The MS in Medical Physics program is designed for graduates of accredited undergraduate programs in engineering or physics. All entering students shall have a strong foundation in basic physics demonstrated either by an undergraduate or graduate degree in physics, or by a degree in an engineering discipline or another of the physical sciences and with coursework that is the equivalent of a minor in physics (i.e., one that includes at least three upper-level undergraduate physics courses that would be required for a physics major).
The decision for admission is based upon the applicant’s GPA, GRE scores (if the applicant chooses to provide them), TOEFL scores (for applicants whose native language is not English), letters of recommendation, and research statement. We recommend that applicants explore our research focuses and our faculty to investigate research topics that may be of interest and fit with applicants’ career goals.
US degree holders must have earned a 3.0 out of a possible 4.0 GPA or a minimum of 3.0 during their senior year of undergraduate study. Foreign degree holders must have earned a minimum of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or other equivalent to a B average. If you have completed previous graduate course work, you must have a GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or the equivalent.
For the upcoming academic year, the GRE will remain optional for graduate student applicants but it is recommended. GRE quantitative, verbal, and analytical scores can be one measure used to evaluate student capacity to successfully complete the MS and PhD programs. We do not publish minimum scores, but admission to the program is competitive.
Applicants whose native language is not English must submit TOEFL or IELTS test scores. To be fully admitted, applicants must submit a minimum score of 550 on the paper-based TOEFL, 80 on the TOEFL iBT, or 6.5 on the IELTS. Applicants may be eligible for English Proficiency Conditional Admission.
Students must submit an application for admission through the Graduate School. Meeting minimum standards does not guarantee admission to the program, and the entire package of submitted materials—GPA, optional GRE scores, letters of recommendation, and research statement—is considered as a whole.
Clinical Requirements
Clinical experiences are part of the Medical Physics curriculum, so students are required to be cleared by Tennessee Clinical Placement System (TCPS). It is advised that you confirm you have the required documentation below before you begin this program.
The following must be provided to program director:
- Color copy of driver’s license
- Color copy of health insurance card
- Copy of recent FCRA compliant background check1
- Copy of recent 10 panel drug screen1
- Complete TB screening questionnaire
- Date of last physical exam
Dates (day/month/year) are required for the vaccination, titer, or tests. Note that multiple dates are required for MMR and HEP B. Missing vaccinations must be administered at the student’s expense.
- MMR vaccination dates: 1 & 2
- HEP B vaccination dates: 1, 2, & 3
- Varicella vaccination dates
- Negative TB test with the past 5 years
- TDAP vaccination with the past 10 years.
- Flu vaccine (due by 10/31)
- COVID-19 vaccine (when available)
In addition to these requirements, there will be an on-line clinical orientation that must be completed by the student prior to a clinical rotation. There is a $50 fee for this process.
- Performed at the student’s expense