Curriculum
Oregon State's online radiation health physics master's degree program will prepare you for a career dealing with nuclear energy, ionizing radiation and radioactive materials, especially within the areas of security, national defense, medical health and safety.
The coursework is designed for students with professional interests in radiation protection, and concentration areas include arms control technology; nuclear instrumentation and applications; nuclear power generation; nuclear reactor engineering; nuclear waste management; and space nuclear power.
Degree requirements
A total of 45 quarter credits are required to graduate with your master's degree in radiation health physics. Program requirements and curriculum details are available on Oregon State's academic catalog.
How do you prove someone tested a nuclear weapon? Listen to a podcast in which OSU researchers Steven Czyz, Lily Ranjbar and Salam Alhawsawi (left to right) discuss how they detect radioactive isotopes. Listen »
Specialization options
- Master of Health Physics (professional degree) – Online students are highly encouraged to pursue this option. View a suggested progression plan for the MHP option.
- Master of Science (research-based degree)
Sample course topics
- Radiophysics
- Radiobiology
- Radiation detection
- Nuclear rules and regulations
- Nuclear fuel cycle and waste management
- Radiochemistry
- Applied radiation safety
- Internal dosimetry
- Radioecology
- Radiation shielding and external dosimetry
Additional program features
On-site summer lab courses
The RHP program offers intensive, one-week laboratory courses during the summer on Oregon State’s Corvallis campus, where you will experience hands-on interaction with the lab materials, your classmates and program faculty.
Take the CHP exam
By completing the RHP degree program, you will become eligible to take the Certified Health Physics examination administered by the American Board of Health Physics.
Notice: Oregon State University students may now take part in internships anywhere in the United States. Read more about Ecampus’ authorization to operate in your state.
Important dates
See our academic calendar for our full quarter term schedule.
Degree details
* Oregon State University is on a quarter-term system. There are four quarters each year and classes are 11 weeks long. This program's 45 quarter credits are equal to 30 semester credits.
† Cost per credit is calculated using tuition per credit for the current academic year. It does not include associated fees, course materials, textbook expenses, and other expenses related to courses.
‡ You can complete all or nearly all requirements of this program online. View the curriculum.
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