Master of Science in Radiological Sciences and Protection

At a Glance

Flexibility

Part Time | Full Time
Delivery Options

On Campus
Degree

MS

Build your expertise in radiation safety with a flexible, hands-on program that prepares you for certification and leadership in health physics and radiation protection.

MS in Radiological Sciences and Protection Overview

Advance your career in radiation safety with the Master of Science in Radiological Sciences and Protection at UMass Lowell. Designed for full-time and part-time students, this interdisciplinary program will give you the expertise to obtain rewarding careers and make significant research contributions in the radiation protection field and the use of radiation physics in medicine.

Our program emphasizes practical learning, supported by a comprehensive core curriculum that includes courses in nuclear instrumentation, radiation safety, dosimetry and radiation biology. Gain hands-on experience through UMass Lowell's Radiation Laboratory and partnerships with hospitals, nuclear facilities and government labs. You can also choose courses and a research project consistent with your desired area of professional development.

Our graduates are well-prepared for certification in health physics, opening doors to roles in radiation safety across sectors such as healthcare, industry, government and research.

For detailed graduate program information, please contact Mark Tries, Ph.D., CHP, Associate Professor at: Mark_Tries@uml.edu

Program Quick Facts

Available Part-Time and Full-Time
Scholarships and Financial Aid Available
STEM-designated Degree Program
Thesis or Project Options

Radiological Sciences & Protection Curriculum

The M.S. degree in Radiological Sciences and Protection is a 30-credit master's degree. You can customize your curriculum by selecting from two pathways:

Thesis Option: Ideal for those aiming for doctoral studies
Project Option: Suited for immediate professional application

For a complete list of courses and academic requirements, please visit the Academic Catalog.

	Required Core Courses
Course Number	Course Name	Credits
RADI.5060	Nuclear Instrumentation	4
RADI.5010L	Radiation Safety and Control I	4
RADI.5020L	Radiation Safety and Control II	4
RADI.5330	External Radiation Dosimetry and Shielding	3
RADI.5340	Internal Radiation Dosimetry and Bioassay Assessment	3
RADI.5620	Radiation Biology	3
RADI.7110/7120	Graduate Seminar in Radiological Sciences and Protection	3
RADI.7330 OR RADI.7430	Graduate Project in Radiological Sciences and Protection OR MS Thesis Research in Radiological Sciences and Protection	3 OR 3/6/9
RADI.XXXX	Departmental Electives as needed	0-3+ (as needed)
Total:		30

Total Credits = 30

Last updated: 2/28/25

Why study Radiological Sciences at UMass Lowell?

Scholarship Opportunities

We award roughly $30,000 per year in scholarships, directly for Radiological Sciences students.

Student using remote manipulators in the reactor hot cell

Paid Experiential Learning

Advance your skills and earn income through paid experiential learning through our laboratories or external partners.

UMass Lowell's quantitative radio chemistry lab set up for analytical and separations chemistry

Advanced Radiation Research Assets

Various opportunities for research and professional development are possible through the use of our research assets.

1 million watt nuclear reactor
5.5 million volt particle accelerator
Nuclear forensics and radiochemistry facility
Radiation imaging suite
Neutron activation analysis lab

Chemical/Nuclear Engineering student working in reactor.

Workforce Shortages

Over the last few decades the Radiological Sciences field has seen a drastic decline of the workforce while the use of radiation continues to increase.

This has resulted in many opportunities for our trained Health Physicists working in the radiation protection sectors across the globe.

Radiological Sciences & Protection Career Outlook

+1,600

Projected new job openings each year
(U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)
$155,680

Average salary for Health Physicist
(U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Where Our Graduates Work

Our graduates are employed as radiation safety professionals in:

National laboratories
Radiopharmaceuticals production
Universities
Hospitals
Government agencies
Carbon-free clean energy production
Biotech and other industries
Consulting firms

Tuition and Admissions

Eligible students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for financial assistance.

Complete the FAFSA

View Estimated Annual Tuition and Fees for the 2025 - 2026 Academic Year

As a graduate student, you may qualify for federal student aid and other need-based scholarships. To be considered for financial assistance, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Learn more at UMass Lowell Graduate Aid.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is available to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and certain eligible non-citizens. Please visit Financial Aid if you have questions about your eligibility.

Application:
- Summer 2025-Spring 2026,
- Summer 2026-Spring 2027
Application Fee: $50
Statement of Purpose: Outline goals, experience and achievements (maximum 2 pages).
Letters of Recommendation: Two (2) for master's, three (3) for doctoral applicants.
Transcripts: You may apply with unofficial transcripts, but if accepted, official transcripts are required. We do not accept opened, photocopied, emailed PDFs or faxed official transcripts.
Test Scores: UMass Lowell’s school code is 3911. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are only required for the following programs:
- Master of Science (M.S.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Computer Science,
- Medical Physics and Radiological Sciences.
- Some programs will waive the test score requirements under certain conditions.

All materials must be received before your application is reviewed. To add documents before review, log in and select “Program Materials.”

Chemistry and Polymer Science Ph.D. Applicants

All required documents are due to the Office of Graduate Admissions by February 15 for full Fall consideration. Applications received after this date will be reviewed for the next semester.

International Applicants

A transcript evaluation is required for the M.S. in Biological Sciences and Ph.D. in Applied Biology.

International transcripts must indicate completion of a four-year bachelor’s degree (equivalent of an American bachelor's degree) before an application will be processed. The Office of Graduate Admissions reserves the right to have any application credentials evaluated. Baccalaureate verification may be obtained for a fee from:

English proficiency is required. If English is not your country’s national language, please submit one of the following scores:

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): 79+
International English Language Testing System (IELTS): 6.5+
Duolingo: 115+
ASC English: Level 6+
Pearson Test of English (PTE): 53+

Take the Next Step

Start your online application today!

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Meet Our Students

Simone Peironnet '22, '23

Radiological Sciences and Protection

Simone Peironnet secured a job with Boeing as a health physicist before graduating from UMass Lowell.

Studying radiological sciences at UMass Lowell was the best training and education combination I ever could have gotten.

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At a Glance