MS Graduate Program Descriptions

MS in Physics

The MS in Physics is designed for a completion over a two-year period and offers one academic (Applied Physics) and two professional (Medical Physics, Health Physics) concentrations:

The Applied Physics concentration is built around a core curriculum designed to give the candidate a thorough foundation in the major fields of physics. It requires the successful completion of a research thesis and prepares graduates for academic (teaching) positions, PhD programs, and industrial opportunities.

The Medical Physics concentration is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Physics Education Programs (CAMPEP). It is designed as a terminal degree program with a substantial clinical component that enables its graduates to move into a diagnostic or therapeutic medical physics residency or career.

The Health Physics concentration is designed to fill an urgent need for trained Health Physics professionals brought about by resurgence in the development of nuclear power, an expansion of programs in national security, and an ageing cadre of current Health Physics professionals.

MS: Applied Physics Concentration

A minimum of thirty-four semester hours of credit is required of candidates in this concentration. All candidates for the Applied Physics concentration participate in a project involving original research and complete a Master’s thesis. This project may involve participation in an already active research program or may be initiated by the student under the active sponsorship of a graduate faculty member.

Curriculum:  The requirement of the Master of Science in Physics with concentration in Applied Physics (MS-AP) may be found in the latest ECU Graduate Catalog . The curriculum includes the following courses:

Core/Required (28 semester hours of credit)

  • PHYS 5311 Mathematical Physics I (3 semester hours of credit)
  • PHYS 5600/01 Modern Electronics (3,0)
  • PHYS 5900/01 Computational Physics (3,0)
  • PHYS 6200 Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics (3)
  • PHYS 6300 Electrodynamics I (3)
  • PHYS 6410(1) Quantum Mechanics I (3)
  • PHYS 6816 Seminar (1)
  • PHYS 7000 Thesis (repeated once) (3+3)
  • PHYS 7450 Solid State Physics (3)

Elective (minimum of 6 semester hours of credit):

  • PHYS 6250 Classical Mechanics I (3)
  • PHYS 6700 Health Physics (3)
  • PHYS 6715 Biomedical Physics (3)
  • PHYS 6900 Introduction to Research (3)

(1) It is recommended that students in the Applied Physics concentration take the graduate level Quantum Mechanics course instead of the introductory course (Phys 5410).

MS: Medical Physics Concentration

The Medical Physics concentration was initiated in 1990 and has graduated more than 80 students. It has been CAMPEP accredited since 2006. A historical overview and some statistical facts on applicants and graduates are given here. (link to B3_3_Facts_and_Figures_MS-MP)

A minimum of thirty-nine semester hours of credit are required of candidates in this concentration, including a minimum of six semester hours of credit of clinical study in lieu of a thesis. Although there is no formal thesis requirement, involvement in research leading to a publication is recommended in the medical physics concentration. Medical Physics students participate in extensive clinical training at the Brody School of Medicine, the Vidant Medical Center (formerly Pitt County Memorial Hospital), and the Leo Jenkins Cancer Center.

Curriculum:  The requirement of the Master of Science in Physics with concentration in Medical Physics (MS-MP) may be found in the latest ECU Graduate Catalog. The curriculum includes the following courses:

Core/Required (36 semester hours of credit):

  • PHYS 5410 Introduction to Quantum Mechanics (3 semester hours of credit)
  • PHYS 5600/01 Modern Electronics (3,0)
  • PHYS 5900/01 Computational Physics (3,0)
  • PHYS 6700 Health Physics (3)
  • PHYS 6710 Nuclear Medicine Physics (3)
  • PHYS 6715 Biomedical Physics (3)
  • PHYS 6718 Therapeutic Radiological Physics (3)
  • PHYS 6720/22 Physics of Medical Imaging (4,0)
  • PHYS 6816 Seminar (1)
  • PHYS 6992 Radiation Therapy Physics (3)
  • PHYS 6993 Clinical and Medical Dosimetry (3)
  • RONC 7370 Biological Effects of Radiation (4)

Elective (minimum of 3 semester hours of credit):

  • PHYS 6300 Electrodynamics I (3)
  • PHYS 7992 Clinical Rotation in Radiation Therapy Physics (8)

MS: Health Physics Concentration

The Health Physics concentration was initiated in 2010 and has since then graduated 3 students. All students found jobs immediately.

A minimum of 39 semester hours of credit is required of candidates in this concentration. In addition, students must complete a 10-16 week rigorous practicum in applied health physics in an industrial, university or national laboratory setting in lieu of a thesis. This program is offered in collaboration with the Department of Health Education and Promotion, College of Health and Human Performance.

Curriculum: The requirement of the Master of Science in Physics with concentration in Medical Physics (MS-MP) may be found in the latest ECU Graduate Catalog. The curriculum includes the following courses:

Core/Required (36 semester hours of credit):

  • PHYS 5410 Introduction to Quantum Mechanics (3 semester hours of credit)
  • PHYS 5600/01 Modern Electronics (3,0)
  • PHYS 5900/01 Computational Physics (3,0)
  • PHYS 6700 Health Physics (3)
  • PHYS 6750 Risk Assessment, Risk Communication and Regulations (3)
  • PHYS 6816 Seminar (1)
  • PHYS 6900 Introduction to Research (3)
  • PHYS 7730 Radiation Instrumentation (3)
  • PHYS 7740 Special Problems in Radiation Dosimetry and Modeling (3)
  • HLTH 6011 Introduction to Epidemiology (3)
  • EHST 5164 Radiological Health Field Operation (1)
  • EHST 5800/01 Solid and Hazardous Waste Management and Laboratory (3,0)
  • RONC 7370 Biological Effects of Radiation (4)

Elective (minimum of 3 semester hours of credit):

  • PHYS 6200 Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics (3)
  • PHYS 7450 Solid State Physics (3)
  • EHST 6700 Industrial Hygiene Applications (3)