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What is Nuclear Engineering?

Nuclear engineering is a field focused on the development of systems, instruments, and processes deriving benefits from radiation and nuclear energy.  This division of engineering can encompass a number of specialties.  Nuclear engineering specialties can include:

  • Medical physics
  • Nuclear medicine
  • Health physics
  • Radiation therapy
  • Diagnostic imaging
  • Nuclear fuels
  • Nano-modification
  • Radiation protection
  • Ionizing radiation measurement systems

Career Summary

MEDIAN SALARY

$105,950

PERCENT ABOVE NATIONAL
INCOME AVERAGE

65.02%

TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT

17,680

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Nuclear Engineering Degree

Columbia University in the City of New York (New York, NY) is a private research university recognized as one of the Ivy League members. The university witnessed several relevant inventions and scientific breakthroughs. Columbia offers a wide range of comprehensive academic programs designed to award undergraduate and graduate degrees, including professional degrees. Engineering programs in Columbia are designed to discover new technologies and innovations by using research and maximizing the advancement of science. The Department of Applied Physics and Applied Mathematics has programs that explore applied physics and mathematics, science and engineering, up to medical physics. 

Acceptance Rate

5.45

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Cambridge, MA) is a private research university notable for its applied science and engineering programs. The university fosters a European polytechnic university model of learning. MIT is known for a long list of contributed innovations and academic strength. The university has established its reputation in modern science, engineering, mathematics, and technology. MIT also offers Nuclear Engineering degree programs that aim to allow students to learn more about nuclear technology and use it to the benefit of society and the environment. The university also embraced the entrepreneurial culture. It also creates an environment for future technical leaders of the global nuclear enterprise.  

Acceptance Rate

6.7

Student to Faculty Ratio

3:1

Cornell University (Ithaca, NY) is a recognized public university providing education with practical benefits and contributions to the state. Cornell applies an interdisciplinary curriculum to its active research program. The university’s academic programs are highly reviewed. Some of its popular programs are in social science, life sciences, humanities, sustainability, and international programs. Aspiring engineers can choose from a wide range of nuclear engineering majors in the university. Cornell fosters cross-college collaborations and encourages the exploration of new studies. This allows students and faculty to turn research discoveries into commercial practice aimed to help a bigger community. 

Acceptance Rate

10.85

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

University of California-Berkeley (Berkeley, CA) is a public research university under the University of California system. UC-Berkeley has established its academic and research reputation across the United States and the world. The university offers high ranking academic programs. UC Berkeley offers more than 350 different degree programs across 14 colleges and schools. The university is also one of the leading universities offering a degree in nuclear engineering. The program is designed to teach students the fundamentals and advanced disciplines with the help of the Lawrence Livermore and Lawrence Berkeley national laboratories. Its faculty are also award-winning and leading names in different areas of nuclear studies. 

Acceptance Rate

16.25

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor (Ann Arbor, MI) is the oldest public university in the state. Through the years, the university has been recognized as one of the top public universities worldwide. The university also fosters an active research environment, receiving one of the highest funding among US universities. Arts, science, and programs leading to graduate studies are popular at UM. The university is proud that its program is packed with strong math and physics instructions related to nuclear and radiological engineering. Its nuclear engineering curriculum fosters an ABET-accredited Bachelor of Science in Engineering program.

Acceptance Rate

22.91

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Georgia Institute of Technology (Atlanta, GA) is an active research university and one of the top public universities in the United States. Georgia Tech offers a wide range of highly-ranked academic programs for undergraduate and graduate levels. Some of the popular disciplines in the institute are computing, engineering, sciences, architecture, management, and liberal arts. The nuclear engineering program in the college is designed to allow students to be prepared for employment and graduate studies. The program encourages its students to use their knowledge to contribute to the needs of nuclear and radiological engineering and related fields. 

Acceptance Rate

20.58

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

University of Florida (Gainesville, FL) is a public university and one of the flagship research institutions under the State University System of Florida. The university is considered a prestigious learning institution in FL. The university offers its comprehensive programs across 16 academic colleges and more than 150 research centers and institutes. One of the missions of the university is to provide its students with quality education and encourage them to conduct nationally recognized research in nuclear and radiological engineering that can contribute to the betterment of the state and the United States. This particular program aims to teach students the design, development, and operation of nuclear power systems and other related disciplines. The application process is very competitive in UF. 

Acceptance Rate

36.58

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

United States Military Academy (West Point, NY) is the oldest of the five American service academies. It provides four-year education to cadets who want to join the U.S. Army. Candidates for admission must apply directly to the academy and receive a nomination, usually from a member of Congress. USMA offers academic programs granting a BS degree in Nuclear Engineering for a chosen specialization. Students enrolled under the Department of Physics and Nuclear Engineering are expected to comprehend, analyze, and solve problems related to the disciplines. For further knowledge and experience, students are given summer internships across different industries including NASA and several renowned research laboratories. 

Acceptance Rate

12.03

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

University of Maryland-College Park (College Park, MD) is considered the flagship university in the state. UM offers a wide range of academic programs that are consistently ranking among the best in the country. The university also has study abroad opportunities. UM also offers other programs including Women in Engineering (WIE) which is aimed to support female students in the field of engineering. UM offers a minor undergraduate degree in nuclear engineering. The university believes that the need for nuclear engineers will continue to grow in the coming years and they aim to provide the best education to these future industry leaders. The university also has an active research program and its proximity to the nation's capital has resulted in several research partnerships with the Federal government. 

Acceptance Rate

44.18

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

Worcester Polytechnic Institute (Worcester, MA) is a private university that offers  programs and research focused on technical arts and applied sciences. It offers a wide range of undergraduate majors and graduate programs. Some of the popular research areas WPI focuses on are biotechnology, fuel cells, information security, surface metrology, materials processing, and nanotechnology. The institute has a certificate program in nuclear science and engineering. The program prepares students for careers across several industries like health care, research, and academia. Students who already have a BS Engineering or any science related discipline can be admitted to this program. 

Acceptance Rate

49.37

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (Troy, NY) operates as a private institution offering a wide variety of academic programs. It is known to be the oldest technological university in the United States. Most North American schools and colleges that offer applied science programs were modeled after Rensselaer.  The institute is organized into six main schools offering instructions focused on science and technology. The university offers academic concentrations in fission reactor physics, reactor engineering, health physics, thermal-hydraulics, reliability and safety, and fusion engineering. The university sees the demand for nuclear engineering graduates for both industry and graduate studies. 

Acceptance Rate

47.41

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Ohio State University (Columbus, OH) is a public university originally founded as Ohio Agricultural and Mechanical College. OSU initially offered agricultural and mechanical disciplines but today, the university has a long list of academic programs for students to choose from. It also has an active research culture. The university awards both undergraduate and graduate degrees. The top ranked nuclear engineering degree is one of the graduate programs at OSU. The program is designed to help individuals to have in-depth knowledge of the application of radiation, radioactive materials, and nuclear fission. Students are expected to be industry-ready and prepared for the academe. OSU also manages several regional campuses across the state. 

Acceptance Rate

53.74

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

University of Washington-Seattle Campus (Seattle, WA) is a premier public research university. It is also the largest college in the northwestern region of the country. UW is also one of the institutions to receive the biggest amounts of federal funding for university-based research. The university offers more than 250 academic programs across undergraduate and graduate studies. The university’s engineering department aims to cross boundaries through their education and encourage students to the power of inventions. It is divided into 10 academic departments allowing students to explore a variety of engineering disciplines they want. The College of Engineering also ranked 11th in public engineering schools overall. UW also fosters environmental stewardship and agricultural support to the community. 

Acceptance Rate

51.76

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

North Carolina State University at Raleigh (Raleigh, NC) is one of the top public universities in the United States. NCSU fosters an active research culture allowing both faculty and graduate students to participate. This state university is known to be “the People’s University” accommodating a large number of faculty and students. NC State is the only university in NC that provides a top rated nuclear engineering program. It has been the home of several innovations and inventions related to the field of study. The university aims to provide quality education to aspiring professionals in this particular engineering discipline and contribute to the needs of the community in a safe, effective, and innovative manner. 

Acceptance Rate

45.13

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (Champaign, IL) is a public university recognized as the largest and oldest campus under the University of Illinois system. UIUC offers a long list of undergraduate and graduate programs including professional degrees. The nuclear engineering program in the university is designed to train students to be experts in the nuclear power area as well as a broad range of advanced science and engineering disciplines. The university is also one of the Top 25 American Research Universities. The department of Nuclear, Plasma, and Radiological Engineering has been conducting research efforts focused on a wide spectrum of plasma science, radiological science, medical physics, materials science, homeland security, and other related applications. 

Acceptance Rate

59.03

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

Colorado School of Mines (Golden, CO) is a public research university awarding undergraduate and graduate degrees. The institution provides academic programs mostly related to engineering, science, and mathematics with a focus on energy and the environment. The nuclear engineering major in Mines fosters a traditional core curriculum while equally emphasizing all the aspects of the nuclear fuel life cycle. Programs under the department embrace an interdisciplinary approach allowing other engineering disciplines, applied sciences, and business courses to contribute to overall learning. Mines also has active research programs.  

Acceptance Rate

53.08

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

University of Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh Campus (Pittsburgh, PA) is a highly recognized educational institution across the United States. Pitt is also ranking among the best for its academic and research programs. The university is proud to be at the birthplace of the global nuclear energy industry. The Swanson School of Engineering contributes to the renaissance of the industry through its academic programs focused on related disciplines. Nuclear engineering degree programs are offered to undergraduate and graduate studies. Aside from on-campus academic offerings, Pitt has an online learning platform with several programs awarding a degree or certificate.  

Acceptance Rate

56.65

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Blacksburg, VA) is a public research university and a leading research institution in the country. The university has a long list of undergraduate and graduate programs. It is organized into eight colleges and a graduate school. The Mechanical Engineering Department offers an undergraduate minor in nuclear engineering. It is designed as a multi-disciplinary program allowing students to learn more about this particular engineering discipline. The university also offers a master’s degree program in nuclear engineering for further studies. Virginia Tech is one of the public universities in the country that has an active corps of cadets and civilian students across campus. The university has several campuses across the state. 

Acceptance Rate

70.04

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Texas A & M University-College Station (College Station, TX) offers degree programs that are ranked among the best in the United States. The university also has an active research program. It is also renowned for its world-class research facilities. Some of the popular programs in the university are in scientific agriculture, civil and mechanical engineering, and language and literature. The university’s Department of Nuclear Engineering aims to produce nuclear engineering professionals and leaders to meet the complex challenges associated with the industry through safe and innovative ways. A & M’s undergraduate nuclear engineering program placed second at the U.S. News and World Report rankings.

Acceptance Rate

57.79

Student to Faculty Ratio

N.A

Purdue University (West Lafayette, IN) is a public university founded to provide programs focused on science, technology, and agriculture. It also has comprehensive research programs exploring agricultural research, engineering, and environmental studies. The nuclear engineering program in the university is focused on understanding and application of modern physics. It is designed to contribute to and address the needs of several industries. The student population under this program is small, therefore, students can experience more hands-on learning. 

Acceptance Rate

59.83

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

University at Buffalo (Buffalo, NY) is one of the flagship universities under the SUNY system. It is also known as the largest campus among 64 campuses. UB fosters a culture of creativity and resourceful thinking. The institution allows students to choose from a wide range of academic disciplines to learn and explore. The university is also home to innovative inventions, particularly in the medical field. It has a dedicated department for nuclear engineering and nuclear medicine.  The department provides programs that foster high-quality education,  active research, and top-notch patient care. It aims to take nuclear medicine to the next level. UB is known to provide a Nuclear Medicine Residency program, Nuclear Medicine Technology program, and continuing education program.

Acceptance Rate

61.08

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Wilberforce University (Wilberforce, OH) is a private historically black university. It is affiliated to the African Methodist Episcopal Church.  The university offers a bachelor’s degree in Nuclear Engineering. Instructions are focused on mathematics, science, and engineering. The program prepares students to assume roles across the industry or pursue graduate studies.  Faculty and administrators at WU invest heavily in student development and the results are evident.  Both employers and alumni have rated WU as an exceptional university with a growing reputation in nuclear engineering. 

Acceptance Rate

39.05

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

The University of South Carolina at Columbia (Columbia, SC) offers higher education that has a long list of academic programs. The university is also listed as one of the best research institutions in the country. It is also open for professional degree students with programs in business, engineering, law, medicine, pharmacy, and social work. The university’s nuclear engineering program aims to teach students a wide range of instructions related to the field from electrical power generation to space power and propulsion. The university grants master’s, doctoral, and accelerated degrees in nuclear engineering

Acceptance Rate

68.65

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

University of Utah (Salt Lake City, UT) is a public research university. It is also the flagship university under the Utah System of Higher Education. The university offers undergraduate and graduate levels of education. A degree in Nuclear Engineering is offered as an undergraduate minor. A non-thesis M.S. program and a Ph.D. degree is also offered for nuclear engineering enthusiasts. The program aims to train students and professionals in understanding critical nuclear engineering fields. Students will also be part of the development of innovative procedures and technologies that will assist in the advancement of nuclear applications.

Acceptance Rate

62.12

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

University of Tennessee (Knoxville, TN) is a notable public university recognized for its excellent education, research, and public service. UT’s programs on nuclear engineering, social work, and supply chain management, and logistics are highly-reviewed and ranked across the United States. The nuclear engineering program was granted with ABET Accreditation ensuring students of getting the right tools and advanced knowledge on this particular field of study. The university also houses the third largest nuclear engineering program in the United States. UT provides vast and top-notch nuclear utilities, opportunities for international research collaborations,  graduate assistantships and scholarship opportunities for undergraduates.

Acceptance Rate

78.85

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

What Do Nuclear Engineers Study?

A nuclear engineering major will gain academic knowledge and hands-on experience to understand many of the following: physics, chemistry, engineering sciences, reactor design, fluid behavior, advanced mathematics, reactor engineering, radiation measurement, medical equipment, power systems designer, and diagnostic medical equipment designer.

Nuclear engineers are unique trained to understand the intricate processes involved in the creation of nuclear energy. In addition, they have the knowledge of radiation and radioactive atoms produced in nuclear reactions. Engineers that study nuclear energy have a high degree of specialized knowledge in the analysis, design, development, research, and construction in nuclear materials.

Top Nuclear Engineering Degrees

Degree programs in nuclear engineering will take students through an intensive set of science and math-rich classes.  A wide variety of degree programs are available from top ranked colleges and universities across the nation.  Below you will find a summary of the most popular degree programs along with means to quickly connect with the best engineering programs available with a single click.

Nuclear Engineering Bachelor Degrees

Bachelor degree programs in nuclear engineering are conferred as a Bachelor of Science (BS).  Undergraduate students can expect the program to take around 4-years to complete.  Programs blend general education courses such as English composition, sociology, psychology, creative writing, and economics with core courses.

Core curriculum in NE will be similar from school to school.  While the classes will not be identical, the same type of classes can be expected to be part of a typical bachelor’s degree program.  Classes will likely include the following:

Foundations of Engineering Electrical Engineering
Mechanics Differential Equations
Engineering Mathematics Thermodynamics
Chemistry Fluid Mechanics
Electricity Radiological Safety
Optics Nuclear Reactor Technology
Statics and Particle Dynamics Isotope Technology
Mechanics for Materials Ethics and Engineering
Materials Science

 

Nuclear Engineering Master Degrees

Master degrees in this field of study are conferred as a Master of Science (MS).  Graduate students that qualify for an MS degree program can expect the program to take one to two-years to complete. The program may provide the opportunity for students to select a number of electives based on your unique areas of interest or follow a regimented track prescribed by the school.

Graduate students will take a number of focused, rigorous classes in nuclear materials and engineering while preparing an approved thesis project.  Thesis projects are intended to add substantially to the existing body of knowledge in the field of study.  Upon graduation, students either move into a PhD program or enter the workforce in a variety of industries.

Nuclear Engineering Doctorate Degrees

The doctoral degree program in nuclear engineering is conferred as a PhD.  The degree will be found in most university course catalogs as a Doctor of Philosophy.  PhD programs are intensive programs consisting of upper-level courses and are known as terminal degrees.

A terminal degree is a degree that has no additional degrees beyond it and thus the last in the series.  In addition to focused coursework, students are expected to perform substantive research as part of their dissertation project.  Graduates will either stay in academia to teach or perform research in the field or move into industry jobs given their unique skills and knowledge.

Nuclear Engineer Requirements

Nuclear engineers are required to have a robust set of science, math, and engineering skills. The curricular design of nuclear engineer degree programs will be different from school to school. However, a common set of courses will be taken by students across the country. Examples of foundational classes in nuclear engineering include:

Employment & Nuclear Engineering Specializations

Earning a degree in nuclear engineering will most often result in a career performing the duties of a traditional NE. Students may, however, elect to pursue different careers after graduation. Specialized careers in fields similar to nuclear engineering may be a great place to start.

Concentrations akin to NE include the following careers: civil engineer, sales engineer, operation technician, radiological manager, mechanical engineer, industrial engineer, electrical engineer, electro-mechanical technician, physicist, and project manager. These career tracks will likely require students to pursue additional education and/or certifications.

Where Do Nuclear Engineers Work?

You will find professional nuclear engineers working in government research facilities, manufacturing facilities, universities, private industry, power plants, and various laboratories across the country. Job duties can span from design specialist to fabrication managers at nuclear testing facilities. Likewise, you may find these specialized engineers working with product managers and intellectual patent attorneys to develop new means to process nuclear fuels or safer ways to dispose of nuclear waste.

Engineers may find themselves dedicated to designing equipment that leverages the power of radioactive materials to solve inherent issues in a wide variety of industries such as pharmaceutical, science, medicine, agriculture, and energy.

Innovations in nuclear energy often come from engineers and scientist working hand in hand. By sharing knowledge and methodologies, innovation springs from the coalescence of atomic structures and processes to create new ways to harness and create energy.

Engineers in the nuclear space may also be dedicated resources for large-scale construction projects such as power plants. In this case, they will work closely with construction managers and regulatory agencies to erect substantive buildings that meet a designers functional specifications.

Nuclear Engineer Jobs & Career Outlook

Nuclear engineering jobs appear to be steady to growing.  The employment forecast by the DOL and BLS show a steady increase in jobs in the coming decade.  Niche fields such as nuclear engineering are not the only jobs in demand.  Civil engineers are projected to see an 8% hike in employment numbers and sales engineers a 7% growth.

In a recent survey, nuclear engineers summarized the top skills required in the field.  It is no surprise that nuclear engineers are expected to be detail-oriented, analytical, highly task oriented, ethical, and dependable.  For a full list of interest codes, work styles, and survey results visit the nuclear engineering summary report.

Nuclear Engineering Associations
  • American Nuclear Society (ANS)
  • Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI)
  • MAES Latinos in Science and Engineering
  • National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)
  • Outreach for Future Engineers (OFE)
  • Society of Asian Scientists & Engineers (SASE)
  • Society of Women Engineers (SWE)
  • The Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE)
  • Institute of Nuclear Materials Management (INMM)

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