Nuclear engineering
Master of Engineering
Overview
- In-state: $11,796
- Out-of-state: $31,272
Related Topics
Harness the power of emissions-free baseload energy
The Master of Engineering in nuclear engineering prepares students to advance nuclear energy technologies through advanced technical education and research experience. Nuclear energy is a leading source of emissions-free electricity in North America, with applications in electricity generation, hydrogen production, industry, medicine, and national security.
The growing demand for nuclear technologies has created a need for qualified nuclear engineers and scientists who can design, improve, and manage next-generation systems. This program equips students with the expertise needed for careers in industry and government, including roles such as nuclear safety engineer, reactor engineer, and nuclear design engineer.
The curriculum combines advanced graduate coursework with a professionally focused engineering experience that prepares you to solve complex nuclear engineering challenges. You'll strengthen your ability to apply advanced mathematics, science and engineering principles through multidisciplinary problem-solving while learning to evaluate existing research, communicate technical information effectively and carry engineering projects from concept through design and implementation. Throughout the program, you'll develop a strong understanding of safety, environmental stewardship and the societal impacts of nuclear technologies while preparing for technical leadership in the nuclear industry.
Students can specialize in areas including nuclear fuel processing, nuclear materials, radioactive waste treatment and management, thermal behavior and measurement, nuclear systems design and modeling, and applications of nuclear process heat.
Accelerated 4+1 Master of Engineering
The Accelerated 4+1 Master of Engineering (M.Engr.) program allows University of Idaho undergraduate students to earn both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in an accelerated timeframe. Eligible students can complete the M.Engr. degree in one additional year while paying in-state undergraduate tuition rates.
Students must apply to the accelerated program before completing their undergraduate degree and meet application deadlines established by the College of Graduate Studies. Students who have completed credits beyond undergraduate degree requirements may be eligible to apply approved credits toward their graduate degree requirements. The 4+1 pathway provides a streamlined opportunity for students to advance their expertise and prepare for professional career opportunities.
This program could be a good fit if you:
- Want to build advanced expertise in nuclear engineering through a non-thesis master’s program focused on professional development and practical application.
- Have an engineering or technical background and want to expand your knowledge of nuclear systems, reactor technologies, and emerging nuclear applications.
- Are interested in advancing your career in nuclear power, energy production, nuclear safety, engineering design, industry, or government.
- Want to develop technical skills through advanced coursework and applied learning experiences that address real-world nuclear engineering challenges.
- Are motivated to apply nuclear technologies to areas such as electricity generation, hydrogen production, medicine, industry, and national security.
Power up your career
Curriculum
The M.Engr. in nuclear engineering is a 30-credit non-thesis program for students preparing for industry roles. The program focuses on engineering practice, design and professional application through advanced coursework and project-based experiences.
Current undergraduate students can earn an M.Engr. degree in one additional year and pay in-state tuition rates by applying before completing their undergraduate study.
A Master of Science in nuclear engineering is available, emphasizing research, technical specialization and developing new knowledge through advanced coursework and a thesis requirement. The program is well suited for students pursuing research careers, technical leadership or doctoral study.
Learning outcomes
Graduates of the Master of Engineering in nuclear engineering non-thesis program will apply advanced nuclear engineering principles, mathematics, science and engineering methods to address complex technical challenges. You will develop the ability to analyze problems, make research-informed engineering decisions and apply knowledge through a capstone experience. You will communicate effectively with technical audiences, collaborate in professional environments and demonstrate awareness of safety, environmental, societal and ethical considerations in nuclear engineering practice.
Program format
The Master of Engineering in nuclear engineering is a 30-credit, non-thesis graduate program designed to provide advanced technical education and professional preparation. You’ll complete a combination of graduate coursework, with at least 18 credits at the 5000 level and maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA for graduation and academic standing. The program includes a capstone experience where you’ll demonstrate mastery and application of nuclear engineering concepts. A supervisory committee is not required for the non-thesis option.
Faculty expertise
Engage with faculty through coursework and professional mentorship. Faculty areas of expertise include:
- Nuclear energy systems, advanced reactor technologies, and nuclear power applications
- Nuclear reactor design, analysis, modeling, and simulation
- Nuclear materials, fuel processing, and materials performance
- Radioactive waste treatment, management, and nuclear fuel cycle technologies
- Nuclear safety, risk assessment, and regulatory practices
- Thermal behavior, heat transfer, and nuclear process heat applications
- Energy systems, power generation, and sustainable energy technologies
- Artificial intelligence, data analytics, robotics, and automation for engineering applications
- Cybersecurity, critical infrastructure protection, and resilient engineering systems
- Engineering management, project leadership, industrial systems, and process optimization
View the online nuclear engineering graduate handbook
Career outcomes
Current job openings
553 in ID, WA, OR, MT and HIPotential careers and mid-career salaries
- Architectural and Engineering Managers
$177,591 - Nuclear Engineers
$133,359
* Career data provided by Lightcast.
Costs and funding
University of Idaho is committed to making graduate education accessible and helping students navigate the cost of earning an advanced degree. In addition to financial aid and scholarship opportunities, many graduate students receive funding through assistantships, research opportunities and other forms of academic support.
Here are a few key resources to help you understand graduate tuition, funding opportunities and available financial support:
- Submit your FAFSA: Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is an important first step in accessing federal financial aid and certain institutional funding opportunities.
- Estimate your cost of attendance: Visit U of I’s cost of attendance page to explore estimated tuition, fees and living expenses associated with your graduate program.
- View a breakdown of tuition and fees: Visit the Student Accounts page to explore current tuition rates, fees and detailed cost information based on your program, residency status and enrollment level.
- Explore scholarships and graduate funding opportunities: Graduate students may qualify for scholarships, fellowships and other funding opportunities based on academic achievement, area of study and professional experience.
- Learn about assistantships: Many graduate programs offer Research Assistantships (RAs), Teaching Assistantships (TAs) or Graduate Assistantships (GAs), which may provide tuition support, stipends and valuable professional experience. Assistantship availability and funding levels vary by program and department.
- Connect with your program: Funding for Master of Engineering (M.Engr.) students is generally not available in the form of teaching assistantships, research assistantships, or fellowships. This degree is designed as a professionally oriented, coursework-based program rather than a research-funded graduate track.
- Students who are interested in conducting research and developing advanced research and analytical skills should consider the Master of Science (M.S.) option for this program, which may offer opportunities for funding through assistantships or fellowships depending on availability and departmental support.
If you have questions about financial aid, scholarships or graduate funding, U of I’s experienced financial aid counselors and graduate program staff can help you explore options and make informed financial decisions throughout the admissions process.
Recognized STEM Program
This program is recognized as a STEM program by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and may be eligible for the 24-month STEM optional practical training extension for international students.
Contact information
Have questions about the program, research opportunities or the graduate student experience? Connect with our program team for personalized guidance about curriculum, faculty mentorship, application requirements and graduate funding opportunities.
Nuclear Engineering and Industrial Management contact:
Indrajit Charit
icharit@uidaho.edu
For questions related to admissions, application materials, transcripts or enrollment steps, contact Graduate Admissions:
Graduate Admissions contact:
graduateadmissions@uidaho.edu
208-885-4001
Interested in research areas or finding a faculty mentor? Explore faculty expertise, research interests and advising opportunities on the department’s faculty page.
Application information
Applicants for the M.Engr. nuclear engineering program must meet the following degree-specific admission requirements:
Program availability
- Concentration: non-thesis
- Semester intake: Fall, Spring, Summer
- Eligible for 4+1 admission for U of I undergraduates with a background in mechanical or chemical engineering
- Eligible for Expedited admission for U of I undergraduates
- Eligible for out-of-state tuition waiver through the Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) for qualifying applicants
- Open to international applicants, including those requiring F-1 or J-1 visa status
- Deadlines: General application deadlines
- Start dates:
University requirements
- Education level: Bachelor's degree in a similar or very related engineering field
- Transcripts for all post-secondary education will be required. Unofficial transcripts may be used for initial admission review. View more information on the Graduate Admissions page.
- GPA: 3.0 (Applicants with a lower undergraduate GPA who have relevant professional experience in the field, have already earned a graduate degree, or have completed graduate-level credits may still be considered for admission with approval from the academic program.)
- GRE: Yes (for applicants with degrees from non-ABET accredited programs
- Letters of recommendation: Three
- Resume
- Statement of Purpose
- Valid picture ID (required to verify students’ identity and will be kept confidential)
- English proficiency (for applicants whose education was completed in countries where English is not an official language).
- Accepted tests: TOEFL: 4.5, IELTS: 6.5, Duolingo: 115, PTE-A: 58. Learn what qualifies as proof of English proficiency.
- Application Fee: $50
Application and admission process:
Applications are submitted online and are specific to the program and term selected. Applicants seeking admission to multiple programs must submit a separate application for each program.
Before submitting an application, applicants must provide personal and academic information from all post-secondary institutions attended, recommender information, required program-specific materials, and their intended program and start term.
Applications are reviewed for admission by the academic program. Only complete applications, including required letters of recommendation and payment of the application fee, will be forwarded for evaluation and admission decision. Applicants are strongly encouraged to complete their applications early to allow sufficient time for a thorough review.
International students seeking F-1 or J-1 visas must provide financial documentation demonstrating their ability to cover the cost of attendance. This documentation is required only after admission.
Visit Graduate Admissions to learn more and start your application.
Overview
- In-state: $11,796
- Out-of-state: $31,272
Related Topics
Have questions?
Have questions about the program? Connect with our program director or request more information to learn about curriculum, faculty advisors, research opportunities, graduate funding and career outcomes.