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Master's Program in Radiological Sciences & Protection

Radiological Sciences and Protection - Master of Science Degree Program

With the increasing use of radiation and radioactive material in society, there is a growing need for research and advanced education in Radiological Sciences and Protection.

The excellent facilities, equipment and supporting staff available at the University of Massachusetts Lowell's Radiation Laboratory and faculty in the Radiological Sciences Program and in other allied departments give students at the University of Massachusetts Lowell (UML) a unique opportunity to obtain rewarding careers in and make significant research contributions to the radiation protection field and to the use of radiation physics in medicine. 

The Master of Science Degree Program in Radiological Sciences and Protection is interdisciplinary in nature and should be attractive to engineering students and students in the biological and physical sciences.

Master of Science - Radiological Sciences and Protection

Admission Requirements

A student should have a reasonable minimum preparation, including courses in mathematics, chemistry, physics, biology and in nuclear and radiological sciences similar to the University of Massachusetts Lowell Radiological Health Physics undergraduate curriculum. Because there is no advanced test in the field of Radiological Sciences and Protection, and because various undergraduate backgrounds are suitable for graduate study in the program, students are not required to take the Advanced GRE tests. The GRE Aptitude Test, however, is required. It is important that the mathematical preparation of students include differential and integral calculus through differential equations. Physics preparation up to and including Modern Physics is required.  Preparatory courses are available at UMass Lowell for applicants who are deficient in these areas. The program also requires two letters of recommendation. For more information on admissions requirements, please see the UMass Lowell Graduate Admission website.

Master of Science in Radiological Sciences and Protection

Plan of Study

The program allows a student to select courses and a research project consistent with his/her desired area of professional development.  Various opportunities for research and professional development are possible through the use of the Radiation Laboratory of the University and through cooperative programs with hospitals, nuclear reactor facilities, government laboratories, and other radiation facilities. A research advisor, other than a University of Massachusetts Lowell faculty member, may be approved for the conduct of research at facilities outside the University.  Two M.S. degree options are available:  thesis option or project option. In addition to a core curriculum, a master's thesis or project report must be submitted and approved.

Thesis Option

Under the thesis option, a student must complete a minimum of 21 credits of formal courses and a minimum of 9 credits of graduate research.  The master's thesis generally will consist of a scholarly laboratory or theoretical investigation in the field of Radiological Sciences and Protection. Proposed research must be approved by the Program Graduate Committee. The format for the final written thesis shall conform to the requirements of the University.  The thesis proposal and report requirements may be obtained from the Program Coordinator.

Project Option

Under the project option, a student must complete a minimum of 27 credits of formal courses and 3 credits of graduate research to yield a total of 30 credits.  In addition to the project report, the student must pass a comprehensive examination. The master's project consists of a scholarly investigation such as a review, report, design, etc., in the field of Radiological Sciences and Protection.  The subject of the project must be approved by the student's advisor in advance. The final report must be approved by the Program Graduate Committee and conform to the format specified by the University.

Oral Defense of Thesis

A thesis committee is appointed to read a student's thesis and to listen to an oral presentation and defense by the student.  In general, the committee will include the thesis advisor and two additional members chosen from the Physics faculty or from other departments in which the candidate has taken graduate studies.

Comprehensive Examination for the Project Option

Degree candidates electing the project option are required to pass a Comprehensive written examination administered by the Program Graduate Committee.  This examination normally will be administered during the semester in which the student completes his/her course requirements for the M.S. degree. The comprehensive examination may be waived for a student who can document that he/she has passed Part I of the American Board of Health Physics Certification Examination.

Residency and Foreign Language Requirements

No residency or foreign language requirements are specified by the Department.

Core Curriculum

A core curriculum consisting of seven courses and Thesis Research or Graduate Project in Radiological Sciences and Protection are required of all students pursuing the Master's Degree in Radiological Sciences and Protection. These core courses are listed below. If a student has already had a course or courses similar to those listed, then the requirement for such courses may be waived.  Courses in Nuclear Engineering, Physics and Applied Physics, Environmental Studies, Biology, Mathematics, Meteorology, Chemistry, Work Environment, and others may be selected for graduate credit with the approval of the Department.

Required Core Courses

  • RADI.5060 Nuclear Instrumentation (4 credits)
  • RADI.5010L Radiation Safety and Control I (4 credits)
  • RADI.5020L Radiation Safety and Control II (4 credits)
  • RADI.5330 External Radiation Dosimetry and Shielding (3 credits)
  • RADI.5340 Internal Radiation Dosimetry and Bioassay Assessment (3 credits)
  • RADI.5620 Radiation Biology (3 credits)
  • RADI.7110/7120 Graduate Seminar in Radiological Sciences and Protection  1
  • RADI.7330 Graduate Project in Radiological Sciences and Protection (3 credits), or  RADI.7430 MS Thesis Research in Radiological Sciences and Protection  (3/6/9 credits)
  • Plus departmental electives as required

Total = 30 credits

The Professional Science Master's Option within the Radiological Sciences Program

The development of Professional Science Master’s (PSM) is no longer accepting applications.


Updated 2/29/24