Georgia Institute of Technology

What you'll study

The programme combines a core engineering curriculum with specialised nuclear and radiological engineering modules. Early years emphasise mathematics, physics, chemistry and foundational engineering subjects such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics and materials. Core nuclear topics include reactor physics, radiation detection and measurement, radiation protection and health physics, nuclear materials, nuclear systems and reactor theory. Students also study computational methods for nuclear engineering, nuclear fuel cycles, radiation shielding, and radiological emergency response.

Laboratory work and hands‑on training are an important part of the curriculum, with courses incorporating experimental measurements, radiation instrumentation and reactor laboratory exercises. The degree culminates in a senior capstone or design project that requires teams to apply engineering design principles to realistic nuclear or radiological engineering problems. Elective options allow specialisation in areas such as medical physics and radiological applications, nuclear materials, computational modelling, or energy systems.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to have a strong secondary‑school preparation in mathematics (calculus where available) and physics; chemistry is strongly recommended. Typical successful applicants present high grades in STEM subjects and evidence of problem‑solving ability. For international applicants, equivalent qualifications demonstrating proficiency in mathematics and physics are required. Admissions decisions consider the overall academic record, letters of recommendation, personal statement and any relevant extracurricular or research experience; standardised test requirements vary with institutional policy.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a wide range of careers across industry, government and research. Common pathways include roles in nuclear power generation, operations and design; positions at national laboratories and research centres; regulatory and safety organisations; and consulting firms focused on radiation protection and environmental monitoring. Other opportunities exist in medical and industrial applications of radiation — for example in nuclear medicine, radiotherapy, medical imaging and isotope production — as well as in aerospace, defence, and advanced materials manufacturing. The programme also provides a strong foundation for graduate study in nuclear engineering, medical physics, materials science and related fields.

Why study at Georgia Institute of Technology

Georgia Tech has a long‑established School of Nuclear and Radiological Engineering embedded within a top engineering college, providing access to multidisciplinary expertise and collaborative research. Students benefit from hands‑on facilities and practical training opportunities, including work with the campus research reactor and radiation instrumentation laboratories. Close ties with industry, national laboratories and regional nuclear employers support internships, co‑ops and research placements, while faculty research spans reactor physics, radiation detection, materials, nuclear fuel cycles and medical applications.

The institute's location and broad engineering ecosystem create many cross‑disciplinary learning and career development opportunities, and the curriculum emphasises experiential learning, professional skills and preparedness for licensure or graduate study.