Louisiana State University Physics & Astronomy

FAQ's - Frequently Asked Questions

Question: Do I need to be a physics major in college to go into medical physics?

Answer: Graduate students in medical physics come from a variety of backgrounds - physics and engineering are common. However, all students must have a solid background in physics, including a year of calculus-based general physics, mechanics, E&M, modern physics and experimental lab.

Question: What are the GRE and GPA requirements for entry into the Program?

Answer: The LSU Graduate School requires a minimum score of 1100 on the GRE and a minimum GPA of 3.0. Please note that this year's entering medical physics class had an average GRE of about 1250 and average GPA of about 3.4. No subject test is required.

Question: Can I earn a Ph.D. in medical physics at LSU?

Answer: Currently, the LSU Physics department does not offer a dedicated Ph.D. in medical physics, but does offer an M.S. degree. However, students working on a Ph.D. in Physics are eligible to work on a medical physics dissertation topic. We plan to add a dedicated Ph.D. in Medical Physics by Fall 2008.

Question: After completing the M.S. program, will I be capable of entering a medical physics Ph.D. program?

Answer: Yes. The academic instruction in the first year of the M.S. program is comparable to that of other medical physics graduate programs. In recent years, several of our M.S. graduates have gone on to other Ph.D. programs.

Question: How many students do you accept each year? When are applications due? Do you offer graduate assistantships or other forms of financial support?

Answer: We accept 4-6 students per year, with all students beginning in the Fall semester. We begin reviewing applications in late January and competitive applicants are invited to interview in February and early March. Offer letters are extended in priority of applicant rating, usually by March 15. Most acceptance offers include financial support in the form of a graduate assistantship or fellowship.

Question: What is the CAMPEP accreditation status of the LSU medical physics program?

Answer: The LSU Medical Physics Program recently received full accreditation by CAMPEP through December 2011.

Question: Can I come to visit LSU and the medical physics program?

Answer: Certainly. Contact the LSU Medical Physics Program office at 225-578-2163 or medphys@phys.lsu.edu to discuss a visit at any time during the year. In the Spring of each year, we invite our best applicants to visit LSU (at our expense) for an interview with the Program faculty.

Question: Where have your graduate found employment?

Answer: Graduates from the LSU medical physics and health physics program have found employment in public and private hospitals, private cancer clinics, and government regulatory divisions. Some students have even struck out on their own, performing medical physics contract and consulting work.

Question: What duties and time commitment are required for a graduate assistant?

Answer: Students are expected to work 20 hours per week for their assistantships. Teaching assistants may teach undergraduate physics labs, do grading and proctoring for the physics service courses, or work in the departmentÕs tutoring center. Research assistants work in the research lab of their major professor.

Question: Whom should I contact if I have more questions?

Answer: To speak with Program faculty or to get answers to questions about the program and the admissions process, contact the
LSU Medical Physics Program Office
(225) 578-2163 or

Updated: Thu, 23-Aug-2007 12:49 PM