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Nuclear Science and Engineering
Frequently Asked Questions

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As you prepare your application for the Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ master’s programs in Nuclear Science and Engineering, you may have questions very similar to those of other applicants. Below are answers to a list of commonly asked questions.

Begin your application process today!

Complete an online application, which you can access at the button below, and pay the $50 application fee. 

Ä¢¹½´«Ã½â€™s PhD in nuclear science and engineering is slated to launch in Fall 2027. Students in the M.S. or M.Eng. programs will be eligible to apply for this new program.

Applicants to either program must meet the following requirements: 

  • Complete an online ;
  • Pay the $50 application fee;
  • A bachelor’s degree in physics, chemistry, engineering, or a closely related technical discipline from an accredited institution;
  • A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is required, along with completion of foundational coursework in mathematics, physics, and chemistry;
  • Two letters of recommendation (academic or professional);
  • A written statement of purpose (600-800 words) describing your qualifications and academic background, your previous research experience (i.e. projects, internships, relevant work), your motivation and passion in pursuing a graduate degree in nuclear science and engineering, and your professional goals and vision for contributing to the field;
  • An interview

The master’s program is 30 credits and typically takes 18 months to complete. If students continue on to the (forthcoming) doctoral program, it will likely take at least an additional 2.5 years.

Both degrees build a comprehensive foundational knowledge in nuclear physics, reactor theory, radiation interactions and design but they are tailored toward different career goals.

  • The M.S. is a research-intensive program tailored toward students aspiring to doctoral studies, careers in academic research, or specialized industry R&D roles
  • The M.Eng. is practice oriented and coursework centered and is tailored toward professionals seeking to enter or advance rapidly into leadership roles within industry, utilities, regulatory bodies and engineering firms in the nuclear sector. 

The core coursework for both master’s degrees provides a direct and robust foundation for students interested in pursuing the forthcoming PhD program.

No. Courses are offered only in person at the Abilene campus.

Up to five research assistantships will be offered per year, including fully-funded tuition and stipends.

Both master’s programs leverage Ä¢¹½´«Ã½’s unique molten salt research reactor (MSRR) and NEXT Lab facilities. This provides unparalleled, direct hands-on experience with advanced reactor systems, radiation detection and measurement, and experimental campaigns, preparing graduates for real-world scenarios.