undergraduate
Nuclear engineering
Best schools with nuclear engineering
What is a nuclear engineering major?
Students studying nuclear engineering apply mathematical and scientific principles to the design, development, and operational evaluation of systems for controlling and manipulating nuclear energy. This includes nuclear power plant design, fission reactor design, fusion reactor design, reactor control and safety systems design, power transfer systems, containment vessels, and structures design. They also analyze related engineering problems such as fission and fusion processes, human and environmental factors, construction, and operational considerations.
of students said a highlight of this major was the fascinating subject.
of students found this major to be difficult.
of students said they were motivated to select this major because it fit their passion & interest.
of students and alumni plan on being or are currently employed in an occupation related to this major.
of students said complex concepts were a challenging aspect of the major.
How much do nuclear engineering majors make?
median average salary
$120,000/yr
The national average salary for nuclear engineering graduates in the United States is $120,000 per year. Those in the top 10 percent make over $218,800 a year, while the bottom 10 percent make under $50,000 a year. While salary ranges can vary by role, industry, and location, nuclear engineering graduates typically make between $78,000 and $165,000 per year.
How popular is nuclear engineering as a major?
Each year, around 510 students obtain a bachelor’s degree in nuclear engineering. In 2021, 409 students received a bachelor's degree. This is 14% fewer nuclear engineering majors than there were in 2020. Nuclear engineering is a relatively uncommon major within engineering.
Advice from nuclear engineering majors
Share your experienceStudy a lot, it's really challenging. Make good relationships with your professors because they are there to help you.
If you really want something, make sure you love it or have a passion for it because that would be your career for next 40 years.
This is a course that will supercede oil and gas, nuclear energy is the way of the future
Learn to manage your time wisely and do not fall behind. Be engaged during class and homework and you will find it to be rewarding.
You really need to love the subject and love the physics involved in nuclear engineering. I'm getting a physics minor to enhance my knowledge. The world is going to need a lot of nuclear power plants to cut greenhouse gasses while producing the power needed for a modern civilization. NASA is even exploring the use of nuclear power plants on the moon and nuclear-powered manned spacecraft.
