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08 February 2012

Answer to Question #6066 Submitted to "Ask the Experts"

Category: Radiation Safety Careers — Academic Education Opportunities

The following question was answered by an expert in the appropriate field:

I have a bachelor's degree in physiology and biophysics. I have a master's degree in health physics. I am planning to pursue my PhD in health physics. Since my bachelor's is in bioscience I do not have an engineering background. What courses do I need to have in my résumé in order too get a decent job in health physics?

A PhD degree is a research degree. So the course(s) determined to be necessary for your degree program are typically determined by your advisory committee.
Therefore, there is no set program, but rather course requirements are unique to the individual and the institution and usually relate to a research project. Those classes that are required as "remedial" courses, if any, are associated with the overall professional development of the individual. Such courses are typically most important to passing some sort of comprehensive examination prior to achieving the level of candidacy for a program. To be specific, one is generally admitted to graduate school but not considered to be a candidate for the PhD degree until a comprehensive examination is successfully completed.

Richard R. Brey, PhD, CHP

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