If you possess strong problem-solving and analytical skills and excel in math and science, you may want to consider a career in nuclear engineering.
Today, it’s possible to earn an online nuclear engineering degree in the comfort of your own home. A master’s in nuclear engineering will prepare you for various challenging and rewarding jobs in that field.
What Is Nuclear Engineering?
Nuclear engineering pertains to the engineering field dealing with the scientific application of nuclear and radiation processes. The processes involve the control and release of nuclear energy and radiation and radioactive materials. These nuclear and radiation processes may be applied in medicine, research, industry, and national security.
Nuclear engineering represents a multifaceted discipline since it relies on principles of mathematics and physics.
Nuclear engineers research and develop the processes, systems, instruments, and tools to obtain the benefits of nuclear energy and radiation. The words “radioactive materials” may have a negative and even dangerous connotation. Still, a nuclear engineer may put radioactive materials to use in medical diagnostics or as a power source for a spacecraft.
Some examples of the duties performed by nuclear engineers include the following:
- Directing or maintaining the activities of operational nuclear power plants to ensure safety standards.
- Writing operating instructions to handle or dispose of nuclear waste.
- Designing nuclear equipment.
- Monitoring nuclear facilities for safety and legal violations.
- Implementing safety corrections or ordering shutdowns of nuclear plants.
- Performing tests and experiments on nuclear materials to determine an appropriate method for reclaiming or disposing of nuclear fuel.
- Gathering data at nuclear accidents to use for analysis.
Why Get a Master’s Degree in Nuclear Engineering?
Were you a student in high school who loved classes like trigonometry and calculus? You enjoyed the challenge of solving and analyzing the problems. You also enjoy working with a team and understand the importance of the individual. A master’s in nuclear engineering may represent the perfect choice to pursue your career in nuclear engineering.
As a nuclear engineer, you won’t necessarily work a 9-5 job. The urgency of specific projects and incidents may create necessary overtime hours. But the nuclear engineering degree requirements also drive up the master’s in nuclear engineering salary.
If you’re someone who wants growth in variety throughout their career, a master’s in nuclear engineering will prepare you for many different career paths. The nuclear engineering degree requirement may open medicine, research, space exploration, and more doors.
Those who pursue a master’s in nuclear engineering to fulfill their career goals do so not only for the income but also for personal fulfillment, career growth, and the chance to make a meaningful contribution to society.
If you’re considering entering the nuclear engineering field, you need to realize that in addition to the master’s in engineering degree requirements, most positions also require rigorous training.
If you don’t enjoy academics and don’t want to commit to ongoing education and training, pursuing an online nuclear engineering degree or a master’s in nuclear engineering may not represent a good fit. Those who want careers with more social interaction may also consider career options other than that of a nuclear engineer.
How Much Does a Master’s Degree in Nuclear Engineering Cost?
Obtaining a master’s in nuclear engineering may cost under $25,000 to over $50,000. When measuring cost per credit, achieving a master’s in nuclear engineering through an online program could cost more or less than earning the same degree through a traditional program.
Many students assume online programs are always less expensive, without considering that just as much preparation goes into creating the curriculum and other aspects of an online program compared to a traditional program.
So why choose to pursue an online nuclear engineering degree?
Some advantages of choosing an online nuclear engineering degree, mainly a master’s in nuclear engineering, include the following:
- With an online nuclear engineering degree, you may adapt your classroom and study time to your schedule. If you work and need to take care of family and other responsibilities, you won’t need to worry about attending a lecture at a specific time. You will, however, need to adhere to deadlines regarding discussions, assignments, and projects.
- When you pursue an online nuclear engineering degree, you will not need to travel outside your home to receive your master’s in nuclear engineering. Not needing to commute could save you money on gas, babysitters, and even clothing.
- Your coursework won’t suffer interruptions due to inclement weather or pandemic scenarios.
- With an online nuclear engineering degree program, you may find it easier to study or get some of your homework done during your workday and in the evening.
- The cost savings associated with the convenience of achieving an online nuclear engineering degree often outweighs the cost differential between a traditional and online program. Especially those seeking a master’s in nuclear engineering who may already possess employment and family responsibilities will find the convenience of an online nuclear engineering degree more affordable.
Master’s Degree in Nuclear Engineering Salary and Job Outlook
When you start looking into a career as a Nuclear Engineer, of course, the master’s in nuclear engineering represents a significant consideration. Still, this critical decision has pros and cons that deserve your attention.
Pros:
- Competitive salary
- Rewarding in that they help produce and provide electricity
- Opportunity for advancement
- Travel opportunities
Cons:
- Competitive job market
- Extensive ongoing training and study required
- Unpredictable hours
- Exposure to hazardous materials
- Significant math and science aptitude required
Job market
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that job opportunities for nuclear engineers will decline by eight percent between 2020 and 2030. In 2020, approximately 17,200 nuclear engineers were employed in the United States, which will most likely fall to about 15,800 by 2030. The BLS attributes the decline to utilities choosing the cheaper alternative of natural gas to generate power. Additionally, advances continue in the development and implementation of renewable energy.
However, other opportunities exist for careers in nuclear engineering in fields such as research and medicine. Those with the passion and aptitude for a career in nuclear engineering should not feel dissuaded when obtaining an online nuclear engineering degree. A master’s in nuclear engineering will also open more job opportunities.
Even with the expected decline in available jobs, the BLS projects approximately 900 new openings for nuclear engineers every year. The new positions stem from retirees, workers seeking new careers, or those leaving the labor force entirely.
Salaries
In May of 2021, the BLS reported the approximate median wage for nuclear engineers in the United States as $120,380. A master’s in nuclear engineering salary would vary depending on the position’s area of nuclear engineering. In that same year, the approximate median salaries for the following industries were as follows:
- Scientific research and developmental services: $152,000
- Engineering services: $128,000
- Manufacturing: $103,000
- Federal Government: $100,700
The master’s in nuclear salary will also vary according to state. Of course, another consideration when assessing salary involves the cost of living in the state or area of employment. In 2021, the states and areas with the highest median income for nuclear engineers came in at about the following amounts:
- California: $154,800
- Arizona: $152,300
- Oregon: $148,800
- District of Columbia: $141,200
- Colorado: $141,200
Some states at the low end of the median salary include Louisiana, Utah, Missouri, Maine, and Hawaii. Hawaii’s median wage for nuclear engineers comes at only $89,100. Matched with Hawaii’s high cost of living makes it one of the less lucrative places for master’s in nuclear engineering positions.
It’s important to note that the median salaries for nuclear engineers do not reflect starting salaries. The starting salaries begin substantially lower, and the employee enjoys a higher salary with a combination of experience and completing a training program.
Career paths
Students interested in achieving a career in nuclear engineering should begin in high school by taking advanced math and science courses. Those who understand and know how to implement the concepts in classes such as calculus and trigonometry will stand a better chance of obtaining entrance into a master’s in a nuclear engineering program and achieving career success.
The minimum requirements for a master’s degree in nuclear engineering include obtaining a bachelor’s degree in nuclear engineering. The program must have ABET or Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology certification. Online nuclear engineering degrees are acceptable when applying for a master’s in nuclear engineering program if the program receives ABET certification.
Though entry-level positions for an individual holding a bachelor’s degree in nuclear engineering exist, most entry-level jobs require a master’s in nuclear engineering. The master’s in nuclear engineering salary measures significantly higher than a position requiring only a bachelor’s degree. Some online nuclear engineering degree programs offer master’s in nuclear engineering programs in which they embed the bachelor’s degree.
Once a graduate with a master’s in nuclear engineering obtains employment, they must undergo a training program with their employer that lasts from six weeks to three months. In most facets of the industry, you receive updated training annually.
Some career professionals go on to earn a Ph.D. in Nuclear Engineering, which allows them more opportunities for teaching and research.
Common Courses in Nuclear Engineering Programs
The bachelor’s in nuclear engineering will cover core courses such as math and computer applications, physics, and radiation imaging. As the student chooses courses for their master’s degree in nuclear engineering, they will delve into courses aligned with their career goals. Some of the master level courses may include titles such as:
- Reactor Engineering
- Plasma Science
- Heat Transfer
- Nuclear Fuel Management
FAQs About Master’s Degrees in Nuclear Engineering
What is the GPA requirement to apply for a master’s in nuclear engineering degree?
The minimum requirement may vary by the university, but most institutions usually require a minimum of 3.0 out of 4.0.
How much time will it take to earn a master’s in engineering degree?
The answer to this question depends on whether a student attends school full or part-time. A student who already obtained a bachelor’s in nuclear engineering may finish their master’s program in under two years if they attend full time. Programs that embed bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nuclear engineering may take five to six years. Online nuclear engineering degrees allow employed students to attend classes full-time.
What is ABET?
ABET, or the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, is a non-governmental organization that certifies post-secondary degrees in engineering and technology. Founded in 1932, in addition to accrediting engineering programs, including online nuclear engineering degrees, it also offers students resources throughout their academic careers.
Examples of Accredited Online Master’s Degrees in Nuclear Engineering
Obtaining an online nuclear engineering degree does represent a viable step toward a rewarding career in nuclear engineering. Many universities across the country offer accredited master’s in nuclear engineering in engineering with an online format. Another advantage of the online nuclear engineering degree is that all student work and test scores remain in the archives.
Below you’ll find a sampling of universities with an online format for a master’s in nuclear engineering. Also listed are the location, cost, and admission requirements. The estimated completion time for these programs with a bachelor’s in nuclear engineering is about two years.
1. Colorado School of Mines
Location: Golden, CO
Admission Requirements:
- Official transcripts from a bachelor’s in nuclear engineering program
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0
- English proficiency TOEFL of 80+
- Three professional letters of recommendation
- Students are expected to complete 36 semester credits
Cost- $36, 270
2. Pennsylvania State University-World Campus
Location: Malvern, PA
Admission Requirements:
- Official transcripts from a bachelor’s in nuclear engineering program or comparable program- If the bachelor’s is not in nuclear engineering, students must take NUCE 497, the Radiation and Measurement Detection Lab. The three-day lab is hands-on and takes place at the University Park Campus.
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0
- English proficiency TOEFL of 80+
Cost: $996 per credit
3. University of South Carolina
Location: Columbia, South Carolina
Admission Requirements:
- Official transcripts from a bachelor’s in nuclear engineering program
- Minimum GPA of 3.2 out of 4.0
- English proficiency TOEFL of 80+
- Three letters of recommendation with two of the three from professional sources
- GRE test results
- Student essay
Cost: $1460 per credit
4. Virginia Commonwealth University
Location: Richmond, Virginia
Admission Requirements:
- Official transcripts from a bachelor’s in nuclear engineering
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0
- English proficiency TOEFL of 80+
- Three professional letters of recommendation
- Class standing is also considered
Cost: $1442 per credit
5. Virginia Tech
Location: Richmond, Virginia
Admission Requirements:
- Official transcripts from a bachelor’s in nuclear engineering
- Minimum GPA of 3.2 out of 4.0
- Three letters of recommendation
Cost: $26,825
For more information on finding the right online nuclear engineering degree program, we invite you to visit us here.
Sources:
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Nuclear Engineers, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/nuclear-engineers.htm
Best Online Master’s Programs in Nuclear Engineering (usnews.com) at https://www.usnews.com/education/online-education/engineering/nuclear-rankings
Martin, W. and Bornstein, Ira (2016, April 21). Nuclear engineering. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/technology/nuclear-engineering