Master of Health Physics - Frequently asked Questions

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1. What will my diploma state as the degree earned? Your diploma will state that you have earned a Master of Health Physics.
2. How much of a physics background do I need for the Master of Health Physics program? Each student should enter the program with a full year of calculus-based physics. An additional course covering modern physics is highly recommended.
3. What mathematical skills are important in the program? Algebra, including manipulation of multiple variables; calculus, including derivatives, integrals, simple differential equations, and Taylor expansions.
4. What's the difference between Medical Physics and Health Physics? There is significant overlap between these two fields. Health physics includes all medical applications, as well as many non-medical applications of ionizing radiation, whereas medical physics is specifically geared toward the application of radiation-related techniques in medicine and particularly in medical imaging.
5. Does a Masters in Health Physics at IIT qualify me to sit for the American Board of Radiology's Part 1 Radiologic Physics examination? Because our program is a Health Physics program rather than a medical physics program, we have not explicitly sought ABR approval for our program. There is a lengthy discussion on the ABR website of the requirements for sitting for the Part I exam. We would encourage you to discuss the appropriateness of IIT's program directly with the ABR itself.
6. What does the MHP Comprehensive exam consist of? The comprehensive exam consists of 40 multiple choice and matching questions and an assortment of short essay and calculation questions. You must answer all questions. You will be given a formula sheet but no other material is permitted. You may use a calculator as long as it does not store formulas. Students must receive a score of 70/100 to pass. The exam draws from all the technical courses in the program. Students are allowed two attempts at the written exam, with the possibility of an oral exam for students who have not passed it on the second try. The materials and texts you used for the courses you took are your best preparation materials.
7. Can I take all the Health Physics courses online? Not quite. Ten of the eleven courses in the program can be taken online. The eleventh is Instrumentation for Health Physics (PHYS 770), a five-day short course that must be taken, in person, at IIT.
8. What is a Professional Science Master's degree? The Professional Science Master's degree combines a scientific and technical curriculum with courses in management, leadership, and communications. The professional master's is a non-thesis, course-based degree.
9. What is IIT's accreditation? Illinois Institute of Technology is a Ph.D. granting research institution, which has its programs fully accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools.
10. When can I start? If the prerequisites have been met, you may begin your graduate studies in fall, spring, or summer semesters.
11. How long will it take? Part-time students earning the professional science master's degree can generally finish the program in 2 years.
12. How does the Internet format permit students to interact with the course instructor? The primary contact with the instructor is generally through email but also by telephone and discussion board.
13. How is the examination process and homework handled? Each student, with the help of IIT Online Services, will select a testing site and proctor who will administer the exam and return it to IIT. Homework is generally assigned within the lectures or on a course website. Homework is submitted by email, fax, or by uploading to Blackboard.
14. Who would be a good choice for a proctor? If your company or firm has a human resources department, a human resources officer would be an appropriate choice. If you live near a community college or a college that has an extension program, it is likely that it will have a testing facility at which you can take exams. The IIT Online office can make further suggestions on how you can seek out a proctor.
15. What are the costs associated with the program? Tuition rates are $778/credit hour. Other costs associated with the program include a non-refundable application fee of $40, a degree filing fee, textbook costs, and an occasional testing center fee for proctored exams.
16. What are the different options for tuition payment? There are several plans depending on your status of enrollment:
    • Semester Payment Plan due the first day of classes.
    • IIT Nine Month Plan for full- time students only.
    • Budget Plan for part-time students who choose to split their payment into two installments.
    • Tuition Deferment Plan for part-time students without financial aid whose employers offer reimbursement plans.
    
    Further payment information is available at www.enrollment.iit.edu.
17. How many courses should I take in a semester? The part-time program is designed for students to take a maximum of two courses per semester. Full-time students may take three courses per semester when available.
18. I am not sure whether this program is right for me. Is there a way to enroll in courses without committing to the entire program? Yes, you may enroll as a non-degree seeking student for up to nine credit hours, or about three courses, before applying for full admission. This option allows you to build an academic track record at IIT before submitting a full admissions application effectively permitting you to prove yourself and guarantee admission with strong academic performance.

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