Nuclear Science Minor

Nuclear Science Minor

Nuclear Science

Minor

Nuclear science studies 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 and Nuclear Engineering.

The Nuclear Science minor gives you a deep understanding of nuclear technology, radiation, and nuclear systems - without requiring a full major in nuclear engineering. It’s designed for students interested in how nuclear energy and radiation affect the military, national security, and global safety.

What is Nuclear Science?

The Nuclear Science minor provides the tools to think critically, act responsibly, and lead confidently in one of the most high-stakes fields in modern science. Whether a cadet wants to work with nuclear power, weapons policy, or advanced detection systems, this minor helps them be ready for whatever challenge comes next.

It combines science, engineering, and real-world defense strategy, all while building technical and leadership skills. minor includes topics like:

  • Nuclear reactions and radiation
  • Weapons effects and nuclear security
  • Radiological detection and protection
  • Applications of nuclear science in Army operations

Why Consider Nuclear Science Minor at USMA?

  • Real-World Relevance
    Nuclear science is used in energy production, medical technology, homeland security, and especially military operations. This minor helps cadets understand the risks and benefits of nuclear systems.
  • Army-Centered Applications
    Cadets learn how the Army handles radiation threats, nuclear weapons effects, and radiological hazards - important knowledge for leadership in combat support, engineering, and CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear) units.
  • Add Value to Any Major
    Whether a cadet is studying engineering, physics, chemistry, or even strategy or international affairs, this minor boosts their technical and analytical edge.
  • Critical for Modern Warfare
    Understanding nuclear technology is key to working in cyber, intelligence, missile defense, space operations, and more.
  • Graduate School & Career Ready
    It also sets cadets up well for graduate studies in nuclear engineering or defense-related science, and for roles in DOE, DTRA, national labs, and Army nuclear programs.

At West Point, the Nuclear Science minor is more than just academics - it’s preparation for leadership in a world where nuclear knowledge saves lives, prevents threats, and strengthens national defense. Whether you're leading troops, managing technology, or advising strategy, this minor gives you a powerful edge.

What To Do With This Minor?

Cadets with a Nuclear Science Minor are highly valued in roles like:

  • Nuclear and CWMD (Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction)
  • Chemical Corps
  • Cyber Operations
  • Engineering or Space Operations
  • Graduate School in Nuclear or Energy Fields

They are better prepared to take on missions that involve nuclear safety, radiation response, and cutting-edge defense tech.

Interested Cadets

Interested in the science behind nuclear energy, radiation, and how they impact national defense? Want to learn how nuclear technology shapes the Army’s future? If you’re fascinated by the power of the atom and how it’s used in everything from medicine to missile defense, the Nuclear Science minor at West Point is a powerful way to level up your STEM skills - no matter what your major is.

Why Consider This Minor

  • High-Impact Knowledge: Nuclear science plays a big role in energy, security, and cutting-edge defense technologies.
  • Army-Relevant: Learn about radiation detection, nuclear weapons effects, and how to safely work in radiation environments - skills valued across many Army branches.
  • Perfect Pairing: Combine with majors like Physics, Engineering, Chemistry, or Space Science for a competitive edge.
  • Small Program, Big Value: Stand out as a future officer with technical expertise in one of the most strategic areas of science.

The Nuclear Science minor could be a great fit for cadets who:

  • Enjoy science, physics, or engineering
  • Are curious about nuclear energy and technology
  • Want to play a role in national security and strategic defense
  • Are thinking about careers in CBRN, military technology, intelligence, or advanced scientific research

What Cadets Learn

This minor gives cadets a focused look at nuclear processes, materials, and applications. They explore topics like:

  • Nuclear Reactions & Radioactivity – How atoms split, release energy, and change over time
  • Radiation Detection – How we find and measure radiation safely
  • Nuclear Materials & Shielding – How materials behave under radiation and how we protect people and systems
  • Health Physics – How radiation affects the human body and how to manage exposure

Choice of Electives

Cadets in this minor choose from courses that match their interests and career goals:

  • Introduction to Nuclear Engineering – Learn how nuclear reactors work and how the Army uses nuclear power
  • Nuclear Weapons Effects & Policy – Understand the impact of nuclear weapons and how global leaders work to control them
  • Advanced Radiation Detection – Get hands-on with tools used to monitor and respond to radiological threats
  • Space Nuclear Power & Propulsion – Explore how nuclear energy can power future space missions
  • Plasma Physics – Study a state of matter that’s key to fusion energy and space systems

Learn More

Cadets who minor in nuclear engineering have the opportunity to:

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