DEGREE Nuclear Engineering, BS

Major in nuclear engineering

As a nuclear engineering major, you can use nuclear science and technology to tackle some of society’s biggest challenges: expand clean energy, diagnose and cure diseases, travel to distant planets, and reduce the risk of nuclear weapons. Our curriculum gives students depth and breadth to keep up with rapidly changing technology, and our close-knit learning community supports our students’ success during their degree and as they launch their careers. The radiation sciences option provides a pathway for careers in medical applications of radiation.

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At a glance

Nuclear engineering and engineering physics department

of the nation’s few remaining research and teaching nuclear reactors

undergraduate ranking among public universities in nuclear engineering

graduate ranking among public universities in nuclear engineering

Facts & stats

Program and Degree Information

Determine what kind of student you will be and learn more about what information you need to apply.

Freshman A freshman includes anyone who is currently a student in high school or who has not taken college coursework since graduating from high school.

Transfer Student A transfer student is anyone who has attended another college or university after graduating from high school and wishes to enroll in an undergraduate degree program at UW–Madison.

Cross-campus Student Cross-campus transfer students are students who are currently enrolled in another school or college at UW-Madison who wish to transfer into the College of Engineering.

Reentry Student Students who previously attended the University of Wisconsin–Madison as an undergraduate and would like to complete their first undergraduate degree will need to apply for reentry admission. Reentry students are those who have not been enrolled in courses for a semester or more.

Tuition and segregated fee rates are always listed per semester (not for Fall and Spring combined).

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The College of Engineering is committed to recognizing the potential and accomplishments of incoming and enrolled students by supporting their education through a variety of scholarships at the college and departmental level.

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Educational Objectives
We recognize that our graduates will choose to use the knowledge and skills that they have acquired during their undergraduate years to pursue a wide variety of career and life goals, and we encourage this diversity of paths. Whatever path our graduates may choose, we expect them to be meeting the following objectives at least three to five years after graduation.

Exhibit strong performance and continuous development in problem-solving, leadership, teamwork, and communication, initially applied to nuclear engineering or engineering mechanics, and demonstrating an unwavering commitment to excellence.
Demonstrate continuing commitment to, and interest in, his or her training and education, as well as those of others.
Transition seamlessly into a professional environment and make continuing, well-informed career choices.
Contribute to their communities.

Learning Outcomes

an ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics
an ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors
an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences
an ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts
an ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives
an ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions
an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.

Degrees

Conferred, 2021-22
Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Engineering: 15
Enrolled, 2022 (Fall)
Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Engineering: 59

Our Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET

View the Undergraduate Guide for information on requirements, four-year plans and more.

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Nuclear engineering and engineering physics news

In our department, our research spans areas that include aerospace, materials, fusion energy, nuclear systems and more—and we are a community that brings them all together for the benefit of our world.

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June 6, 2023

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