Medical Physics Program - FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions (Medical Physics)

How can I get more information about the Howard Medical Physics program? 

  1. Check out our program website, let us know if you still have a question.
  2. The graduate school organizes several in-person and virtual events, open houses, general-information sessions, and grad-application workshops throughout the year. The program directors of various graduate programs attend the event along with the prospective students. More information at:

https://gs.howard.edu/admissions/upcoming-information-sessions 

  1. Write to the Medical Physics program director expressing your interest in the program and your unique situation. 

Is this program an accredited graduate program? 

Our MS program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Physics Education Programs (CAMPEP). 

What distinguishes the Howard Medical Physics program from other CAMPEP-accredited programs? 

Howard University’s Medical Physics program offers a distinctive and nationally recognized pathway for graduate education in medical physics. Here are five key reasons why the program stands out:

  1. The Only CAMPEP-Accredited Program at an HBCU
     Howard is the first and only Historically Black College or University (HBCU) with a CAMPEP-accredited graduate program in medical physics, affirming its commitment to excellence in education and training.
  2. Exchange Courses at Johns Hopkins University
     Through a formal academic exchange, Howard students take advanced courses at Johns Hopkins University each year, including Nuclear Medicine Imaging and Radiopharmaceutical Therapy, gaining exposure to cutting-edge clinical science.
  3. Paid Clinical Residency Placement
     Howard graduates have a unique opportunity for a paid clinical residency at Johns Hopkins Sibley Memorial Hospital. Three program alumni have successfully entered clinical roles, including residency placements, demonstrating the strength of Howard’s preparation and partnerships.
  4. Faculty from Leading Institutions
     The program is supported by clinical leaders from Howard University Hospital, George Washington University, and Johns Hopkins University, offering students mentorship from practicing experts in radiation oncology and medical imaging.
  5. Research Opportunities at NIST and Other Institutions
     Students have participated in collaborative research with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and Johns Hopkins, including projects in radiopharmaceutical dosimetry, FLASH, and proton therapy. These experiences provide real-world research exposure and contribute to their leadership portfolio. 

Do I need a research advisor before applying for admission? 

You do not need a faculty advisor before applying for admission. The MS program allows 4 to 6 credits for graduate research during the 2-year tenure. Once admitted, the students are provided a list of offered projects at various sites with our program faculty to do research. 

What are the hot topics in medical physics research at Howard? 

The Howard Medical Physics faculty is actively engaged in cutting-edge research across several emerging areas in the field. Current topics include:

  • Dosimetry and Radiation Measurement – Advancing techniques for accurate dose delivery and verification in clinical settings for proton and photon therapies.
  • MRI-Guided Therapy – Exploring the integration of magnetic resonance imaging with radiation therapy for enhanced precision.
  • FLASH Radiotherapy – Investigating ultra-high dose rate radiation therapy to improve treatment outcomes while minimizing side effects.
  • Nanoparticle-Based Therapies – Developing novel therapeutic approaches using nanoparticles with radiation for targeted cancer treatment.
  • Radiopharmaceutical Therapy – Studying the use of radioactivity attached to a carrier to treat diseases cells, particularly cancer, through targeted delivery mechanisms 

Do I need Official transcripts for admission application? 

The official transcripts are not required for the application to the program, however, once you get the admission offer and before starting the program of studies, official transcripts are required. 

To whom the Official transcripts are directed? 

Official transcripts must be sent directly to the Office of Graduate Recruitment and Admission at Howard University (at address below) from each post-secondary institution attended by the office of the university Registrar.

Howard University Graduate School

Office of Graduate Recruitment and Admissions

2400 Sixth Street NW

Washington, D.C. 20059 

Is there an application fee? 

There is a $75 non-refundable application processing fee required when applying. 

Is the GRE required and how much is a competitive scoring and what is Howard’s GRE school code? 

The GRE may not be required for most of the students attending an accredited US educational institution. A GRE score of 300 or above is considered competitive. All GRE score reports must be submitted to Howard University (school code: 5297) 

If the language of communication and instruction is not English, what do I need? 

You need to provide a TOEFL or ILETS score taken during the last two years of the test date. TOEFL Scores (Minimum computer-based score of 213 is required and only official score reports are accepted within 2 years of the test date) www.toefl.org 

I am from a country, where the main language of instruction is English, can I request an exemption from taking TOEFL/ IELTS test? 

If you have attended a university or colleague abroad whose main language of instruction is English and any of the countries listed at:  https://gs.howard.edu/admissions/evidence-english-language-proficiency/exemption-toeflielts-english-speaking-countries - then you are exempt from taking the TOEFL/IELTS.  

How much will the MS in Medical Physics program cost? 

The program costs include tuition and fees, which can vary each year. For example, the program tuition was around $ 39,201 per year with fees of about $1500 per year in 2025.

You may need to add cost of living in Washington DC area, health insurance, transportation, food, books etc. each year.  

Is there any type of financial aid available to the applicants of MS program?

MS students are required to secure financial aid or personal funds sufficient to cover all applicable tuition and fees prior to starting the studies.

Please note that Howard Medical Physics does not guarantee any funding in the form of assistantships or scholarships to newly admitted students. Incoming MS students may apply for various scholarship opportunities at the university during their MS studies. 

Depending on availability, the department of Physics and Astronomy may provide graduate teaching assistantship to one MS student each year.

Funding opportunities may be available at https://gs.howard.edu/graduate-school-competitive-awards  

What are some of the funding opportunities an MS student can apply for?

 The student member of AAPM can apply for some financial assistance for AAPM/RSNA Graduate Students Award https://aapm.secure-platform.com/gaf/page/DoctoralMasters 

Some international students may also apply for funding from IAEA or World Bank scholarships. 

When will my application be processed? 

All “completed” applications in GradCAS are processed within 4 to 6 weeks after completion. The status is updated in the application portal. If you have not heard from us about your application, please email the Medical Physics Program Coordinator.

If your application does not have a “completed” status in the GradCAS portal, please ensure all the required information is submitted before the admission deadline.