Nuclear engineering
Doctor of Philosophy
Get in your element
Nuclear power is the top source of clean, emissions-free energy in North America. It has many exciting uses, including electricity and hydrogen production, industrial and medical applications, national security and more.
Despite its many benefits, there aren’t enough trained professionals to move the technology forward. This program gives you the advanced knowledge and real-world research experience you need to fill that gap and succeed in careers across business, government and higher education.
You’ll have the chance to focus on topics like:
- Processing nuclear fuel and studying materials.
- Managing and safely storing nuclear waste.
- Measuring and understanding heat behavior.
- Designing and testing nuclear systems.
- Using nuclear heat in practical applications.
Get the skills to help lead the future of energy — cleaner, smarter and more secure.
Overview
Related Topics
A chain reaction starts here
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.