What You'll Do in a Nuclear Engineering Career
The field of nuclear engineering is devoted to harnessing and utilizing nuclear energy and radiation for the benefit of humankind. Nuclear engineers use their expertise in math, physics and engineering as well as their knowledge of social and environmental issues to tackle the safe, effective design of a number of processes and systems, including nuclear plants for energy generation, nuclear power sources for military or space vehicles, systems for disposal of radioactive waste, and equipment used in nuclear medicine.
Nuclear engineers may also be involved in research and development of new products, monitoring of nuclear power systems, power plant operation, radioactive waste disposal, radiation measurement, and reactor engineering. The application of nuclear medicine techniques, such as x-ray technology and radiation sterilization of equipment, is another exciting area of nuclear engineering. Nuclear engineers even use radiation to address agricultural concerns like crop development, food safety and pest control.
Nuclear engineers may also be involved in research and development of new products, monitoring of nuclear power systems, power plant operation, radioactive waste disposal, radiation measurement, and reactor engineering. The application of nuclear medicine techniques, such as x-ray technology and radiation sterilization of equipment, is another exciting area of nuclear engineering. Nuclear engineers even use radiation to address agricultural concerns like crop development, food safety and pest control.
Nuclear Engineering Job Opportunities
Employment opportunities for nuclear engineers run the gamut from jobs for those with advanced degrees and lots of experience, such as management or teaching, to entry-level work as technologists or support staff. Nuclear engineering professionals are invaluable in a number of industries, including consulting, consumer and industrial power, health and medical research, transportation, and food and water safety. The federal government is a major employer in the field, particularly the Department of Energy and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Also, universities always need knowledgeable individuals to teach nuclear engineering.
The Future of Nuclear Engineering
With growing interest in nuclear power as a cleaner alternative to fossil fuels, the potential for job growth in the energy sector is promising. In the United States, no commercial nuclear power plants have been built for some time, but if nuclear energy catches on, nuclear engineers will be needed to research and design new types of power plants with safety, efficiency and proper waste management in mind. Other areas of nuclear engineering expected to grow in coming years are nuclear medicine, health physics and agricultural techniques such as the development of new crop varieties.
Nuclear Engineering Schools & Degree Programs
Associate's Degree in Nuclear Engineering: A nuclear engineering technologist or technician usually holds a 2-year degree. An Associate of Science (AS) degree program includes core courses in nuclear engineering subjects as well as training in math, physics and computer applications.
Bachelor's Degree in Nuclear Engineering: A Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in nuclear engineering includes the same core courses as the associate's degree, plus more in-depth study of specialties such as health physics, fission systems or radiation imaging. A bachelor's degree prepares you for entry-level employment as a scientist or engineer.
Master's and Doctoral Degrees in Nuclear Engineering: Laboratory research or university faculty jobs usually require a graduate degree in nuclear engineering: a Master of Science or PhD degree. You can enter a graduate program after earning a 4-year degree in nuclear engineering or a related area such as mechanical or electrical engineering.
Online Nuclear Engineering Degrees: For those already employed in the field who would like to advance their career training, online graduate programs in nuclear engineering are available at the master's level. Some online programs also offer associate's and bachelor's degrees in nuclear engineering technology.
Bachelor's Degree in Nuclear Engineering: A Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in nuclear engineering includes the same core courses as the associate's degree, plus more in-depth study of specialties such as health physics, fission systems or radiation imaging. A bachelor's degree prepares you for entry-level employment as a scientist or engineer.
Master's and Doctoral Degrees in Nuclear Engineering: Laboratory research or university faculty jobs usually require a graduate degree in nuclear engineering: a Master of Science or PhD degree. You can enter a graduate program after earning a 4-year degree in nuclear engineering or a related area such as mechanical or electrical engineering.
Online Nuclear Engineering Degrees: For those already employed in the field who would like to advance their career training, online graduate programs in nuclear engineering are available at the master's level. Some online programs also offer associate's and bachelor's degrees in nuclear engineering technology.
Nuclear Engineer Salary
According to a July 2009 report by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, nuclear engineers with bachelor's degrees earned an average starting salary of $61,610. Those with master's degrees generally earned a few thousand dollars more annually. The median annual wage for the profession as a whole was $97,080 in May 2008. Consulting and research industries offered the highest salaries, with the top honors going to management, scientific, and technical consulting services—the average 2008 salary in that sector was $113,190.
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