Nuclear Engineering Major
Nuclear Engineering is the study of nuclear processes and their use in power, medicine, and industry. It is a major within Engineering & Technology.
Nuclear Engineering is the study of how nuclear processes work and how to apply them safely and effectively. The major explores the physics of atomic reactions, the design and operation of nuclear reactors, and the use of nuclear technology in power generation, medical treatments, and industrial applications. Students learn to analyze how energy is released in nuclear reactions, design systems that contain and control that energy, understand radiation safety, and solve practical problems about efficiency, safety, and environmental impact.
Students drawn to this major typically have strong interests in physics and mathematics, along with curiosity about how large-scale technical systems work. The curriculum usually begins with fundamental courses in physics, chemistry, and mathematics, then progressively introduces nuclear-specific theory and engineering principles. As students advance, coursework becomes more specialized and applied, covering reactor design, radiation protection, materials science, and related engineering topics. The major emphasizes both theoretical understanding and practical problem-solving, often incorporating laboratory work and design projects that connect classroom concepts to real-world nuclear systems.
Typical coursework
Course requirements vary by school, but a Nuclear Engineering program commonly includes topics such as:
- Nuclear physics
- Reactor theory
- Radiation detection
- Thermal hydraulics
- Nuclear materials
- Health physics
Most programs also include general-education requirements and, in many fields, a capstone project, internship, or research experience.
Degree levels
Nuclear Engineering is commonly offered at these levels:
- Bachelor's
- Master's
- Doctoral
Availability differs by institution, and program names can vary (for example, a Bachelor of Arts versus a Bachelor of Science track).
Common career directions
Graduates with a Nuclear Engineering background pursue a range of paths. Some roles related to this field of study include:
- Nuclear engineer
- Reactor engineer
- Radiation safety specialist
- Research engineer
Many careers require additional steps beyond the major — such as a graduate degree, a license, or a certification — and many graduates work in fields unrelated to their major. What you study is one factor among many in where your career goes.
General career information is drawn from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook. Career paths vary widely by person, school, and region; this is not a list of guaranteed jobs or earnings.
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Find degree programs →Frequently asked questions
What is a Nuclear Engineering major?
Nuclear Engineering is the study of nuclear processes and their use in power, medicine, and industry. It is part of engineering & technology, and combines foundational coursework with more focused study as you advance.
What courses do Nuclear Engineering majors take?
Coursework varies by school, but commonly includes topics such as nuclear physics, reactor theory, radiation detection, thermal hydraulics, and others, plus general-education requirements.
What can you do with a Nuclear Engineering major?
Graduates pursue a range of paths, including roles such as nuclear engineer, reactor engineer, radiation safety specialist. Many roles require additional steps such as a graduate degree, license, or certification. This is general information, not a guarantee of any job or salary.
What degree levels is Nuclear Engineering offered at?
It is commonly offered at the bachelor's, master's, doctoral level, though availability varies by institution.