Nuclear criticality safety
Certificate, graduate
Master the science of nuclear safety
This certificate program is designed to equip you with a comprehensive understanding of nuclear engineering principles, criticality safety practices, emergency procedures and regulatory standards. The program provides flexibility for working professionals and graduate students.
As a student in the nuclear criticality safety certificate program you’ll complete four courses, including foundational topics like nuclear physics, radiation shielding and advanced safety evaluations. With options for course substitutions and a strong emphasis on real-world applications, this certificate prepares you for roles in nuclear operations, safety analysis and regulatory compliance.
Overview
Related Topics
From neutrons to know-how: Your path to nuclear safety starts here
Degree fit
This program could be a good fit if you are:
- A nuclear engineering graduate student seeking specialization in criticality safety
- A professional working in nuclear facilities or fuel cycle operations
- An engineer or scientist transitioning into nuclear safety roles
- A technology management professional involved in nuclear regulatory compliance
- A government or military professional overseeing nuclear materials or safety programs
- A health physicist or radiation safety officer expanding your technical expertise
- A graduate student in physics or engineering preparing to enter the nuclear industry
Career outcomes
Current job openings
79 in ID, WA, OR, MT and HIPotential careers and starting salaries
- Power Plant Operators
$75,919 - Power Distributors and Dispatchers
$87,687 - Nuclear Technicians • Nuclear Monitoring Technicians
$82,634 - Nuclear Power Reactor Operators
$70,365
* Career data provided by Lightcast.
Financial aid and scholarship opportunities
Financial aid
Students pursuing a graduate certificate as a standalone program are not eligible for financial aid. However, students enrolled in a separate U of I graduate degree program may apply their financial aid or graduate funding toward a graduate certificate if they are pursuing both simultaneously.
For more information or to explore funding options, contact the Financial Aid Office at finaid@uidaho.edu or call 208-885-6312.
Clubs and involvement opportunities
Clubs and organizations
- American Institute of Chemical Engineers (ASABE)
- American Nuclear Society (ANS)
- Graduate and Professional Student Association (GPSA)
- Humanitarian Engineering Corps (HEC)
- National Organization for Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers (NOBCCHE)
- National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)
- Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE)
- Society of Women Engineers (SWE)
Application information
Applicants interested in pursuing a graduate level certificate as a standalone program are encouraged to submit a graduate application. A bachelor’s degree earned with a minimum 3.0 GPA in a similar or generally related field or a master’s degree is required for admission. Applicants who do not immediately meet the criteria above may still be admitted upon review by the academic program. The graduate application requires transcripts from post-secondary education (bachelor’s and master’s if applicable), a resume and a $30 application fee.
International graduate certificate applicants must meet the graduate admission English language proficiency requirement. International students admitted to a graduate certificate program as a standalone program are not eligible for F-1 or J-1 visa status.
Visit Graduate Admissions to learn more and start your application.
Graduate certificate application process for current U of I undergraduate students
Current undergraduate students who wish to earn a graduate academic certificate must be eligible to participate in graduate level courses (minimum requirements — senior standing and an overall GPA of at least 3.0). If the course is not being used for the undergraduate degree, the student should file a Course Level Adjustment form to reserve the course for the graduate transcript (maximum of 12 credits may be reserved for the graduate transcript). Once the student earns their bachelor’s degree they may apply as a graduate certificate seeking student and complete the certificate program.
Contact your academic advisor for additional information and support.
Graduate certificate application process for current U of I graduate students
Current graduate degree seeking U of I students will be required to fill out a Change of Curriculum form adding the graduate certificate as an additional curriculum. Students should obtain the proper signatures from the department and return this form to the College of Graduate Studies for processing.
U of I students who earned a master’s or a doctoral degree and wish to apply for a graduate certificate must submit a graduate Readmission application.
It is recommended that you consult with your major professor prior to selecting a graduate certificate to go concurrent with your graduate program.