Health Physics Professional Science Master's Program
Master of Health Physics | Comprehensive Exam FAQ
- Who needs to take the exam?
Anyone who wishes to earn the Master of Health Physics degree must take the IIT Health Physics comprehensive exam, unless they have earned a GPA of 3.5 or higher in the required health physics courses and have maintained a minimum GPA of 3.0 in all courses at the time the exam is taken. - How is the exam structured?
It is a written exam that includes a combination of multiple choice and calculation/essay questions to be assembled by faculty members of the Health Physics Program. The exam is closed book but a formula sheet will be provided. Additional information may be appended to the exam. There is four-hour time limit to complete the exam. If you fail the written exam, you will be given an oral exam administered by faculty members of the Health Physics Program on IIT’s main campus. The oral exam will be focused on basic concepts and applications of the health physics principles. The oral exam is closed book with a two-hour time limit. - Do I need to wait until I have finished all my classes before sitting for the comprehensive exam?
You need to wait until you have met the requirement in Item 1, and at least a "B" in PHYS 561, 571, and 572. - May I sit for the exam without prior approval from my advisor?
No, it is at the discretion of your advisor to determine if you are ready to take the comprehensive examination. - When is the exam offered?
The exam is offered twice a year, once in the fall and once in the spring. - How do I sign up to take the exam?
Contact your advisor when you receive the announcement from the program director. - Do I need to be registered to take the comprehensive exam?
If you are enrolled in at least one course during the semester that you are taking the exam, no special registration is required. If you are not taking any classes, then you must register for GCS 600, a discounted one credit-hour course to ensure active status. - Does passing the exam automatically mean that I have earned the degree?
No, you still need to make sure that you have completed all of the required courses in your approved program of study with an overall minimum GPA of 3.0, including a "B" or higher in PHYS 561, 571, and 572. - If I fail the exam, may I retake it?
If you fail the written exam, you will have an opportunity to take an oral exam. If you fail both the written and oral exams, there is no appeal. - How should I study for this exam?
Review all course materials thoroughly, including your homework assignments and course exam questions.