Program Overview

Introduction to the Nuclear Packaging Graduate Program

The Nuclear Packaging Graduate Program (NPGP) at the University of Nevada, Reno, offers unique and valuable credentials in the field of nuclear packaging. The program includes the Graduate Certificate in Nuclear Packaging (GCNP) and the Graduate Certificate in Transportation Security and Safeguards (GCTSS), which are the only nuclear-packaging-focused credentials offered by any accredited university.

Program Overview

The NPGP is designed to provide students with practical knowledge and skills in nuclear packaging, transportation security, and safeguards. The program is taught by national laboratory subject matter experts and features hands-on, practice-based courses. Students can earn either certificate with as few as four non-contiguous weeks away from their workplace and can take up to six years to complete a certificate.

Required Courses

The required courses for the GCNP and GCTSS are taught by subject matter experts using unique facilities at national laboratories and other authorized locations. Students are required to take four units of Packaging University classes over four non-contiguous weeks. The courses required for each certificate are chosen by a council of subject matter experts and hiring managers.

Elective Courses

For each graduate certificate, students choose five units of electives from a variety of one- and two-unit Packaging University classes, a three-unit, semester-long mentored project, and/or a three-unit, semester-long online Introduction to Nuclear Packaging course. The project and online electives may be completed at the student's workplace. Students earning both certificates may use four units from one certificate to satisfy electives from the other.

Program Benefits

The NPGP offers several benefits to students and organizations, including:

• Access to subject matter experts and professional networks
• Accelerated learning and credibility with clients
• A job board that lists related employment and internship opportunities
• Access to a searchable, curated database of job listings for students and alumni with a valid University of Nevada, Reno email address

Program Requirements

The program requirements include:

• Completion of four units of Packaging University classes over four non-contiguous weeks
• Completion of five units of elective courses
• Choice of electives from Packaging University classes, mentored projects, and online courses

Research and Industry Connections

The University of Nevada, Reno Nuclear Packaging Laboratory (NPL) has performed nuclear packaging research funded by the DOE and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) since 1993. Several of the lab's graduates have worked or interned at national laboratories and nuclear services companies. The program's connections to industry and research institutions provide students with opportunities for networking and career advancement.

Graduate Certificates

The GCNP and GCTSS are awarded by the University of Nevada, Reno, which is well-known in the nuclear packaging sector. The graduate certificates are recognized as a mark of excellence and credibility in the field, and organizations that support employees in completing these certificates can benefit from accelerated learning and access to subject matter experts.