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The University of Idaho (UI), College of Engineering, offers graduate degree programs in nuclear engineering. The programs prepare students for productive careers in research, industry or academia. Areas of specialization include nuclear fuel and materials, radioactive waste treatment and management, thermal hydraulics, nuclear systems design and modeling, and nuclear-generated hydrogen.
The goal of degree programs is to provide superior education opportunities for engineers and scientists in nuclear engineering and to prepare them for successful careers in research, industry, government, and education.
In partnership with the Idaho National laboratory (INL), Idaho State University (ISU) and Boise State University (BSU); a broad spectrum of courses, faculty expertise and facilities are available to the student.

Nuclear energy is the largest source of emission-free energy in North America. Nuclear power plants produce no greenhouse gases or controlled air pollutants such as sulfur and particulates. The use of nuclear energy in place of other energy sources helps to keep the air clean, preserve the Earth's climate, avoid ground-level ozone formation and prevent acid rain.

A critical shortage of nuclear engineers is being realized in the United States. Recent interest in enhancing pollution-free nuclear power for electricity, hydrogen production, industrial and medical applications, and national security; coupled with retirements in an aging nuclear workforce, are fueling the shortage.

Degrees Offered

The graduate degrees offered in the UI Nuclear Engineering Program are the Master of Science in Nuclear Engineering (M.S.N.E.), the Master of Engineering in Nuclear Engineering (M.E.N.E.), and the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.).

The Master of Science degree is a research-based degree culminating in a master's thesis. Students completing this degree would be well prepared to work in research, industry or academic settings. The degree requires a minimum of 30 credit hours, and normally takes 3 to 4 semesters to complete.

The Master of Engineering degree is a more design-oriented degree. A master's thesis is not required. The degree requires a minimum of 36 credit hours and normally takes 3 to 4 semesters to complete.

The Doctor of Philosophy degree is an advanced research-based degree. The results of the research done are summarized in a doctoral dissertation. The research completed in this degree is expected to be original and innovative. Students completing this degree are well prepared to work in a research-oriented position, such as those at national laboratories, industries, or universities. The program requires a minimum of 78 credit hours beyond the bachelor's degree and normally takes 3 to 5 years to complete.
For additional information, the Graduate Student Handbook is available for download, or please contact Dr. Fred Gunnerson at 208-282-7962 or by e-mail gunner@if.uidaho.edu.

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