Purdue Nuclear Engineering seniors design projects covering everything from AI-driven fuel optimization to nuclear systems for space and industry.

Purdue Nuclear Engineering has been developing several educational and outreach programs that contributes towards preparing future leaders in energy. In 2026 Spring Purdue Nuclear Engineering launched Nation's FIRST SMR Credential Program with sequence of professional courses that build core competency in nuclear reactor fundamentals, safety, operations, and advanced materials and management. Purdue University's online graduate program, Master of Nuclear Engineering (MNE) is conveniently designed for professional engineers, technician and scientists looking to advance their skills without disrupting their careers. Atoms at Work Summer Program provides rising high school seniors undergo a crash course on all things nuclear and  nuclear workshops for  high school teachers provides experiential learning on nuclear engineering principles, radiation and reactor operation.  Radiation lab and reactor tours are hosted throughout year for general public.

Our Approach

The educational approach of Purdue Nuclear Engineering within Purdue University is built around an integrated, research-driven, and industry-connected model designed to prepare students for leadership in advanced nuclear systems, including fission, fusion, and emerging Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technologies. The approach prioritizes systems-level thinking and interdisciplinary integration, combining nuclear engineering with mechanical, materials, electrical, and data science perspectives. This prepares graduates to address complex challenges in energy security, decarbonization, and next-generation nuclear deployment.

Educational Output Goals

The educational outputs of Purdue Nuclear Engineering are designed to develop a highly skilled workforce and advance knowledge that directly supports nuclear energy innovation, safety, and deployment. The key goals include:

  • Workforce development for nuclear industry and R&D
  • Strong foundation in nuclear science and engineering principles
  • Integration of research with education
  • Hands-on experimental and computational experience
  • Safety, ethics, and regulatory competence
  • Industry and national lab alignment
  • Leadership in advanced nuclear systems (SMRs and Gen IV)

At a broader level, the program at Purdue University aims to produce graduates who not only understand nuclear engineering fundamentals but can also lead innovation in advanced nuclear energy systems critical to U.S. energy transition goals.

Academic Pathways at Purdue

Academic Pipeline Development at Purdue

Purdue Nuclear Engineering provides a vertically integrated academic pathway that supports workforce preparation from undergraduate through doctoral levels. These include, The B.S. in Nuclear Engineering, The M.S. and Ph.D. programs and The Online Master of Nuclear Engineering (MNE).

Experiential Learning and Industry Integration

Purdue’s nuclear engineering program emphasizes applied learning through structured engagement with industry and research environments that include Cooperative education and internships with nuclear utilities, engineering firms, and reactor vendors, Undergraduate research participation in faculty-led laboratories. These experiences frequently lead to professional certification pathways, publications, and long-term industry placement.

U.S. Department of Energy–Supported Workforce Pathways

Federal workforce development programs provide critical funding and research engagement opportunities for Purdue students. These include the DOE Nuclear Energy University Program (NEUP) provides scholarships, fellowships, and competitively funded research opportunities tied to national nuclear energy priorities, students gain access to DOE national laboratories.

National Laboratory and Federal Research Engagement

Early-career professionals and students benefit from structured entry points into the national laboratory system. Internships and appointments at DOE national laboratories provide hands-on experience in reactor design, materials testing, nuclear data analysis, and safety systems development.

Industry Workforce Development and Utility Partnerships

The nuclear energy sector provides robust professional development opportunities through partnerships with utilities and technology providers. Student and early-career engagement in professional societies plays a critical role in workforce readiness. The American Nuclear Society (ANS) provides access to technical conferences, research dissemination, and professional networking opportunities.

Federal and National Security Career Pathways

In addition to civilian energy applications, nuclear engineering education supports critical national security missions. The agencies include US Navy nuclear programs , The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and Department of Energy national security programs.

Continuing Education

Professional Development & Online Learning Opportunities

Purdue nuclear engineering offers a highly structured and rapidly expanding set of educational and workforce development pathways, and they directly support the mission of the Institute for Energy Innovation to develop a future-ready energy workforce.

Online Master of Nuclear Engineering

Purdue University's online graduate program, Master of Nuclear Engineering (MNE) is conveniently designed for professional engineers, technician and scientists looking to advance their skills without disrupting their careers. Prospective learners can plan the pace of study based on their convenience and choice of coursework. There is also a Nuclear Engineering concentration within Purdue's Online Interdisciplinary Master's in Engineering (MSE/MS).

MSE/MS in Interdisciplinary Engineering

Purdue University’s innovative Master of Science in Interdisciplinary Engineering (MS/MSE) degree empowers professionals to tailor their educational experience to their unique goals and exposes them to a wide variety of issues and topics relevant to current engineering trends and the future of the field. You can add up to two optional engineering disciplines, also called concentrations. Concentrations can help narrow your focus and are driven by emerging technical fields in order to give students an immersive interdisciplinary experience. Each concentration is packaged within the MS/MSE Interdisciplinary Engineering degree and follows unique requirements met within the overall base degree requirements. A concentration shows up on your transcript, not your diploma.
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