Nuclear Engineering Major

Nuclear Engineering Major

Nuclear Engineering

Major

Nuclear engineering makes practical use of energy released by the atomic nucleus. Applications extend into the fields of electric power, medicine, nuclear weapons, and nuclear weapons effects.

Offered by the Department of Physics & Nuclear Engineering.

Are you interested in cutting-edge science, national defense, or the future of clean energy? The Nuclear Engineering major at the United States Military Academy at West Point gives you the chance to explore powerful technologies that shape the world - from energy and medicine to military operations and global security.

This major is perfect for curious, motivated students who love physics, problem-solving, and want to make a real difference with science and leadership.

What Is Nuclear Engineering?

Nuclear Engineering is the study of how to safely and efficiently use nuclear energy. It focuses on topics like nuclear power, radiation, reactors, and nuclear safety. It’s a major for problem-solvers who want to work with advanced technology, help protect the environment and play a key role in national defense.

At West Point, this major prepares cadets to understand the science behind nuclear systems, from energy production to nuclear weapons effects - giving them with both technical knowledge and leadership skills.

Why Study Nuclear Engineering at USMA?

At West Point, cadets are not just earning a degree - they're becoming a leader of character trained to use technology for the good of their country.

  • National Defense Focus
    Explore how nuclear science applies to Army operations, homeland security, and nuclear deterrence - key topics for future Army leaders.
  • Hands-On Learning
    The program includes labs, field experiences, and high-tech simulations. Cadets might study radiation in real-world settings or analyze nuclear reactor designs.
  • Small Program, Big Impact
    The Nuclear Engineering major at West Point is one of the only ABET-accredited undergraduate nuclear programs in the country. You’ll work closely with expert instructors and receive personalized mentoring.
  • Career Ready
    Whether graduates go into Army Nuclear and Counterproliferation roles, civil engineering, or graduate school, they will be prepared. This major builds critical thinking, leadership, and scientific skills.

What To Do With This Major?

With a Nuclear Engineering degree from West Point, cadets can:

  • Serve in Army roles focused on nuclear defense, engineering, or CBRN operations
  • Work with top government agencies like the Department of Energy, NRC, or NSA
  • Help prevent nuclear threats and improve national security
  • Contribute to clean energy research, reactor design, or radiation safety
  • Attend graduate school in nuclear science, medical physics, or nuclear policy

Interested Cadets

If you're curious about how nuclear energy works, passionate about science and math, and want to make a difference in the Army and the world, the Nuclear Engineering major at West Point might be the perfect fit for you.

This major dives deep into how nuclear systems work - everything from generating clean power in reactors to understanding radiation and how it can be safely used or protected against. You'll learn how nuclear technology impacts national security, energy, medicine, and even space travel.

Why Consider This Major

  • Science with Real Impact – Cadets in this major study energy, weapons, medicine, and strategy - all at once.
  • Highly Relevant to the Army – Nuclear knowledge is critical in fields like engineering, CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear), and national defense.
  • High-Demand Expertise – Nuclear engineers are rare and in-demand across military, government, and industry.
  • Personal Challenge – If you love physics, chemistry, and solving complex problems, this major will keep you engaged.
  • Great for Grad School or Career Advancement – Whether a cadet wants to pursue nuclear engineering, national security, or technical leadership, this major opens doors.

What Cadets Learn

Cadets dive into:

  • Physics & Nuclear Fundamentals - Courses like Physics II, Nuclear Physics, and Radiation Detection
  • Engineering Core - Thermodynamics, Heat Transfer, Fluid Mechanics
  • Specialized Nuclear Courses
    • Nuclear Reactor Design
    • Health Physics (radiation safety)
    • Nuclear Weapons Effects
    • Radiological Hazard Assessment

Cadets in this major complete a senior design project - many sponsored by Army labs or national agencies - where they solve real-world nuclear engineering challenges. Past projects include designing portable radiation sensors and studying new reactor technologies.

Choice of Electives

Electives like these let cadets explore areas that they're passionate about:

  • Introduction to Nuclear Weapons Effects and Policy – Learn how nuclear weapons have shaped history and strategy.
  • Advanced Radiation Detection – Get hands-on with the tech used to detect and measure radiation.
  • Space Nuclear Power – Explore how nuclear energy can support deep space missions.
  • Nuclear Nonproliferation – Understand how the U.S. and global organizations work to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons.

Learn More

Nuclear Engineering majors have the opportunity to: 

Other Honor Societies:

To learn more about enrichment for this area of study, visit the Department of Physics & Nuclear Engineering or Photonics Research Center.

The Bachelor of Science in nuclear engineering at USMA is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET under the General Criteria and the Nuclear, Radiological and Similarly Named Engineering Programs Criteria.

Enrollment information for the nuclear engineering program can be found under “Enrollment for ABET Majors.” 

Program Educational Objectives (PEO)

PEO for nuclear engineering at USMA is that within five to seven years after graduation, cadets who major in nuclear engineering are successful Army officers who:

  • As Army leaders of character, they solve complex, multi-disciplinary problems for the Army and the nation.
  • Demonstrate necessary leadership and teamwork skills to lead and work on multi-disciplinary teams.
  • Are prepared to provide appropriate nuclear and radiological engineering expertise to the Army and nation.
  • Communicate effectively, orally and in writing, providing clear instructions to subordinates and feedback to supervisors.
  • Continue to develop and grow their intellect, professionalism, and character - as Army officers and engineers.

Student Outcomes

At the time of graduation, cadets who major in nuclear engineering possess:

  • 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.
  • The ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments 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, using appropriate learning strategies.