Detail of a computer screen in the Ion Beam Materials Laboratory (IBML) inside Senter Hall

Nuclear Security Policy for Engineers Minor

The minor in nuclear security policy equips engineers with the knowledge and skills to ensure that nuclear energy and technology are used safely and responsibly. Through interdisciplinary coursework, you’ll gain insight into the science of nuclear systems and the international policies and regulations that govern their use. 

Program Overview 

Offered through a partnership between the Tickle College of Engineering and the Baker School of Public Policy and Public Affairs, this minor provides undergraduate students with a comprehensive understanding of nuclear security from technical and policy perspectives. Students who complete this minor will be well-prepared to contribute at the intersection of engineering practice and policy in careers that involve the development, regulation, or oversight of nuclear technologies. 

Why Get a Minor in Nuclear Security? 

Nuclear security policy plays a critical role in areas such as energy production and national defense. By completing this minor, students enhance their competitiveness for leadership and strategy roles in industries and government agencies focused on nuclear safety and policy enforcement. This interdisciplinary foundation supports a broad range of career paths related to nuclear security in both the public and private sectors. 

Featured Courses

Below are some of the courses that students in our program can choose to take. For a list of all courses, visit the undergraduate catalog.

NE 430 Nuclear Security Science and Analysis

After completing this course, students will understand nuclear threats and learn about  strategies in detecting nuclear threats. Students will participate in exercises for applied nuclear security scenarios. 

HBS 452 U.S. National Security

Students will receive an overview of national and international security issues and corresponding U.S. national security policies and strategies with a focus on grand strategy, civil-military relations, conflict management, and more. 

BS 454 Nuclear Security 

In this course, students will learn about qualitative and quantitative techniques for This class covers the history of nuclear materials, overview of U.S. nuclear security policies and safeguards, export controls, nuclear terrorism, insider threats, espionage, and hostile nuclear states.  and improving process systems reliability and safety. 

HBS 455 Nuclear Weapons

In this class, students learn about the development of atomic and nuclear weapons, case studies of nuclear states, proliferation of nuclear weapons, Cold War politics, and more. 

Admissions and Aid

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