Nuclear Engineering

The Ph.D. in Nuclear Engineering is primarily a research degree that represents attainment of a high degree of scholarship in a specialized field. The course program for the Ph.D. is designed to give every student a general background in fundamental areas of nuclear engineering and advanced knowledge in a selected area of research and in other subjects as dictated by the student’s interests and career needs. Typically, a doctoral degree is sought by individuals who desire to pursue careers in industry, academia or national laboratories.

Eligibility

• Students must possess a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in an engineering or science discipline;
• Students must have graduated with a 3.0 or better GPA.

Plan of Study

• The Ph.D. program typically contains 72 credits of which a minimum of 21 credits is needed in NE graduate courses (with 2 courses being above 700 level), a minimum of 21 credits in NE research and the rest can be in additional NE courses, NE research or other STEM courses such as engineering, sciences, math or other courses related to the students plan of work.

Qualifying Exam

• To satisfy the proficiency requirement in the QE examination “Part 1: Proficiency in NE course-work," PhD students have to select 4 courses from the list of named graduate classes (which includes all permanently named 5xx and 7xx level classes with the exception of 591/592 and 795/796) and declare them as selected core classes and complete them by their third semester of enrollment in the program. The three courses with the highest grades from the selected 4 courses will be used to calculate a minimum average 3.5 GPA or higher with no course grade less than (B-) in these 3 courses is required to advance to the written/oral examination “Part 2: Competency and Aptitude in NE research.”
• To satisfy the requirement for “Part 2: Competency and Aptitude in NE research,” the student completes a written report on a journal article, conference paper or a selected research topic, and provides an oral presentation within 8 weeks from the date of the assignment. The student’s adviser initiates Part 2 assignment and the formation of the graduate Committee of 3 members.

Career Prospects

A Ph.D. in Nuclear Engineering from NC State University paves the way for several career paths, with many graduates advancing as researchers or scientists specialized in nuclear technology. With access to state-of-the-art research facilities, doctoral candidates gain expertise highly valued in roles at national laboratories and in both private sector research and academia. This doctoral degree equips graduates to lead projects in areas such as reactor design, nuclear safety, and environmental protection.

Beyond traditional engineering roles, some graduates use their expertise to advise policymakers or work as consultants on nuclear energy projects. By contributing insights to regulatory bodies or guiding nuclear initiatives, they play a crucial role in shaping the future of the industry. Whether in research, consulting, or policy, a Ph.D. from NC State provides the knowledge and skills needed to excel in the field of nuclear science.