Nuclear Engineering, BS
A cutting-edge field with unprecedented opportunities, nuclear engineering is a solid career choice. As you study for your nuclear engineering degree, you’ll be introduced to an innovative discipline where you can learn how to develop regulations for safety, operate nuclear energy systems, or create processes related to radiation. Through our top-tier program, you’ll receive all the resources you need to become global leaders in this growing field.
Program overview
UT’s Department of Nuclear Engineering was the first in the country, and we are continuously molding the next generation of nuclear engineers. Our internationally recognized faculty give our students the necessary foundation of knowledge through high-tech facilities and hands-on coursework. Students can participate in co-ops or internships, providing them with experiences that enrich their education and expand their network. With more than 100 nuclear-related companies located near Knoxville, our students have built-in networks to connect with industry leaders, like Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and Y-12 Nuclear Security Complex.
Radiological Engineering Concentration
Don’t want to take the traditional route majoring in nuclear engineering? Consider pursuing the Radiological Engineering Concentration. This program prepares students for careers in the radiation safety field. With this concentration as a part of your degree, you could work for a hospital’s radiation oncology department, a radiation safety office, or a radiation regulation office.
Why Study Nuclear Engineering?
The nuclear industry is continuing to flourish, creating a need for highly-skilled nuclear engineers to operate and maintain the facilities. Potential new uses for nuclear science are being discovered every day, giving students in this field numerous opportunities post-graduation.
What is nuclear engineering?
In nuclear engineering, systems are designed and applied to use energy from nuclear processes. For example, this could mean developing nuclear weapons, controlling reactions at a nuclear power plant, or finding medical uses for radioactive materials, like PET scans or MRIs.
What do nuclear engineers do?
What a nuclear engineer does depends on their specialization and industry. Some supervise reactor systems operations or design modifications at nuclear power plants. Others work for regulatory agencies, ensuring companies follow safe and proper reactor operation. Some of the most common industries nuclear engineers work in are:
- Power generation
- Medical field
- Agriculture
- National defense
- Space
What can you do with a BS in Nuclear Engineering after graduation?
While in our Nuclear Engineering, BS program, you’ll gain invaluable knowledge and experience. You may find yourself drawn to the radiological side of nuclear, catapulting you into a career in healthcare, or you could be fascinated by reactor systems and how they operate. No matter what captures your interest, you have plenty of options, and with East Tennessee being a nuclear industry hub, you’ll find plenty of career opportunities.
Some of the top companies in the nuclear industry in our area include:
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory
- Y-12 National Security Complex
- Centrus Energy
- AMS Corporation
- United Cleanup Oak Ridge
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 200 Introduction to Nuclear and Radiological Engineering
Students will learn about topics and issues within nuclear engineering, including fundamentals of radiation, nuclear chemistry, nuclear reactor theory, and more.
NE 250 Mathematics and Computational Methods in Nuclear Engineering
In this class, students will gain the necessary mathematical tools needed to be successful in upper level courses.
NE 360 Reactor Systems and Safety
This course teaches the safety and operating limits of nuclear steam supply system components.
NE 471 Nuclear Systems Design I
In this course, students will learn about designing and analyzing a nuclear system.
Complementary minors
Add a complementary minor to your BS in nuclear engineering to gain more career prospects. Here’s a list of complementary minors for this degree:
Admissions and Aid
Choosing the right university to pursue an engineering degree is an important decision—and a significant investment. We want to make sure that you have the information you need to both apply and make attending UT affordable.
Ready to Join Us?
See yourself on Rocky Top? We’ve made it easier than ever to apply for admission. Learn more about our admission requirements and the steps to apply to be an Engineering Vol.