Program Overview

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Nuclear Engineering and Engineering Physics, PhD

A broad program of instruction and research is offered in the principles of the interaction of radiation with matter and their applications, and in several areas of engineering physics. The program has strong engineering and applied science components. It emphasizes several areas of activity, including the research, design, development, and deployment of fission reactors; fusion engineering; plasma physics; radiation damage to materials; and large-scale computing in engineering science.

Admissions

Graduate Admissions Requirements

• Fall Deadline: December 15
• Spring Deadline: September 1
• Summer Deadline: December 15
• GRE (Graduate Record Examinations): Not required but may be considered if available
• English Proficiency Test: Refer to the Graduate School policy
• Other Test(s) (e.g., GMAT, MCAT): Not applicable
• Letters of Recommendation Required: 3

Application Requirements and Process

Degree

For admission to graduate study in Nuclear Engineering and Engineering Physics, an applicant must have a bachelor's degree in engineering, mathematics, or physical science, and an undergraduate record that indicates an ability to successfully pursue graduate study. International applicants must have a degree comparable to a regionally accredited US bachelors degree.

GPA

The Graduate School requires a minimum undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 basis on the equivalent of the last 60 semester hours from the most recent bachelor's degree.

Advisor Selection Process

PhD applicants are encouraged to identify potential faculty advisors and seek confirmation.

Application Materials

Each application must include:

• Graduate School Application
• Academic transcripts
• Statement of purpose
• Resume/CV
• Three letters of recommendation
• GRE Scores (optional)
• English Proficiency Score (if required)
• Application Fee

Funding

Graduate School Resources

The Bursars Office provides information about tuition and fees associated with being a graduate student. Resources to help afford graduate study might include assistantships, fellowships, traineeships, and financial aid.

Program Resources

Offers of financial support from the Department, College, and University are in the form of research assistantships, teaching assistantships, and fellowships.

Requirements

Curricular Requirements

• Minimum Credit Requirement: 51 credits approved by the student's faculty advisor
• Minimum Residence Credit Requirement: 32 credits
• Minimum Graduate Coursework Requirement: 26 credits must be in graduate-level coursework
• Overall Graduate GPA Requirement: 3.00 GPA required

Required Courses

Unless specified, all courses must be numbered 400 or above in appropriate technical areas. Appropriate technical areas are: Engineering departments (except Engineering and Professional Development), Physics, Math, Statistics, Computer Science, Medical Physics, and Chemistry.

Policies

Prior Coursework

• Graduate Credits Earned at Other Institutions: With faculty advisor and Nuclear Engineering and Engineering Physics Graduate Studies Committee Chair approval, students may transfer up to 15 credits of prior graduate coursework.
• Undergraduate Credits Earned at Other Institutions or UW-Madison: With faculty approval, students who have received their undergraduate degree from UWMadison may transfer up to 7 credits of coursework numbered 400 or above.

Probation

Refer to the Graduate School policy.

Advisor / Committee

Each student is required to meet with his or her advisor prior to registration every semester.

Credits Per Term Allowed

15 credit maximum.

Time Limits

• The PhD qualifying examination should be first taken in the third or fourth semester.
• Students must submit the doctoral plan of study one month before the end of the semester following the one in which the qualifying exam is passed.
• Candidates are expected to pass the PhD preliminary examination no later than the end of the third year of graduate study.

Grievances and Appeals

Students who feel that they have been treated unfairly have the right to a prompt hearing of their grievance.

Professional Development

Graduate School Resources

Take advantage of the Graduate School's professional development resources to build skills, thrive academically, and launch your career.

Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate an extraordinary, deep understanding of mathematical, scientific, and engineering principles in the field.
2. Demonstrate an ability to formulate, analyze, and independently solve advanced engineering problems.
3. Apply the relevant scientific and technological advancements, techniques, and engineering tools to address these problems.
4. Recognize and apply principles of ethical and professional conduct.
5. Demonstrate an ability to synthesize knowledge from a subset of the biological, physical, and/or social sciences to help frame problems critical to the future of their discipline.
6. Demonstrate an ability to conduct original research and communicate it to their peers.