MS in Radiological Sciences and Protection Overview

Advance your career in radiation safety with the Master of Science in Radiological Sciences and Protection at UMass Lowell. Designed for full-time and part-time students, this interdisciplinary program will give you the expertise to obtain rewarding careers and make significant research contributions in the radiation protection field and the use of radiation physics in medicine.

Our program emphasizes practical learning, supported by a comprehensive core curriculum that includes courses in nuclear instrumentation, radiation safety, dosimetry and radiation biology. Gain hands-on experience through UMass Lowell's Radiation Laboratory and partnerships with hospitals, nuclear facilities and government labs. You can also choose courses and a research project consistent with your desired area of professional development. 

Our graduates are well-prepared for certification in health physics, opening doors to roles in radiation safety across sectors such as healthcare, industry, government and research. 

For detailed graduate program information, please contact Mark Tries, Ph.D., CHP, Associate Professor at: Mark_Tries@uml.edu

Radiological Sciences & Protection Curriculum

The M.S. degree in Radiological Sciences and Protection is a 30-credit master's degree. You can customize your curriculum by selecting from two pathways: 

  • Thesis Option: Ideal for those aiming for doctoral studies
  • Project Option: Suited for immediate professional application 

For a complete list of courses and academic requirements, please visit the Academic Catalog.

Why study Radiological Sciences at UMass Lowell?

Student working in reactor.

Scholarship Opportunities

We award roughly $30,000 per year in scholarships, directly for Radiological Sciences students.

Student using remote manipulators in the reactor hot cell

Paid Experiential Learning

Advance your skills and earn income through paid experiential learning through our laboratories or external partners.

UMass Lowell's quantitative radio chemistry lab set up for analytical and separations chemistry

Advanced Radiation Research Assets

Various opportunities for research and professional development are possible through the use of our research assets.

  • 1 million watt nuclear reactor 
  • 5.5 million volt particle accelerator 
  • Nuclear forensics and radiochemistry facility 
  • Radiation imaging suite 
  • Neutron activation analysis lab 
Chemical/Nuclear Engineering student working in reactor.

Workforce Shortages

Over the last few decades the Radiological Sciences field has seen a drastic decline of the workforce while the use of radiation continues to increase.

This has resulted in many opportunities for our trained Health Physicists working in the radiation protection sectors across the globe.

Where Our Graduates Work

Our graduates are employed as radiation safety professionals in: 

  • National laboratories
  • Radiopharmaceuticals production
  • Universities
  • Hospitals
  • Government agencies
  • Carbon-free clean energy production 
  • Biotech and other industries 
  • Consulting firms

Tuition and Admissions

Eligible students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for financial assistance.

Complete the FAFSA

Take the Next Step

Start your online application today!

Meet Our Students

Alexis Day seated outdoors in front of a wall with a sign that says Boston Children's Hospital.
Alexis Day ’17, ’19
Radiological Sciences and Protection

Alexis Day ’17, ’19, a senior health physicist at Boston Children’s Hospital, followed in the footsteps of her grandmother Terry LaFrance ’90.

UMass Lowell makes it possible for people who are working full time to still get a master’s degree.
Read More About Alexis Day 
Cassia Fontes wears a graduation cap while she floats in an inflatable tube in a water tank at UMass Lowell
Cassia Fontes ’22, ’23
Radiological Sciences and Protection

Double River Hawk Cassia Fontes’ work with the Radiation Safety Office has set her apart in the job market.

I’m getting attention from all these companies because of the opportunities UMass Lowell gave me.
Read More About Cassia Fontes 
Simone Peironnet in a hazmat suit.
Simone Peironnet '22, '23
Radiological Sciences and Protection

Simone Peironnet secured a job with Boeing as a health physicist before graduating from UMass Lowell.

Studying radiological sciences at UMass Lowell was the best training and education combination I ever could have gotten.
Read More About Simone Peironnet 

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Questions? Contact Us!

Phone:
800-656-4723 (U.S. Students)
978-934-2390 (International Students)

Email
Graduate_Admissions@uml.edu