical engineer
• Biotechnology product developer
• Medical writer

Biomedical Sciences Ph.D. in Medical Physics Curriculum

The biomedical sciences Ph.D. in medical physics requires 80 credits, including at least 20 credits of dissertation research. Foundational requirements include graduate coursework in theoretical physics, mathematical methods, biophysical sciences, and laboratory proficiency. Sample courses include:

• Quantum Mechanics
• Applied Numerical Methods
• Advanced Human Physiology
• Radiation Biophysics
• Ethics and Practice of Science
• Stochastic Processes

You’ll complete the program with an original research project using state-of-the-art experimental or theoretical methods to study a problem of current interest.

Biomedical Sciences Ph.D. in Medical Physics Resources

• Academic requirements
• Department of Physics
• College of Arts and Sciences

Programs Related to the Biomedical Science Ph.D. in Medical Physics

Not sure if the Biomedical Sciences Ph.D. in Medical Physics is right for you ? Check out these graduate programs at Oakland, and contact our admissions team to discuss your options.

• Ph.D. in Biological and Biomedical Sciences
• Master of Science in Biology

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Integrated MS & PhD in Physics — Medical Physics Concentration

A dual master’s and phd medical physics program designed for the future of health care.

Thanks to recent technological advancements in health care and nuclear power, there’s an unprecedented need in the U.S. for skilled scientists and professionals with mastery of both medicine and physics. East Carolina University’s integrated PhD and MS program is an ideal path toward a career in this fast-growing field for recent graduates who want a PhD in biomedical physics and an MS in medical physics accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Physics Education Programs (CAMPEP).

A medical physics PhD and MS designed for you and your goals

There’s never been a better time to enter the field of biomedical physics, and you probably would like to find a meaningful career doing what you love as early as possible. Fortunately, when you earn your biomedical physics PhD and MS at ECU, you can earn your degree in as little as five years, saving yourself an entire year of schooling and paying for tuition.

You will also graduate with more hands-on research/clinical experience in both physics and medical physics than graduates from other dual master’s and PhD programs in biomedicine.

No GMAT or GRE required

Two concentrations

Expert faculty

Small class sizes

Why earn your PhD and MS in biomedical physics at ECU?

As a student in the medical physics program at ECU, you’ll benefit from a unique educational experience, surrounded by world-class faculty and peers who are as committed to science and health care as you are. There are so many reasons why ECU’s PhD and MS in medical physics degree stands out from other dual master’s and PhD programs across the country:

Experiential learning

Learn by doing in ECU’s medical physics PhD and MS degree program, which partners with the Department of Radiation Oncology to provide hours of clinical practice to students in the MS medical physics degree program, in addition to community outreach through volunteer opportunities. Graduate with the expertise and firsthand knowledge to excel as a scientist and health care professional.

National recognition and board eligibility

Since 2006, our MS in medical physics degree has been accredited by CAMPEP. This means you are eligible to sit for Part I of the ABR boards for medical physics. Currently, the American Board of Radiology requires candidates to graduate from CAMPEP accredited graduate programs (Part I) and complete a CAMPEP accredited residency (Part II) to be eligible for board certification as a clinical medical physicist.

World-class labs and classrooms

Joining the medical physics program at ECU will give you access to state-of-the-art laboratories to learn how to handle the tools and technologies used by professionals in the field every day. You’ll enjoy working and learning in the accelerator lab, biomedical optics lab, biophysics lab, and the biomedical laser lab—to name just a few of the cutting-edge facilities you’ll benefit from here at ECU.

Courses you will take in the medical physics program

When you earn your integrated PhD and MS in physics from ECU, you’ll receive a balanced combination of courses in physics and biomedical sciences, including targeted courses for the MS in medical physics degree that will build a solid foundation in radiation and nuclear medicine theory and practice.

Thanks to our small class sizes, you’ll get to work closely with faculty mentors who have years of experience as teachers and professionals in the biomedical field. They bring these years of experience into the classroom to help you connect theory and real-world settings and prepare you for the day-to-day life of a biomedical researcher.

Some of the courses that help make us one of the best dual master’s and PhD programs for biomedical physics in the country include:

• Radiation Instrumentation
• Biomedical Optics
• Clinical Rotation in Radiation Therapy Physics

What can you do with your PhD and MS in physics?

As a graduate of ECU’s medical physics PhD and MS degree program, you’ll be prepared to stand out in a wide range of career fields and settings. The combined education in medical physics and biomedical physics in our program will give you the clinical and research experience to work on the ground as a practicing health care professional or in the lab as a researcher furthering the field of medical physics every day.

The tools you need to help others live healthy and comfortable lives

As you earn your PhD and MS in physics and medicine from ECU, you’ll develop and strengthen not only the hard skills necessary to be a successful health care worker and researcher, but also the soft skills to help you be the best professional you can be. These include:

• Collaborating with peers and other scientists
• Leading groups of researchers and health care providers
• Communicating effectively in a number of media and contexts

Where are medical physics program graduates working?

The advanced education in both physics and medical physics we provide gives our graduates the expertise to enter many different fields, including in academia, clinical practice, and private organizations. We’re proud to have a high medical physics residency / job placement rate among our graduates throughout the years.

Past graduates have gone on to work as

• Clinical physicists
• Non-clinical physicists
• Imaging specialists
• Researchers

Employment for medical scientists is expected to grow 17% through 2031, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor statistics. That’s more than double the average for other occupations in the U.S.

In addition to the personal and professional satisfaction you’ll enjoy doing what you love, you’ll also benefit from an impressive salary. Professionals with a medical physics PhD earn an average salary of $93,310.

Get started on your PhD and MS medical physics degree

Take the next step toward earning your integrated PhD and MS in physics. Want to learn more about what sets ECU apart from other dual master’s and PhD programs in medical physics? We have the resources to answer all your questions and help you get started.

Degree programs related to our medical physics program

• Interdisciplinary PhD in biology, biomedicine, and chemistry
• PhD in biomedical sciences
• MS in Physics—Applied Physics, Medical Physics, and Health Physics Concentration
• PhD in Biomedical Physics

Accreditation for the integrated PhD and MS in physics and medicine at ECU

The medical physics master’s concentration at East Carolina University is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Physics Education Programs (CAMPEP). When you graduate with your integrated medical physics PhD and MS from ECU, your degree will prove to employers and universities that you have the expertise and knowledge to meet the strict accreditation qualification set by CAMPEP for medical physics professionals.

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5 Careers to Pursue With Your PhD in Physics

Often the first and sometimes only career that comes to mind when students consider pursuing their Ph.D. in Physics is a job in academia. Teaching at a college or university can be a noble and rewarding career – but your professional options are not limited exclusively to the realm of a classroom or lab.

Keep reading for data about the fields in which physicists end up working and for a detailed look at the potential career paths that are open to people with an advanced degree in physics.

The Data Shows Career Diversity

One study performed by the American Institute of Physics (AIP), surveyed 503 physicists about their careers working in the private sector, 10-15 years after earning their Ph.D. The data collected revealed a several commonalities. First, the vast majority of mid-career Ph.D. physicists were working in the STEM fields. The most common fields were physics and engineering , followed by education, computer software, and business. Other fields included education (non-physics), non-STEM, other STEM, computer hardware, and medicine.

Additionally, the study found that physicists' careers in the private sector relied heavily on skills such as solving complex problems, managing projects, and writing for a technical audience. Across the board, the study found that the physicists felt their work was rewarding, as they found the work intellectually stimulating and challenging, and enjoyed collaborating with smart professional colleagues.

While the possibilities are vast and varied for those graduating from physics Ph.D. programs , the following are examples meant to demonstrate the range of fields and careers that are available to you.

Research and Development Engineer (Physics)

Job Description: According to AIP, about half of Research and Development Engineers work in the private sector (51 percent) , with 31 percent working in government, 16 percent the academic sector, and 2 percent in other areas. These engineers are responsible for overseeing, conducting, and applying research activities and experiments for organizations . They also will take the results, summarize them and disseminate their findings. They might also be responsible for developing technical documentation for projects.

• Skills Highlighted : Ability to work on a team, project management, technical problem solving, programming, basic physics principles
• Average Salary: $103,140 (as of July 2018)

Data Scientist (Non-STEM)

Job Description : AIP found that the vast majority of Data Scientists work in private industry (82 percent), a smaller portion working for the government (15 percent), and only 2 percent in the academic and 1 percent in other sectors. Data Scientists are responsible for taking large amounts of data and mining for patterns and information hidden within the data sets. They use statistical analysis to review the data, learn about how a business performs, and to build AI tools that automate certain processes within the company. They might also be responsible for creating various machine learning-based tools or processes , including recommendation engines and automated lead scoring systems.

• Skills Highlighted : Ability to work on a team, technical writing, technical problem solving, programming, design and development, specialized equipment.
• Average Salary : $131,847 (as of August 2018)

Quantitative Developer (Business)

Job Description : Virtually all Quantitative Developers (often referred to as quants) are working in private industry (95 percent) . AIP found that 5 percent found employment in other sectors. A job as a Quantitative Developer will require an interest in working in finance, math, and technology. You will also need experience with computer programming languages such as Matlab, C++, Java, C#, Q, Perl, Python and others. The majority of the work is creating, implementing, and analyzing mathematical models that are used to drive trading decisions. Developers also analyze risk models, create and develop new software for automated trading, and work alongside traders and other financial analysts in the company.

• Skills Highlighted : Ability to work on a team, technical problem solving, project management, programming, advanced math, simulation and modeling, perform quality control.
• Average Salary : $124,552 (as of August 2018)

Systems Engineer (Computer Software)

Job Description: According to AIP, almost all Systems Engineers work in the private sector (94 percent) , with small portions working in hospital or medical facilities (3 percent), academic settings (3 percent), or government (1 percent). Systems Engineers work alongside a team of highly technical engineers to ensure the quality, performance, and security of software infrustructures. The are responsible for installing, configuring, testing, and maintaining operating systems , application software, and system management tools. They monitor and test the systems, working to identify potential problems and creating and implementing solutions.

• Skills Highlighted : Ability to work on a team, technical writing and problem solving, programing, advanced math, simulation and modeling, perform technical support.
• Average Salary: ( $92,586 as of August 2018)

Medical Physicist (Medicine)

Job Description: AIP found that 74 percent of Medical Physicists worked in the private sector, and the remaining 26 percent worked in a hospital or medical facility. Medical physicists use a variety of analytical, computer-aided and bioengineering techniques, as well as analytical skills and applied science to aid doctors and medical staff in diagnosing and treating patients. They are responsible for helping to plan and ensure the safe and accurate treatment of patients. Often they will provide training and advice on advanced medical technologies such as radiotherapy, tomography, and nuclear magnetic resonance imaging and lasers.

About 85% of medical physicists are involved with "some form of therapy," according to Physics Today , a publication of the AIP.

• Skills Highlighted : Ability to work on a team, technical writing and problem solving, programming, advanced math, work with clients, design and development, simulation and modeling, applied research.
• Median Salary: ( $185,000 as of 2012)

A Ph.D. in Physics Can Take You Far

Your career options post-doctorate are far from restricted to a classroom, a lab, or academia. Upon completion of your Ph.D. program, you will be equipped with the expertise to complement any number of professional teams in a variety of sectors. You could have the option of working in private industry, for government agencies, in hospitals and medical facilities, or if you desire, in a research lab or as a tenured professor.  

The only question that remains is – what will you choose to do next? Start pursuing your advanced degree in physics in order to make one of these careers a reality!

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PhD in Medical Biophysics - Medical Physics Specialization

In addition to our  graduate programs , the Department of Medical Biophysics offers a CAMPEP  -accredited specialization for PhD students interested in a Medical Physics career. Medical Physics spans research, development, and clinical trials involving medical imaging and radiotherapy technologies.

In this specialization within our PhD program, students complete a thesis-based PhD, while completing a structured medical physics course curriculum. The specialized program provides a research-intensive environment that immerses students in clinical technologies pertinent to medical imaging, such as computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and nuclear medicine, and radiation therapy. Cutting edge research involving machine learning, theranostics, and heavy particle therapy are ongoing. Students gain skills to pursue the production of high quality research and develop leadership skills.

Upon completion of their PhD, students who fulfill the Medical Physics course curriculum receive a letter of attestation from the Program Director , certifying that all required courses and modules have been successfully completed.

More information about the program can be found below.

Admission Requirements - Medical Physics Specialization within the Medical Biophysics PhD program

Students wanting to enroll in the Medical Physics PhD Specialization must first apply to and be accepted into the Medical Biophysics PhD program . Admission consideration to the Medical Biophysics PhD requires:

completion of an appropriate master's degree from a recognized university 

a minimum A- average in the final two years of study. This is flexible for those demonstrating exceptional aptitude for research.

submission and evaluation of all supplemental application material as outlined on the  Admission Requirements and Deadlines  page of our website.

an admissions interview for all candidates who are a potential fit for the program.

To be eligible for admission to the Medical Physics PhD specialization, MBP PhD students must also have:

completed an undergraduate degree in physics or an equivalent, relevant quantitative physical or engineering science, or have least three upper level (3rd or 4th year) half-courses in traditional physics such as classical mechanics/dynamics, quantum mechanics, electromagnetic theory thermal physics, atomic/nuclear physics, optical physics, or laboratory physics. Applicants with a non-physics majors must have coursework that is equivalent to a minor in physics, as defined by the University of Toronto, involving upper-level physics (e.g., PHY356H1, PHY357H1) and calculus courses.

their supervisor's approval in order to be eligible for a transfer into the Medical Physics PhD Specialization. This type of transfer must be completed by the end of their first year of study as a PhD student.

submitted an official application to the Medical Physics Specialization within 1 year of beginning their PhD program, ideally within the first six months. See below for more information on the application process.

How to Apply to the MBP Medical Physics Specialization

Please note that in order to apply for the MBP Medical Physics Specialization, you must be enrolled in the MBP PhD program.

MBP PhD students must apply to the Medical Physics Specialization within 1 year of beginning their PhD program, ideally within the first six months. An official application to the MBP Medical Physics Specialization includes two main components:

A completed MBP Medical Physics Specialization Application Form .

Submission of post-secondary transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate programs taken, including your most up-to-date MBP transcript. Please note, any transcripts written in a language other than English must include an English translation.

Once completed, the application form and transcripts are to be emailed to [email protected] .

Please be advised that an application make take several weeks to process. Should you have any questions during this time, please direct them to [email protected] .

Courses - Medical Physics PhD Specialization

In addition to the mandatory course requirements of the MBP PhD program, students enrolled in the MBP PhD Medical Physics Specialization will be required to complete the following courses:

MBP 1023H: Clinical Radiation Physics and Dosimetry

MBP 1301H: Radiation Oncology: Clinical & Experimental Radiobiology

MBP 1407H: Magnetic Resonance Imaging - Overview

MBP 1411H: Overview of Medical Imaging

MBP 1412H: Ultrasound Overview

MBP 1415H: Radiotherapy Physics

MBP 1416H: Anatomy & Physiology (for Non-Specialists or Physicists)

MBP 1417H: Introduction to Health Physics

Please note that modules are available to all MBP students with suitable prerequisites. They can be taken pre-emptively by MBP MSc students who are considering reclassification into the PhD Specialization.

For more information about courses, including detailed course descriptions, please refer to the MBP Course Modules page .

CAMPEP Accredited Postgraduate Information

CAMPEP (Commission on the Accreditation of Medical Physics Educational Programs) and SDAMPP (Society of Directors of Academic Medical Physics Programs) require all medical physics education programs to post and maintain data regarding student statistics as indicated below.

Medical Physics Student Organization

The Medical Physics Student Organization (MPSO) is a graduate student-led group that strives to provide professional development and mentorship opportunities for graduate students interested in pursuing a career as an accredited Medical Physicist. The group was created with the simultaneous launch of the Medical Physics CAMPEP PhD Specialization within the Department of Medical Biophysics in September 2023. 

Learn more on the MPSO website .

For inquiries related to the the PhD Medical Physics Specialization, please contact Program Director  Dr. Jean-Pierre Bissonnette .

Subscribe to our Email List for prospective Graduate Students.

Medical Physics and Bioengineering MPhil/PhD

London, Bloomsbury

This degree is focused on a multi-disciplinary subject at the interface of physics, engineering, life sciences and computer science. The PhD programme involves 3-4 years (more for part-time students) of original research supervised by a senior member of the department.

The Research Excellence Framework (REF) in 2021 rated the department’s research, as part of UCL Engineering, as 97% "world-leading"(4*) or "internationally excellent" (3*) and UCL was the second-rated university in the UK for research strength.

UK tuition fees (2024/25)

Overseas tuition fees (2024/25), programme starts, applications accepted.

• Entry requirements

A minimum of an upper second-class UK Bachelor’s degree in Physics, Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, or another closely related discipline, or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard. Knowledge and expertise gained in the workplace may also be considered, where appropriate.

The English language level for this programme is: Level 2 Overall score of 7.0 and a minimum of 6.5 in each component.

UCL Pre-Master's and Pre-sessional English courses are for international students who are aiming to study for a postgraduate degree at UCL. The courses will develop your academic English and academic skills required to succeed at postgraduate level.

Further information can be found on our English language requirements page.

If you are intending to apply for a time-limited visa to complete your UCL studies (e.g., Student visa, Skilled worker visa, PBS dependant visa etc.) you may be required to obtain ATAS clearance . This will be confirmed to you if you obtain an offer of a place. Please note that ATAS processing times can take up to six months, so we recommend you consider these timelines when submitting your application to UCL.

Equivalent qualifications

Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website .

International applicants can find out the equivalent qualification for their country by selecting from the list below. Please note that the equivalency will correspond to the broad UK degree classification stated on this page (e.g. upper second-class). Where a specific overall percentage is required in the UK qualification, the international equivalency will be higher than that stated below. Please contact Graduate Admissions should you require further advice.

About this degree

PhD projects will be strongly multi-disciplinary, bridging the gap between engineering, clinical sciences and industry. Over 100 non-clinical and clinical scientists across UCL will partner to co-supervise a new type of individual, ready to transform healthcare and build the future UK industry in this area.

Who this course is for

As a multi-disciplinary subject at the interface of physics, engineering, life sciences and computer science, our postgraduate students have a diverse range of options upon graduation. Many choose to continue in academia through the subsequent award of a PhD studentship or a postdoctoral research post.

What this course will give you

With a Postgraduate Research degree, you will become part of a Department of leading researchers and work towards becoming an expert in your chosen field. Postgraduate study within UCL Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering offers the chance to develop important skills and acquire new knowledge through involvement with a team of scientists or engineers working in a world-leading research group. Following a Postgraduate Research degree, our students have entered a number of varied careers. Many choose to continue in academic research with a postdoctoral post, enter the NHS or private healthcare sector, or apply their skills in industry.

The foundation of your career

Postgraduate study within the department offers the chance to develop important skills and acquire new knowledge through involvement with a team of scientists or engineers working in a world-leading research group. Graduates complete their studies having gained new scientific or engineering skills applied to solving problems at the leading edge of human endeavour. Skills associated with project management, effective communication and teamwork are also refined in this high-quality working environment.

Employability

As a multi-disciplinary subject at the interface of physics, engineering, life sciences and computer science, our postgraduate students have a diverse range of options upon graduation. Many choose to continue in academia through the subsequent award of a PhD studentship or a postdoctoral research post. Another common career route is employment in industry where newly-acquired skills are applied to science and engineering projects within multi-national medical device companies, or alternatively, within small-scale start-up enterprises. A substantial number of graduates also enter the NHS or private healthcare sector to work as a clinical scientist or engineer upon completion of further clinical training.

Supervision and mentorship are available from scientists and engineers who have collaborated nationally and internationally across clinical, industrial and academic sectors. This provides natural opportunities to work in collaboration with a variety of external partners and showcase output at international conferences, private industry events and clinical centres to audiences of potential employers. Moreover, the department holds close working relationships with a number of charitable, research council and international organisations, for example, in new projects involving radiotherapy and infant optical brain imaging in Africa.

Teaching and learning

Our PhD programme involves 3–4 years of original research supervised by a senior member of the department. At any one time, the department has around 60–80 PhD students from a variety of disciplines

A dissertation of up to 100,000 words for a PhD, or up to 60,000 words for an MPhil, is completed as a part of this programme.

Contact hours depend on the type of project and the stage you are at in your PhD. At the start of an experimental, lab-based project, you might spend most of your time working with your supervisor or other researchers. At other times, you might spend most of your time reading or writing and be more self-directed. As a rule, it’s common for students to meet with their supervisor on a weekly basis. You should treat a full-time PhD as you’d treat a full-time job and aim to spend 40 hours a week or so working on your PhD. Sometimes you may need to spend more than this (for example if you’re travelling to a conference, using equipment that has limited availability or have an urgent deadline), but this would be a reasonable average.

Research areas and structure

• Biomedical optics
• Biomedical Ultrasound
• Computing, digital image processing
• Continence and skin technology
• Functional electrical stimulation
• Implanted devices
• Laser and endoscopic surgery
• Magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy
• Medical imaging including 3D graphics
• Neurophysiology including electrical impedance tomography
• Physiological sensing
• Radiation physics

Research environment

UCL's Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering is one of the largest medical physics departments in the UK. We have exceptionally close links with major teaching hospitals, as well as excellent academic research. We offer BSc, MSc, and PhD degrees in Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering.

Our academic research rating is a top level 5, which means that we have an internationally leading reputation in medical physics and biomedical engineering research. Ours is a joint department with Medical Physics in the UCLH NHS Trust, and so our staff work side-by-side with hospital physicists, clinical doctors and other health professionals. This close liaison with clinical colleagues in this exciting field enriches our research and teaching. We develop new technologies and methods for diagnosing, treating and managing medical conditions and diseases.  A PhD at UCL Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering will allow you to pursue original research and make a distinct and significant contribution to your field. We are committed to the quality and relevance of the research supervision we offer and as an MPhil/PhD candidate you could work with academics. Furthermore, as a research student, you will be an integral part of our collaborative and thriving research community. Student-run ‘work in progress’ forums and an end-of-first-year PhD workshop will give you the opportunity to present and discuss your research and academic colleagues. Tailored skills seminars will provide you with a supportive research environment and the critical skills necessary to undertake your research. To foster your academic development, we also offer additional department funds, which can assist you with the costs of conferences and other research activities.

The length of registration for the full-time research degree programmes is 3 to 4 years.

You are required to register initially for the MPhil degree with the expectation of transfer to PhD after successful completion of an upgrade viva 12 - 18 months after initial registration.

Upon successful completion of your approved period of registration, you may register as a completing research student (CRS) while you write up your thesis. 

Within three months of joining the programme, you are expected to agree with your principal supervisor the basic structure of your research project, an appropriate research method and a realistic plan of work. You will produce and submit a detailed outline of your proposed research to both your supervisors for their comments and feedback. We hold a PhD workshop at the end of your first year, which provides you with an opportunity to present your research before an audience of UCL Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering Academic staff and fellow PhD students.

In your second year you will be expected to upgrade from an MPhil to a PhD. To successfully upgrade to a PhD, you are required to submit a piece of writing (this is usually based on one chapter from your thesis and a chapter plan for the remainder). You are also required to present and answer questions about this work to a panel consisting of your subsidiary supervisor and another member of the faculty who acts as an independent assessor.

The length of registration for the research degree programmes is 5 to 6 years for the part-time route.

Accessibility

Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble accessable.co.uk . Further information can also be obtained from the UCL Student Support and Wellbeing team .

Fees and funding

Fees for this course.

The tuition fees shown are for the year indicated above. Fees for subsequent years may increase or otherwise vary. Where the programme is offered on a flexible/modular basis, fees are charged pro-rata to the appropriate full-time Master's fee taken in an academic session. Further information on fee status, fee increases and the fee schedule can be viewed on the UCL Students website: ucl.ac.uk/students/fees .

Additional costs

There are no additional costs associated with this programme.

For more information on additional costs for prospective students please go to our estimated cost of essential expenditure at Accommodation and living costs .

Funding your studies

For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website .

Deadlines and start dates are usually dictated by funding arrangements so check with the department or academic unit to see if you need to consider these in your application preparation. In all cases the applicant should identify and contact potential supervisors with a brief research proposal before making your application. For more information see our How to apply page: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/medical-physics-biomedical-engineering/study/postgraduate-research/mphilphd-medical-physics-and-biomedical-engineering/applying-doctoral

Please note that you may submit applications for a maximum of two graduate programmes (or one application for the Law LLM) in any application cycle.

Choose your programme

Please read the Application Guidance before proceeding with your application.

Year of entry: 2024-2025

Got questions get in touch.

Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering

[email protected]

UCL is regulated by the Office for Students .

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The training of a medical physicist must be broad. To participate successfully in this interdisciplinary profession, he or she must be thoroughly competent in physical and mathematical science, must understand biological and physiological systems, and must be able to understand and speak the language of physicians. The Department of Radiology and the Department of Radiation and Cellular Oncology together offer a program that provides aspiring medical physicists with the knowledge required to succeed in their future profession.

The University of Chicago academic year consists of four quarters. A full-time graduate program includes three courses each quarter. Graduate students in medical physics normally begin the program in the Autumn Quarter and are in residence throughout the academic year.

Students working toward a graduate degree in medical physics normally will be expected to have completed training equivalent to that required for a Bachelor's degree in physics prior to admission.

The medical physicist working at the Ph.D. level in the interdisciplinary area of physics and medicine must thoroughly understand basic physical phenomena, must have sufficient knowledge of biological systems to be able to apply physical concepts and principles, and must be able to communicate his or her ideas to others.

The University of Chicago - with outstanding departments of physical, mathematical, and biological sciences and with a medical school intensely motivated toward research - offers a particularly favorable climate for the student who seeks this training. The candidate for the Ph.D. may elect to do his or her research in the Department of Radiology, in the Department of Radiation & Cellular Oncology, or in any other department in which physical phenomena have a direct application to medicine, including areas such as audiology, cardiology, neurology, and ophthalmology.

The Ph.D. is expected to take five or six years of study, during which time the following requirements must be met:

• Satisfactory completion of the  course requirements  with an average grade of "B" or higher and no grade lower than "C".
• At the end of the first academic year, the student will take a written and oral  Qualifying Comprehensive Examination  covering the material of the courses studied up to that time in addition to basic undergraduate physics. The student should demonstrate both competency in medical physics and the ability to think through a posed situation.
• Preparation of a written  Dissertation Research Proposal  acceptable to the faculty.
• Completion of a dissertation based on original research that is satisfactory to the Committee. The dissertation will be judged on the basis of its contribution to knowledge in its field and its suitability for publication.
• Passage of an oral Final Examination on the area of specialty and the dissertation.

Course Requirements

Course requirements for Ph.D. students in the Graduate Program in Medical Physics include passage of at least 13 quarter courses with a "B" average and with no grade lower than "C". These must include the twelve (12) basic required courses and one (1) elective course. The elective course must be approved by the student's GPMP advisor. First-year students are expected to complete 4 research rotations during their first 4 quarters, enabling them to be registered as a full-time students and giving them exposure to different topics in medical physics.

In addition to the requirements of the Program, students need to meet the requirements of the Biological Sciences Division. All GPMP students must fulfill the evaluated teaching requirement of the Biological Sciences Division. This can be done by successfully completing two teaching assistantships [which cannot be in the same course] or by successfully completing one teaching assistantship and the TA training course offered by the Division. In addition, all students must take the non-credit ethics course offered by the Division and the non-credit ethics course offered by the Program.

Students entering the program with a Master's degree will have the one elective course waived (with credit).

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• Quantum mechanics
• Research update

Physicists reveal the role of ‘magic’ in quantum computational power

Entanglement is a fundamental concept in quantum information theory and is often regarded as a key indicator of a system’s “quantumness”. However, the relationship between entanglement and quantum computational power is not straightforward. In a study posted on the arXiv preprint server, physicists in Germany, Italy and the US shed light on this complex relationship by exploring the role of a property known as “magic” in entanglement theory. The study’s results have broad implications for various fields, including quantum error correction, many-body physics and quantum chaos.

Traditionally, the more entangled your quantum bits (qubits) are, the more you can do with your quantum computer. However, this belief – that higher entanglement in a quantum state is associated with greater computational advantage – is challenged by the fact that certain highly entangled states can be efficiently simulated on classical computers and do not offer the same computational power as other quantum states. These states are often generated by classically simulable circuits known as Clifford circuits.

To address this discrepancy, researchers introduced the concept of “magic”. Magic quantifies the non-Clifford resources necessary to prepare a quantum state and thus serves as a more nuanced measure of a state’s quantum computational power.

Studying entanglement and magic

In the new study, Andi Gu , a PhD student at Harvard University, together with postdoctoral researchers Salvatore F E Oliviero of Scuola Normale Superiore and CNR in Pisa and Lorenzo Leone of the Dahlem Center for Complex Quantum Systems in Berlin, approach the study of entanglement and magic by examining operational tasks such as entanglement estimation, distillation and dilution.

The first of these tasks quantifies the degree of entanglement in a quantum system. The goal of entanglement distillation, meanwhile, is to use LOCC (local operations and classical communication) to transform a quantum state into as many Bell pairs as possible. Entanglement dilution, as its name suggests, is the converse of this: it aims to convert copies of the Bell state into less entangled states using LOCC with high fidelity.

Gu and colleagues find a computational phase separation between quantum states, dividing them into two distinct regimes: the entanglement-dominated (ED) and magic-dominated (MD) phases. In the former, entanglement significantly surpasses magic, and quantum states allow for efficient quantum algorithms to perform various entanglement-related tasks. For instance, entanglement entropy can be estimated with negligible error, and efficient protocols exist for entanglement manipulation (that is, distillation and dilution). The research team also propose efficient ways to detect entanglement in noisy ED states, showing their surprising resilience compared to traditional states.

In contrast, states in the MD phase have a higher degree of magic relative to entanglement. This makes entanglement-related tasks computationally intractable, highlighting the significant computational overhead introduced by magic and requiring more advanced approaches. “We can always handle entanglement tasks efficiently for ED states, but for MD states, it’s a mixed bag – while there could be something that works, sometimes nothing works at all,” Guo, Leone and Oliviero tell Physics World .

Practical implications

As for the significance of this separation, the trio say that in quantum error correction, understanding the interplay between entanglement and magic can improve the design of error-correcting codes that protect quantum information from decoherence (a loss of quantumness) and other errors. For instance, topological error-correcting codes that rely on the robustness of entanglement, such as those in three-dimensional topological models, benefit from the insights provided by the ED-MD phase distinction.

The team’s proposed framework also offers theoretical explanations for numerical observations in hybrid quantum circuits (random circuits interspersed with measurements), where transitions between phases are observed. These findings improve our understanding of the dynamics of entanglement in many-body systems and demonstrate that entanglement of states within the ED phase is robust under noise.

Quantum error correction produces better ‘magic’ states

The trio say that next steps for this research could take several directions. “First, we aim to explore whether ED states, characterized by efficient entanglement manipulation even with many non-Clifford gates, can be efficiently classically simulated, or if other quantum tasks can be performed efficiently for these states,” they say. Another avenue would be to extend the framework to continuous variable systems, such as bosons and fermions.

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The Australian Professor Who Turned Breaking on Its Head

Rachael Gunn, known as B-girl Raygun, displayed some … unique moves as she competed in a field with breakers half her age. The judges and the internet were underwhelmed.

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By Dodai Stewart and Talya Minsberg

Reporting from Paris

Breaking made its debut as an Olympic sport Friday, and among the competitors was Dr. Rachael Gunn, also known as B-girl Raygun, a 36-year-old professor from Sydney, Australia, who stood out in just about every way.

By day, her research interests include “dance, gender politics, and the dynamics between theoretical and practical methodologies.” But on the world’s stage in Paris, wearing green track pants and a green polo shirt instead of the street-style outfits of her much younger fellow breakers, she competed against the 21-year-old Logan Edra of the United States, known as Logistx.

During the round robin, as Raygun and Logistx faced off, Raygun laid on her side, reached for her toes, spun around, and threw in a kangaroo hop — a nod to her homeland. She performed a move that looked something like swimming and another that could best be described as duckwalking. The high-speed back and head spins that other breakers would demonstrate were mostly absent.

The crowd cheered Raygun politely. The judges weren’t as kind. All nine voted for Logistx in both rounds of the competition; Logistx won, 18-0.

Online, Raygun’s performance quickly became a sensation, not necessarily in a flattering way.

“The more I watch the videos of Raygun, the Aussie breaker, the more I get annoyed,” one viewer posted on X, formerly known as Twitter. “There’s 27.7 million Australians in the world and that’s who they send to the Olympics for this inaugural event??? C’mon now!”

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August 18, 2024

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Teenagers' motivation dips in high school—research shows supportive teachers can really help

by Andrew J. Martin and Rebecca J. Collie, The Conversation

Adolescence is often characterized as a time of " storm and stress ".

Young people are dealing with physical and cognitive changes and, as they move from childhood, can become increasingly distant from the adults in their lives.

In academic terms, this time of major hormonal change is also accompanied by a well-known dip in students ' motivation and engagement at school. This often coincides with students' going to high school .

How can schools better help young people at this time? In a new four-year study we looked at the role of teaching support. We were especially interested to know if teachers' influence on students' motivation and engagement grows or fades across the adolescent years.

Our study involved 7,769 Year 6 New South Wales government school students who were tracked annually into Year 9. The students were part of the NSW Department of Education's annual "Tell Them From Me" student survey .

Students were asked questions about the teaching support they received, as well as questions about their motivation and engagement. They were given a 0–4 point rating scale (strongly disagree to strongly agree).

There were three categories of teaching support:

emotional support : did teachers support and care for students?

instrumental support : did teachers have clear expectations for students and did they make learning content seem relevant?

management support : were there clear rules and routines for the class?

Motivation was measured through students' academic aspirations about the future and how much they valued school (or saw it as important). Engagement was assessed via students' perseverance, efforts with homework, making school friends and whether they had any behavior issues.

In our analysis we also accounted for students' backgrounds, such as gender, socioeconomic status and prior academic achievement.

Our findings

Our findings confirm there is a decline in students' motivation and engagement from Year 6 to Year 9 (around 18% in total). This is consistent with the known dip in early- to mid-adolescence.

But we also found in each of these four years, teaching support overall (and each of the three teaching support categories) was significantly associated with students' motivation and engagement.

That is, more teaching support was linked to greater student aspirations, valuing school, perseverance, homework effort, connections with school friends and less misconduct at school.

Of particular note, we found the link between teaching support and students' motivation and engagement strengthened each year. For example, teaching support was more strongly linked to students' motivation and engagement in Year 9 than it was in Year 8. Taken together, between Year 6 and Year 9, there was a 40% increase in the role of teaching support in students' motivation and engagement.

What this means

This is an empowering finding for teachers because adolescence is typically seen as a time when the influence of adults declines. Our results show students remain within their teacher's orbit as they move further into adolescence.

What can we do?

Previous research suggests ideas for how teachers can provide emotional support , instructional support , and management support to students, including:

• spending time getting to know students
• respecting students' individuality
• listening to students' perspectives
• providing emotional encouragement when needed
• ensuring content and tasks are interesting and meaningful to students
• explaining how schoolwork is useful for other schoolwork, or things outside school (for example, world events or paid work)
• having clear, consistent, and logical expectations about classroom behavior
• encouraging student input as classroom rules are developed.

There are also further practical ideas in a NSW Department of Education guide that accompanies our study.

Provided by The Conversation

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