Master of Engineering (M.Engr.) in Nuclear Engineering

As nations explore emission-free solutions while meeting the always-increasing demand for electric power, the University of Idaho looks toward the future with the Master in Engineering (M.Engr.) in Nuclear Engineering degree. This design-oriented, non-thesis program equips current and aspiring engineering professionals with the essential technical competencies and meaningful research experiences required to launch a career as a nuclear engineer or scientist and stay ahead in an evolving, rapidly expanding industry.

In North America, nuclear energy is currently the largest source of emission-free power, with applications in electricity and hydrogen production, medicine and national security. Yet, as communities strive toward sustainability without disrupting the existing system or operating at a reduced capacity, the number of nuclear engineers and scientists continues to fall short. Identifying a need to cultivate tomorrow’s leaders, ready to take charge through technical knowledge and an understanding of its economic and social impact, the M.Engr. in Nuclear Engineering degree takes a holistic, multidisciplinary perspective of the field, examining the intersection and specific application of environmental, nuclear and chemical engineering, health physics and radiochemistry in shaping existing and future solutions from material sourcing through disposal.

Geared toward individuals working in or seeking to jump into the workforce and harness these opportunities, this Master’s in Nuclear Engineering program requires all students to develop a focused plan of study based on their vision and interest. You’ll select one of six specializations: nuclear fuel processing; materials; radioactive waste treatment and management; thermal behavior and measurement; nuclear systems design and modeling; or applications of nuclear process heat. Along with taking courses, you’ll display your knowledge and key competencies through a capstone project and technical paper, which you’ll present to a faculty committee.

Throughout the course of this Master’s in Engineering degree, you’ll elevate and expand your undergraduate knowledge while preparing for a research-based career and acquiring new, ready-to-apply competencies, growing intellectually and gaining experience through the department’s partnership with the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) and the Center for Advanced Energy Studies (CAES), a research facility operated in conjunction with INL and collaborating universities.

Due to this scope, the M.Engr. in Nuclear Engineering degree is ideal for candidates who have completed undergraduate studies in an ABET-accredited program in mechanical or nuclear engineering or who have a solid background in chemistry, mathematics, physics and energy. If you’re ready to advance your skills and prepare for a career in an in-demand industry, review all program requirements, and apply today.

Availability

Fast Facts

• The M.Engr. in Nuclear Engineering program is offered at the University of Idaho, Idaho Falls
• This 30 credit–hour degree typically takes three to four semesters to complete. Students may attend full or part time, based on existing obligations.
• This Master’s in Engineering program does not require a thesis. Instead, you’ll develop a focused plan of study and complete a project and paper. Individuals interested in producing a thesis for scholarly publication, with the goal of pursuing an academic career, will benefit from the Master of Science (MS) in Nuclear Engineering program.
• Master’s in Nuclear Engineering students work with leading researchers at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) and through CAES, a world-class, collaborative education and research environment where advanced, driven engineering students learn from each other, participate in research and other projects and receive guidance from industry professionals as they seek to solve regional energy challenges that can have an impact on a national level.
• M.Engr. in Nuclear Engineering students learn to communicate effectively to a technical audience, identify and analyze engineering problems through a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach, develop solutions based on existing research to guide projects from concept to completion and acquire an awareness of nuclear engineering’s impact on quality of life across the globe.
• The curriculum provides a foundation in the principles of nuclear energy. From here, you’ll gain a greater, more detailed understanding of reactor engineering, nuclear materials, the effects of radiation on materials, safety, radiation detection, nuclear heat transport and nuclear systems and modeling.
• You’ll have the opportunity to study the details of high-temperature reactions, create control systems for nuclear power projects, develop hybrid systems based on nuclear power, assist with designing secure nuclear facilities and devise solutions for avoiding contamination while disposing spent nuclear fuel.
• You’ll receive personalized attention from nationally and internationally recognized faculty and staff through small class sizes, 1-on-1 interaction, mentorship, advising and research collaboration. Most faculty hold Ph.D.s in their field.
• Completion of the M.Engr. in Nuclear Engineering degree fulfills part of the eligibility requirements for seeking a Professional Engineer’s License (PE).
• Your degree prepares you for a career working with nuclear energy and waste or medical physics, often involving research and design in industry or government.