Research

Part-Time M.S. Program

Medical PhysicsEnrollment

Part-time students may experience scheduling delays because some required courses must be taken in sequence and are only offered once a year. In addition, depending on enrollment, it is possible that some courses may be offered only every other year. Many of the courses are given in the early evening to facilitate part-time study, but practica may require full-day commitment.

Application

Applications are only available online, at School of Engineering and Applied Science Apply On-line.

Applications to the part-time program which are received by July 15 will be considered on a space-available basis.

One-Term Special

This category exists primarily for two kinds of students:

  • Those who are interested in a particular field, but are uncertain if they would like to complete an entire degree program.
  • Those who have begun the application process but need more time to fulfill all application requirements.

One-term special students are allowed to register for a maximum of six graduate credits. The six credits can either be taken within one term as two courses, or broken up into two terms with one course per term. However, under no circumstances will one-term special students be allowed to complete more than six graduate credits or two semesters of course work without the permission of the assistant dean. Students who take courses through the one-term special and who later matriculate are usually allowed to apply those credits to their degree program. However, students are advised to check with the department that they plan to apply to, before they register, to confirm that the courses that they plan to take will be applicable to that program.

Registration for one-term special students generally takes place within the first three days of classes for the given term. Students interested in applying as one-term specials must come to the Office of Graduate Student Services, 524 S. W. Mudd, 500 West 120th Street to complete the One-Term-Special Application and to submit the appropriate application fee.

For additional information contact the Office of Graduate Student Services by e-mail or call 212-854-6456. To be eligible for consideration for subsequent admission as a degree candidate, such students must follow the course sequence requirements for part-time students and submit a complete application to the Office of Graduate Student Services.

While a student's academic performance in the two courses completed at Columbia will be taken into account, since admission to the Program is competitive, one-term special students can not be guaranteed admission.

Comprehensive Exam

A passing grade on a comprehensive examination is required for graduation. This examination, on subjects covered in the curriculum, is taken at the end of the program of study.

Part-Time Curriculum

Part-time students register for 1-3 courses per term.

First TERM (FALL)

required
  • APPH E4010x Introduction to nuclear science
    (Prerequisites: Math V1202 & E1210, Physics C1403 or their equivalents)

    allowed additions
  • APPH E4600x Fundamentals of radiological physics and radiation dosimetry
    (Co- or prerequisite: APPH E4010 or its equivalent)

    and/or
  • EHSC P6330x Radiation science

The remainder of the courses may be taken in any order, subject to availability and sequence.

FALL TERM

  • APPH E4500x Health Physics
    (Prerequisite: APPH E4010)
  • APPH E4710x Radiation instrumentation lab, I
    (Prerequisite or corequisite: APPH E4010)

SPRING TERM

  • APPH E4550y Medical physics seminar
  • APPH E4711y Radiation instrumentation lab, II
    (Prerequisite: APPH E4710)
  • EHSC P9319y Nuclear medicine
    (Preferred prerequisite: APPH E4010 or equivalent)
  • EHSC P9330y Diagnostic radiological physics
  • EHSC P9335y Radiation Therapy Physics
    (Preferred prerequisites: APPH E4600 and EHSC P6330)
  • APBM E4650y Anatomy for physicists and engineers
    (Prerequisite: BMEN E4002 or permission of the instructor)

PRACTICUM (2 practica required)

A grade of B+ or better in the prerequisite course and permission of instructor and advisor are required for practica. Students register for the practicum in the Fall or Spring term; the work may be done in the Summer.

  • EHSC P8333 Radiation oncology
    (Prerequisites: Grade of B+ or better in PUBH P9335, permission of the instructor and the advisor)
  • EHSC P8340 Diagnostic radiology
    (Prerequisites: Grade of B+ or better in PUBH P9330, permission of the instructor and the advisor)
  • EHSC P8365 Nuclear medicine (Prerequisite: EHSC P9319)
    (Prerequisites: Grade of B+ or better in PUBH P9319, permission of the instructor and the advisor)
  • EHSC P8380 Health physics
    (Prerequisites: Grade of B+ or better in APPH E4500, permission of the instructor and the advisor)

SUMMER TERM

  • MSTC 4054A Anatomy & physiology (optional)
  • Varies: Elective or research tutorial