How to choose a Nuclear Engineering program
Choosing where to study nuclear engineering is a big decision — and a powerful one. The right program can open doors to careers in clean energy, healthcare, national security, and more. From hands-on experience to expert mentorship, here’s what to look for in a top-tier nuclear engineering program.
Access to a research reactor
Real-world experience is essential in nuclear engineering, and nothing beats hands-on learning with a working reactor.
Why it matters
Operating or conducting experiments with a research reactor helps students apply theory, gain technical skills, and stand out to employers.
Why Oregon State stands out
Oregon State is one of only 25 universities in the U.S. with a licensed TRIGA research reactor on campus. It’s used by faculty, undergraduate and graduate students alike.
Experienced, engaged faculty
Learning from faculty who are active in research, industry, and national security makes a big difference in your education and professional network.
Why it matters
Faculty with real-world expertise provide mentorship, research opportunities, and valuable industry connections.
Why Oregon State stands out
At Oregon State, students learn from a tight-knit group of internationally recognized experts in reactor safety, health physics, radiation detection, materials science, and nuclear nonproliferation.
Strong industry and government connections
Programs that partner with national labs, energy companies, and federal agencies help students land internships, research roles, and full-time jobs.
Why it matters
Building a network before graduation gives you a head start in a competitive job market.
Why Oregon State stands out
OSU has deep connections with industry, including partnerships with national labs and agencies involved in nuclear energy, medicine, and security. Students often go on to careers in national labs, utilities, hospitals, and federal agencies – like Oregon State alumna Julie Bentz, who has served at the White House under three presidents.
Flexible academic pathways
Nuclear engineering is a diverse field — your degree program should let you tailor your studies to your interests.
Why it matters
A flexible program helps you focus on areas like reactor engineering, radiation protection, or nuclear materials.
Why Oregon State stands out
Oregon State offers three transcript-visible options — Reactor Engineering, Health Physics, and Nuclear Materials — so you can dive deep into what excites you most.
Hands-on learning opportunities
Employers want graduates who’ve applied what they’ve learned. Programs that integrate labs, simulations, and real-world research better prepare you for the workforce.
Why it matters
It’s not just about understanding nuclear science—it’s about being ready to work in high-stakes environments.
Why Oregon State stands out
Students at OSU train with cutting-edge technology, participate in faculty-led research, and access some of the best large-scale testing facilities in the country through internship opportunities. Undergraduate student Lucia Gómez Hurtado is passionate about sustainable power generation and participated in Professor Samuel Briggs’ lab, exploring the degradation of materials in nuclear reactor environments.
Oregon State students also get comfortable working together. Elora Elbert was surprised at how tight-knit her nuclear engineering cohort became, helping each other with projects, homework, and studying.
Reputation and outcomes
A school’s ranking, research output, and graduate success all reflect the quality of its program.
Why it matters
Choosing a program with a strong national reputation can lead to better job offers and broader opportunities.
Why Oregon State stands out
Oregon State is consistently ranked among the top nuclear engineering programs in the U.S. and is #3 in the nation for the number of nuclear science and engineering degrees awarded.
Still wondering what nuclear engineering is all about? Check out our article explaining what nuclear engineers actually do.