Program Overview

Nuclear Engineering Program Overview

The Nuclear Engineering Program is offered by the Mechanical Engineering Department at Virginia Tech. The program provides students with a comprehensive education in nuclear engineering, covering topics such as nuclear reactor analysis, nuclear fuel cycle, reactor thermal hydraulics, and radiation detection and shielding.

Degree Requirements

The Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Nuclear Engineering requires the completion of 30 credit hours of coursework, including:

1. Core courses:

• NSEG 5124: Nuclear Reactor Analysis (3 credits)
• NSEG 5204: Nuclear Fuel Cycle (3 credits)
• NSEG 5424: Reactor Thermal Hydraulics (3 credits)
• NSEG 5604: Radiation Detection and Shielding (3 credits)
• Mathematics course from Appendix A (3 credits)

2. Elective courses:

• Six credit hours of NSEG 5000-level or higher courses, as approved by the Advisory Committee

3. Research and Thesis:

• A minimum of 6 credits of NSEG 5994 Research and Thesis (variable), not to exceed 9 credits

4. Seminar Program:

• Participation in the nuclear engineering program seminar series

5. Formation of Advisory Committee:

• Each graduate student must confer with faculty members and obtain the agreement of one to serve as the student's advisor

6. Final Examination:

• A written thesis and an oral defense, covering the thesis or engineering project and general engineering knowledge

Admission Requirements

1. Program Requirements:

• Minimum grade point average of 3.2/4.0
• GRE scores: 150 verbal, 155 quantitative, and 4.5 analytical
• TOEFL scores (for international students): 105 total, 26 reading and speaking areas

2. Application Package Requirements:

• Undergraduate transcripts
• Graduate transcripts (if applicable)
• Letters of reference
• GRE/TOEFL scores
• Resume
• Statement of purpose
• Publications (if applicable)

Courses

Core Courses

• NSEG 5124: Nuclear Reactor Analysis
• NSEG 5204: Nuclear Fuel Cycle
• NSEG 5424: Reactor Thermal Hydraulics
• NSEG 5604: Radiation Detection and Shielding
• Mathematics course from Appendix A

Elective Courses

• NSEG 5114: Nuclear Engineering Fundamentals
• NSEG 5134: Monte Carlo Methods for Particle Transport
• NSEG 5214: Nuclear Plant Systems and Operations
• NSEG 5284: Nuclear Nonproliferation, Safeguards, and Security
• NSEG 5504: Radiation Effects on Metals and Alloys
• NSEG 6124: Particle Transport Methods and Applications
• NSEG 6334: Nuclear Reactor Safety

Research Areas

The Nuclear Engineering Program at Virginia Tech has various research areas, including:

• Nuclear reactor analysis and design
• Nuclear fuel cycle and management
• Reactor thermal hydraulics and safety
• Radiation detection and shielding
• Nuclear nonproliferation, safeguards, and security
• Particle transport methods and applications

Academics

The Nuclear Engineering Program offers various academic programs, including:

• Doctorate Program (Ph.D.)
• Master of Science (M.S.)
• Master of Engineering (M.Eng.)
• Accelerated Masters Program for the USNA
• Graduate Certificate in Nuclear Engineering
• Graduate Certificate in Nuclear Science, Technology and Policy
• Online MENG in Nuclear Engineering
• Nuclear Education Hub (NEH)
• Undergraduate Minor in Nuclear Engineering

More Information

For more information about the Nuclear Engineering Program at Virginia Tech, please refer to the program's website or contact the program coordinator.