Nuclear Engineers

High School

If you are interested in becoming a nuclear engineer, you must begin preparing yourself in high school. You should take honors-level courses in mathematics and the sciences. Specifically, you should complete courses in algebra, geometry, trigonometry, calculus, chemistry, physics, and biology. Take English, social studies, and a foreign language (many published technical papers that are required reading in later years are written in German or French). Be sure to keep your computer skills up to date by taking computer science classes.

Postsecondary Training

Engineers must have at least a bachelor's degree. You should attend a four-year college or university that is approved by ABET. In a nuclear engineering program, you will focus on subjects similar to those studied in high school but at a more advanced level. Courses also include engineering sciences and atomic and nuclear physics.

These subjects will prepare you for analyzing and designing nuclear systems and understanding how they operate. You will learn and comprehend what is involved in the interaction between radiation and matter; radiation measurements; the production and use of radioisotopes; reactor physics and engineering; and fusion reactions. The subject of safety will be emphasized, particularly with regard to handling radiation sources and implementing nuclear systems.

You must have a master's or doctoral degree for most jobs in research and higher education, and for supervisory and administrative positions. It is recommended that you obtain a graduate degree in nuclear engineering because this level of education will help you obtain the skills required for advanced specialization in the field. Many institutions that offer advanced degrees have nuclear reactors and well-equipped laboratories for teaching and research. You can obtain information about these schools by contacting the U.S. Department of Energy (https://www.energy.gov).

Certification

Some colleges and universities offer undergraduate and graduate certificate programs in nuclear science, nuclear engineering, and related fields. For example, the University of Tennessee-Knoxville's Department of Nuclear Engineering offers certificate programs in medical physics, as well as in nuclear security science and analysis. The school's Tickle College of Engineering offers a reliability and maintainability engineering certificate. Programs typically last six months to a year and are available in online, in-person, and hybrid formats. Contact schools in your area for information about available programs.

Additionally, the American Nuclear Society (ANS) offers a Nuclear 101 certificate course that provides an introduction to the field. The five-day course provide 32 hours of hands-on learning that covers a variety of nuclear science and technology topics. Visit https://www.ans.org/nuclear101 for more information.

Other Education or Training

Continuing education seminars, webinars, and other learning opportunities are provided by professional associations, colleges and universities, and for-profit online learning platforms. For example, the ANS offers webinars such as Nuclear Robotics and Remote Systems Updates from Industrial Partners; Five Critical Approaches to Accelerate Advanced Nuclear Enterprise Success with Digital Transformation; State of Nuclear; and Changing Strategy: International Deployment of Nuclear Power Plants. The Nuclear Energy Institute, Society of Women Engineers, and other professional associations also provide continuing education opportunities.