Nuclear materials engineering

The nuclear materials engineering graduate certificate is a 15-credit program that helps build specialized expertise, complement your degree and develop skills in emerging fields to enhance your career opportunities.

View the online nuclear engineering graduate handbook

Explore program courses in the University Catalog

Learning outcomes 

The nuclear materials engineering certificate prepares you with broad knowledge of nuclear materials applications, including energy generation, storage, isotope production and radiation protection. Through this program, you’ll develop the ability to design and evaluate materials systems for nuclear technologies while considering engineering principles and practical constraints. You will also strengthen communication skills needed to share technical solutions with diverse audiences. Graduates are equipped with the expertise and abilities needed for careers or further education in the nuclear industry. 

Program format

The graduate certificate is designed for students seeking foundational knowledge in nuclear science, materials engineering, materials degradation, safety in reactor environments and waste management. You’ll complete 15 credit hours, including at least nine graduate-level credits, through core courses and approved electives covering nuclear materials, reactor technologies, inspection, storage, fuel systems and radiation applications. All coursework must be completed with a grade of B or better.

Faculty expertise

Students work alongside faculty with expertise in:  

• 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

Connect with program faculty 

Related clubs and organizations  

Our college offers more than 20 clubs and organizations tied to international and national engineering organizations, including national competition teams.

Learn about clubs related to your major:

• American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE)
• 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) 

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, visit Financial Aid or contact the Financial Aid Office at finaid@uidaho.edu or call 208-885-6312. 

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.

Learn more about STEM approved CIP/degree codes

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

Student Services contact:
Alice Allen
alicew@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. 

Connect with program faculty

Program availability

• Semester intake: Spring, Summer, Fall
  • Not eligible for international applicants who require F-1 status
• Deadlines: General application deadlines
• Start dates: View the academic calendar to see start and end dates 

University requirements

• Education level: Bachelor's degree in a similar or related field from an accredited or recognized institution (earned or expected before the start of the graduate program)

• Transcripts for all post-secondary education will be required. Unofficial transcripts may be used for initial admission review. Official transcripts sent by the issuing institution(s) will be required if admitted.

  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.)
• Resume
• Statement of Purpose: A Statement of Purpose may be required for applicants whose undergraduate GPA is below 3.0 or whose undergraduate degree is in a significantly different field from the graduate program to which they are applying
• 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: $30 

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, and their intended program and start term. 

• For new international graduate certificate applicants:
  • International applicants must meet University of Idaho’s English proficiency language requirement.
  • International students may pursue graduate certificate programs either as standalone degrees or as part of a concurrent curriculum with another graduate program. Students enrolled in a certificate program as a standalone option are not eligible for F-1 visa status.
• For current U of I graduate students:
  • Submit a change of curriculum form to add the certificate to your current course of study.
  • Obtain department approval and return the form to the College of Graduate Studies.
• For current U of I undergraduate students:
  • Must have senior standing and a 3.0 GPA to take graduate-level courses.
  • To reserve credits for the graduate transcript, please submit a Credit Reservation Form to the College of Graduate Studies. This form must be signed by your academic advisor.
  • After earning a bachelor’s degree, apply as a graduate certificate-seeking student to complete the program.

Visit Graduate Admissions to learn more and start your application.