The Nuclear Engineering Graduate Program
The Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science offers graduate studies in nuclear engineering. Broad areas covered in the curriculum include: (1) Nuclear Energy Technology, (2) Nuclear Operations and Safety, (3) Nuclear Materials, (4) Nuclear Modeling and Simulations, and (5) Radiochemistry and Radiation Measurement.
Students have the option to complete this program 100% online.
Degree Programs
Master of Science Program
The degree requirements can be met by either of the two options described below. Upon entering, the student plans a program of study with the aid of a faculty advisor.
Thesis Option (Research M.S. Track)
The research MS track is primarily for those students focused on technology development. Further, full time graduate students who are supported by department scholarships must choose the research MS track. The thesis examining committee will consist of at least three members of the faculty recommended by a major advisor and approved by the MEMS Department Chair. The final oral examination in defense of the master’s thesis is conducted by the thesis committee, and a report of this examination signed by all members of the committee must be filed in the Office of the Dean.
Requirements
Completion of the research MS degree in Nuclear Engineering requires at least 24 didactic course credits and at least six credits of thesis research (ME 2999 - M. S. THESIS ).
The didactic courses must also include at least five of the nuclear engineering courses listed below (totaling at least 15 credits).
Students may take up to 9 graduate course credits (6 for MS/MBA students) from other engineering, mathematics, or physics departments, as approved by the Nuclear Engineering program directors. Students must maintain a minimum cumulative QPA of 3.0.
Non-Thesis Option (Professional M.S. Track)
The professional MS program is oriented toward full-time students seeking a career in industry, and part-time students currently working in industry. Full-time Grad Student Research-supported students might change to the Professional MS track, upon approval by the sponsoring faculty advisor and the graduate program.
The professional master’s degree requires the completion of at least 30 course credits of graduate study approved by the Nuclear Engineering program directors, with at least a 3.00 GPA. No more than six credit hours may be granted as transfer credit for work done at another accredited graduate institution. All credits earned in the ME master’s degree program must be at the graduate level (the 2000 or 3000 series courses).
Requirements:
To complete the requirement of 30 graduate credits for the Professional MS, students must complete:
At least five of the nuclear engineering courses listed below (totaling at least 15 credits)
Up to 9 graduate credits (6 for MS/MBA students) from courses offered in other engineering departments or in the mathematics or physics departments (totaling up to 9 credits) as approved by Nuclear Engineering program directors.
MS/MBA students are also required to complete an integrated project course. Please contact the Graduate Directors for a copy of the guidelines for the integrated project course.
Note:
Courses designated as (NUCE/ME) in above list will also be recognized for credit toward an MS or PhD in Mechanical Engineering; these courses include NUCE 2100, NUCE 2102, and NUCE/MSE 2115.
If you have questions about the curriculum, please contact either the Director or Associate/Academic Director of the Nuclear Engineering program. Currently, these posts are occupied by Dr. Heng Ban (heng.ban@pitt.edu) and Dr. Tom Congedo (tvc9@pitt.edu), respectively.
If you have questions about registration, please contact the Graduate Administrator, Tara Rankin (mems_gradadmin@pitt.edu or 412-624-9722).
