If you get a degree in nuclear engineering, you could end up researching
radiation therapy for cancer treatment, providing electricity or power for
space probes or working with imaging for medical diagnosis.
University of Wisconsin professor James Blanchard says most students take
four and a half years to complete their undergraduate studies because there
is such a broad range of engineering fields.
He says students learn about chemical engineering, mechanical engineering
and computer science and get specific training in radiation protection
(how to protect the public and environment from nuclear materials), nuclear
physics (why radiation occurs) and reactor engineering (how nuclear reactors
work).
"There are also laboratories with hands-on training in radiation detection
and in nuclear reactor operations. We have a one-megawatt nuclear reactor
on campus that we use to train students," he says.
You need at least a bachelor's degree in engineering to be certified
as an engineer. Many people in a specialized field like nuclear engineering
also go on to master's and PhD degrees.
"Areas of emphasis in the graduate program are safety of nuclear reactors,
radiation transport in nuclear reactors and for medical imaging and treatment,
plasma physics and fusion, and the use of plasmas in industry for microelectronics,"
says professor Gilbert Emmert of the University of Wisconsin.
You'll find American undergraduate programs in nuclear engineering usually
follow one of two tracks.
"The nuclear engineering track prepares students for employment in the
nuclear power industry, while the radiological sciences track is designed
for students with an interest in radiation measurements and protection, biomedical
imaging and ion and plasma materials processing," says professor John Lee
of the University of Michigan.
You'll need strong math skills. "A high school student should take as
many years of mathematics as possible. They should also take chemistry,
physics and biology," says Mary Brake, a nuclear engineering professor
at the University of Michigan.
"Nuclear engineering is one of the more mathematically demanding engineering
disciplines. Good teamwork skills and communication skills are also important,"
says Emmert. "And extracurricular activities that develop leadership skills
are very worthwhile."
The main costs are tuition and books, although you may also have computer
fees.
Most undergraduate nuclear engineering programs in the U.S. are accredited
by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). This ensures
that the program meets standards for education and training.
Links
Occupational Outlook Handbook
For more information related to this field of study, see: Nuclear
Engineers
The Virtual Nuclear Tourist
Learn about different reactors and how they work
The Nuclear Fuel Cycle
Explains how nuclear power is generated