Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Nuclear Engineering

Overview:

• Research-oriented doctoral program.

Pathways:

• Traditional: Post-M.S. doctoral entry.

• Direct-admit: From bachelor’s with research emphasis.

Credit & Milestone Requirements:

• Coursework + Qualifying Exam + Dissertation research.

• Minimum dissertation research credit hours (e.g., 14).

• Qualifying exam based on core courses and research competency

Master of Science (M.S.) in Nuclear Engineering

• Required / elective courses: Choose four or more of the following:
  • NUCL 6030 — Graduate Radiation Interactions (3 cr.)
  • NUCL 6050 — Reactor Physics (3 cr.)
  • NUCL 5060 — Reactor Operation & Regulatory Policy (3 cr.)
  • NUCL 6032 — Graduate Radiochemistry (3 cr.)
  • NUCL 7110 — Nuclear Environmental Engineering (3 cr.)
  • NUCL 7220 — Analytical Nuclear Forensics (3 cr.)
  • NUCL 7000 — Health Physics (3 cr.)
  • NUCL 7500 — Nuclear Safeguards (3 cr.)
  • NUCL 7100 — Nuclear Instrumentation (4 cr.)
  • MET E 6210 — Nuclear Materials (3 cr.)
  • CVEEN 6120 — Numerical Methods (3 cr.)
• Minimum credit hours: 30 graduate credits.
• Notes: Up to 3 credits of independent research may be taken as NUCL 6900 or NUCL 7900 (department approval required).

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Nuclear Engineering

• Required / elective courses: Choose two or more of the following:
  • NUCL 6030 — Graduate Radiation Interactions (3 cr.)
  • NUCL 6050 — Reactor Physics (3 cr.)
  • NUCL 7000 — Health Physics (3 cr.)
  • NUCL 7100 — Nuclear Instrumentation (with labs) (3–4 cr.)
  • CVEEN 6555 — Research and Seminar (3 cr.)
  • NUCL 6032 — Graduate Radiochemistry (3 cr.)
  • NUCL 6060 — Reactor Operation & Regulatory Policy (3 cr.)
  • NUCL 7110 — Nuclear Environmental Engineering (3 cr.)
  • NUCL 7220 — Analytical Nuclear Forensics (3 cr.)
  • NUCL 7500 — Nuclear Safeguards (3 cr.)
• Minimum credit requirements:
  • If student holds an M.S. in nuclear engineering (or related): ≥ 18 graded coursework credits + 14 dissertation research credits.
  • Direct-admit Ph.D. (from B.S.): ≥ 30 graded coursework credits + 14 dissertation research credits.
• Important milestones & notes:
  • The four required nuclear courses form the foundation of the qualifying exam (typically completed by the fourth semester).
  • Milestone Master’s option: An M.S. may be awarded en route to the Ph.D. after:
    • Completion of ≥ 30 credits of coursework,
    • Successful completion of the qualifying exam, and
    • Submission of one peer-reviewed, first-author paper to a journal approved by the student’s committee.

General Graduate Credit Information

• Graduate credit hours must be 5000 level or above.
• Up to 9 graduate credits of non-matriculated coursework may be applied if taken within 3 years and with a final grade of B or better.
• Up to 6 graduate credits from another institution may be applied (grade of B or better); credit must not have counted toward a prior degree.

Questions about course selection, transfer credit, or milestone timing should be directed to the Nuclear Engineering Graduate Advisor or the student’s supervisory committee.