Nuclear Engineering

The Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute offers students a comprehensive education in the principles and applications of nuclear science and engineering. This program is designed to prepare graduates for careers in nuclear power generation, research, naval propulsion, medical applications, radiation protection, and more. Students will engage in coursework covering core topics such as nuclear reactor physics, radiation shielding, nuclear materials, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and control systems. The curriculum emphasizes a strong foundation in mathematics, physics, and engineering principles, ensuring graduates are well-equipped to address complex challenges in the nuclear field.

Throughout the program, students gain hands-on experience through laboratory work, simulations, and research projects, fostering practical skills alongside theoretical knowledge. Rensselaer’s state-of-the-art facilities and expert faculty provide an optimal environment for learning and innovation. The program also integrates coursework in environmental and safety considerations, ensuring graduates understand the societal and ecological impacts of nuclear technology.

In addition to technical training, students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills vital for leadership roles. The nuclear engineering program at Rensselaer encourages interdisciplinary collaboration, integrating insights from biomedical, environmental, and renewable energy sectors, demonstrating the versatile applications of nuclear science. Students are supported through internships, co-op programs, and industry partnerships, connecting academic learning with real-world experience.

Graduates of this program are prepared to pursue advanced graduate studies or enter the workforce directly, contributing to the safe, efficient, and innovative use of nuclear technologies. With a focus on sustainability and safety, Rensselaer’s Nuclear Engineering program aims to cultivate skilled professionals committed to advancing nuclear science for societal benefit.

First Year

Fall

• MANE 1961 Intro to Nuclear Engineering Credit Hours: 1
  (See footnote 2 below)
• HASS Elective Credit Hours: 4

• CHEM 1100 - Chemistry I Credit Hours: 4
• ENGR 1100 - Introduction to Engineering Analysis Credit Hours: 4
• MATH 1010 - Calculus I Credit Hours: 4

Spring

• HASS Elective Credit Hours: 4

• ENGR 1200 - Engineering Graphics and CAD Credit Hours: 1
• ENGR 1600 - Materials Science for Engineers Credit Hours: 4
• MATH 1020 - Calculus II Credit Hours: 4
• PHYS 1100 - Physics I Credit Hours: 4

Second Year

Fall

• Free Elective I Credit Hours: 4
• HASS Elective Credit Hours: 4
• MATH 2400 - Introduction to Differential Equations Credit Hours: 4

• (See footnote 6 below)

• PHYS 1200 - Physics II Credit Hours: 4

Spring

• HASS Elective Credit Hours: 4

• CSCI 1190 - Beginning Programming for Engineers Credit Hours: 1
• ENGR 2050 - Introduction to Engineering Design Credit Hours: 4

• (See footnote 1 below)

• MANE 2830 - Nuclear Phenomena for Engineering Applications Credit Hours: 4
• MATH 2010 - Multivariable Calculus and Matrix Algebra Credit Hours: 4

• (See footnote 6 below)

Third Year

Fall

• HASS Elective Credit Hours: 4

• ENGR 2250 - Thermal and Fluids Engineering I Credit Hours: 4
• MANE 2400 - Fundamentals of Nuclear Engineering Credit Hours: 4
• MANE 4350 - Nuclear Instrumentation and Measurement Credit Hours: 3

Spring

• Professional Development II Credit Hours: 2
  (See footnote 5 below)

• ENGR 2600 - Modeling and Analysis of Uncertainty Credit Hours: 3
• MANE 4400 - Nuclear Power Systems Engineering Credit Hours: 4
• MANE 4470 - Radiological Engineering Credit Hours: 3
• MANE 4480 - Physics of Nuclear Reactors Credit Hours: 4

Fourth Year

Fall

• Restricted (NE) Elective I Credit Hours: 3
• Free Elective II Credit Hours: 4

• ENGR 4010 - Professional Development III Credit Hours: 1

• (See footnote 3 below)

• MANE 4050 - Modeling and Control of Dynamic Systems Credit Hours: 4
• MANE 4370 - Nuclear Engineering Laboratory Credit Hours: 4
• MANE 4380 - NEEP Senior Design Project I Credit Hours: 1

Spring

• Technical Elective Credit Hours: 3
  (See footnote 4 below)
• Restricted (NE) Elective II Credit Hours: 3
• Free Elective III Credit Hours: 4

• MANE 4390 - NEEP Senior Design Project II Credit Hours: 2
• MANE 4440 - Critical Reactor Laboratory Credit Hours: 3

Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences Electives

In this area, the electives are based on the Institute and School of Engineering requirements. Students are urged to elect humanities, arts, and social science sequences through which they will obtain adequate breadth and depth in subject areas. Students desiring minors in Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences must consult the school or department in which the courses are offered to obtain further information and specific requirements.

Footnotes

1. Includes Professional Development I.
2. Other 1-credit Engineering Exploration courses, such as ENGR 1300 may be substituted.
3. May be taken either semester senior year. 
4. Any course in engineering or science at 2000 level or higher.
5. Students choose either PSYC 4170 or STSS 4840 to fulfill this requirement.
6. MATH 2010 and MATH 2400 may be taken in either semster of the second year.

Requirements

• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required for all non-native English speakers. Applicants who have completed three or more years of secondary education in the U.S. may request an exemption by emailing Rensselaer Admissions. Rensselaer expects a minimum TOEFL score of at least 88 iBT, or 570 PBT. For students not able to take the TOEFL, the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or the Pearson’s Test of English (PTE) may be substituted for the TOEFL. An IELTS score of at least 7.0 or a PTE score of at least 59 is expected. Only the academic format is accepted.
• In general, we look for students who have earned A’s and B’s in a challenging curriculum. We pay close attention to exactly which classes you have taken and how you have performed in them, instead of focusing on a certain GPA.
• Request a letter of recommendation from a counselor or teacher. 
  A recommendation provided by a math or science teacher who knows you well is preferred.
• Remit the $70 application fee.

Scholarships

• Rensselaer Grant
• Rensselaer Leadership Award
• Rensselaer Merit Scholarship (awarded prior to the 2009-2010 academic year)
• Rensselaer Medal Scholarship
• Rensselaer Room & Board Scholarship

The Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute offers students a comprehensive education in the principles and applications of nuclear science. The program is designed to prepare students for careers in the nuclear industry, research, and academia, as well as for work in related fields such as energy, healthcare, and national security. The curriculum covers fundamental topics such as reactor physics, radiation detection, nuclear materials, thermodynamics, and fluid mechanics, providing a solid foundation in the scientific and engineering principles underlying nuclear technology. Students also gain hands-on experience through laboratory work, simulations, and internship opportunities, enabling them to apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings. The program emphasizes safety, environmental considerations, and ethical issues associated with nuclear engineering, ensuring graduates are well-equipped to address complex challenges in the field. Rensselaer’s state-of-the-art facilities and research centers support advanced study and innovation in nuclear engineering, while collaborations with industry leaders and government agencies offer students valuable networking and employment opportunities. The program also prepares students for graduate studies or certification in nuclear engineering and related specialties. Graduates of the program are positioned for successful careers in nuclear power plants, radiation medicine, nuclear regulatory agencies, and research laboratories. The faculty members are leading experts in their fields, committed to providing personalized mentorship and supporting student success. Overall, the Nuclear Engineering program at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute combines rigorous academic coursework, practical training, and cutting-edge research to develop skilled professionals capable of advancing nuclear technology for a sustainable and secure energy future.