Nuclear engineering
Master of Science
Harness the power within
Nuclear energy is the largest source of emissions-free power in North America — and its potential is only growing. Applications range from electricity and hydrogen production to medicine, industry and national security.
However, there’s a critical need for skilled nuclear engineers and scientists to drive innovation and development in the field. This program is designed to meet that demand, offering advanced technical training and hands-on research experience to prepare you for impactful careers in industry, government or academia.
You can tailor your studies to areas such as:
- Nuclear fuel processing and materials.
- Radioactive waste treatment and management.
- Thermal behavior and measurement.
- Nuclear systems design and modeling.
- Applications of nuclear process heat.
Whether you're advancing current technologies or exploring new frontiers, this program equips you to power the future — safely and sustainably.
Overview
Related Topics
From atoms to action
Degree fit
This program could be a good fit if you:
- Hold a bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field
- Have a strong foundation in math, science and physics
- Are interested in alternative energy
- Are a creative problem solver
- Want to lead research in the field
Career outcomes
Current job openings
2,148 in ID, WA, OR, MT and HIPotential careers and starting salaries
- Postsecondary Engineering Teachers
$48,689 - Electrical Engineers
$79,363 - Architectural and Engineering Managers
$122,156 - Biomass Power Plant Managers
$82,940 - Nuclear Engineers
$87,069
* Career data provided by Lightcast.
Financial aid and scholarship opportunities
Financial aid
Paying for college can feel overwhelming, but U of I’s Financial Aid Office is here to help. Our experienced financial aid counselors can assist you in exploring financial aid options, making informed financial decisions and addressing common concerns.
For information on FAFSA deadlines, financial aid types and eligibility requirements, visit the University of Idaho FAFSA website.
Plan ahead—estimate your cost of attendance with U of I’s Cost Calculator.
Graduate funding opportunities
- Idaho National Laboratory Graduate Fellowship Program — Recipients of this competitive fellowship receive full tuition and fees during their first three years of graduate school. INL covers tuition, fees and a $60,000 annual salary during the final two years of their doctoral research, conducted at INL.
- National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) Graduate Fellowship Program — These year-long salaried assignments offer hands-on experience in nuclear security and nonproliferation. Administered by Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) and open to all engineering disciplines.
- NASA Idaho Space Grant Consortium (ISGC) — $25,000 fellowship programs that contribute to NASA’s mission of exploration and discovery. Open to full-time graduate and doctoral students.
- National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) — For outstanding graduate students in NSF-supported science, technology, engineering and mathematics disciplines who are pursuing research-based master’s or doctoral degrees.
- National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate (NDSEG) Fellowship — Three-year fellowship with full coverage of tuition and all mandatory fees, including a monthly stipend and up to $1,000 a year in medical insurance.
- DAAD Research Internships in Science and Engineering (RISE Professional) Programs — RISE Professional offers summer research internships in Germany to master’s and doctoral students at companies and non-university research institutions with strong industry ties.
- Faculty provide funding through a variety of external agencies and industry partners. Contact our faculty to learn more about these funding opportunities.
Clubs and involvement opportunities
Our college offers 20+ clubs and organizations tied to international and national engineering organizations, including national competition teams.
American Institute of Chemical Engineers (ASABE)
- American Nuclear Society (ANS)
- Graduate & 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 for the M.S. nuclear engineering program must meet the following admission requirements:
- Education level: Bachelor's
- GPA: 3.0
- GRE: Yes, non-ABET
- TOEFL/IELTS: 83/6.5
- Number of references: 3
- Other requirements: No
Visit Graduate Admissions to learn more and start your application.