Like A Family
“We really wanted to build the program in such a way that we were like a family,” recounts Dr. Dobbins, Director Emeritus. Our faculty and staff are the stars of this video, featuring over two dozen languages and tractors. Welcome to Duke Medical Physics!
Application Process
In our CAMPEP-accredited program, students can study toward the M.S. or Ph.D. degrees. The Medical Physics Graduate Program is a part of the Graduate School of Duke University. To apply to our program, you must submit your application through Duke University Graduate School Admissions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What steps should I take to apply for admission?
Detailed information is available in our Admissions section on How to Apply, including application deadlines, procedures, and prerequisites.
Do I have to have a master’s degree before I apply to the PhD program?
No. You may apply to the PhD program after a bachelor’s degree. Many of our applicants do not have a master’s degree at the time of enrollment.
What are the minimum prerequisite criteria for admission to the MS or PhD program in medical physics? -OR- What are the minimum admission criteria for students without an undergraduate degree in physics?
The prerequisites for admissions (including criteria for non-physics majors) are described in our Admissions section under Admissions Prerequisites.
My first language is not English but I studied in an English-speaking country prior to applying to Duke. Can the TOEFL requirement be waived?
Please see the TOEFL/IELTS Waiver Policy at Duke Graduate School – English Language Proficiency.
What is the cost of attending graduate school at Duke?
Costs for both MS and PhD studies are described at Duke Graduate School – Cost to Attend.
Are scholarships available to master’s students?
Yes, we offer competitive, merit-based partial scholarships to our master’s students, which cover up to 30% of tuition costs. Admitted students are invited to apply for the scholarship after an offer of admission has been made, and the scholarship award notification (including exact amount) will be available to you before you enter your enrollment decision. For more information, please see our page on Financial Aid.
I have applied to the PhD program but wish to be considered for the MS program as well. Do I need to apply to the MS program separately?
No. All of our PhD applicants are offered a chance to be considered for MS admission at no extra cost. This does not require a new application or new recommendation letters.
Simply follow the two steps below:
- (a) Indicate on your application form that you wish to be considered for MS admission as well.
- (b) Send an email to the Director of Graduate Studies indicating your preference to also be considered for the MS program.
Can I take courses in other departments and across Duke?
Yes, you may take courses from other departments at Duke. In consultation with their advisors and the Director of Graduate Studies, we encourage students to take courses from other departments and build an interdisciplinary educational experience that suits their needs.
How long will it take to complete an MS or PhD program here at Duke?
The MS program takes 2 years, and the PhD program takes 5-6 years.
How successful have medical physics students been in securing residencies and jobs after graduating?
We provide detailed statistics of placement on our Placement page.
Please contact us with any questions you may have. We look forward to receiving your application for graduate study at Duke.