Nuclear Engineering Graduate Program

There is no other graduate program in nuclear engineering within South Carolina. We believe that the projected demand for qualified nuclear engineers justifies the development of a nuclear engineering program to serve personnel needs and to place South Carolina in a leadership position. This belief is strongly endorsed by the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission. To assure that the nuclear engineering graduate program is at the forefront of cutting edge technology, the Mechanical Engineering Department has established a Nuclear Engineering Advisory Board whose members reflect the strong partnership that exists between the nuclear industry, the US government, and the University of South Carolina.

EARNING POTENTIAL

Nuclear engineers have a very high earning potential compared to engineers in other fields. Statistics from the United States Bureau of Labor indicate that in 1999 the median annual salary for nuclear engineers was $74,600. The top 25 percent earned a median annual salary of $87,090, and the highest 10 percent earned an average of more than $105,000 per year. As a whole, nuclear engineers tend to earn more than engineers in any other field except petroleum engineering across all degree levels.

ENROLLMENT

Applicants to the graduate program in nuclear engineering are expected to have earned a baccalaureate degree in engineering, computer science, or physics with at least a 3.00 GPA. Applicants to all degree programs should visit the Graduate School’s website (http://www.gradschool.sc.edu) and the Mechanical Engineering Department's website
(http://www.me.sc.edu/grad/) for information on all other admission requirements.

SCHOLARSHIPS AND FELLOWSHIPS

Successful full-time students have opportunities to apply for or be considered for scholarships or fellowships from NANT, NRC, DOE, CNTA,  or ANS. Additionally, there are numerous opportunities for internships in the nuclear industry.