High School

If you are interested in becoming a professional engineer, you must begin preparing yourself in high school. You should take honors-level courses in mathematics and the sciences. Specifically, you should complete courses in algebra, geometry, trigonometry, calculus, chemistry, physics, and biology. Take English, social studies, and a foreign language (many published technical papers that are required reading in later years are written in German or French). Be sure to keep your computer skills up to date by taking computer science classes.

Postsecondary Training

Professional engineers must have at least a bachelor's degree. You should attend a four-year college or university that is approved by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology. In a nuclear engineering program, you will focus on subjects similar to those studied in high school but at a more advanced level. Courses also include engineering sciences and atomic and nuclear physics.

These subjects will prepare you for analyzing and designing nuclear systems and understanding how they operate. You will learn and comprehend what is involved in the interaction between radiation and matter; radiation measurements; the production and use of radioisotopes; reactor physics and engineering; and fusion reactions. The subject of safety will be emphasized, particularly with regard to handling radiation sources and implementing nuclear systems.

You must have a master's or doctoral degree for most jobs in research and higher education, and for supervisory and administrative positions. It is recommended that you obtain a graduate degree in nuclear engineering because this level of education will help you obtain the skills required for advanced specialization in the field. Many institutions that offer advanced degrees have nuclear reactors and well-equipped laboratories for teaching and research. You can obtain information about these schools by contacting the U.S. Department of Energy (https://www.energy.gov).

Certification or Licensing

A professional engineer (P.E.) license is usually required before obtaining employment on public projects (i.e., work that may affect life, health, or property). Although registration guidelines differ for each state, most states require a degree from an accredited engineering program, four years of work experience in the field, and a minimum grade on a state exam.

Nuclear engineers should have experience in preparing and interpreting drawings and client specifications. They must be seasoned at reviewing work, maintaining schedules, and adhering to budgets. In addition, they should be skilled at performing field investigations and evaluating existing systems to determine capacity for upgrading. Nuclear engineers should have a solid background in providing technical guidance and briefings to all members on a particular project. They must also have experience in interacting with clients as well as writing proposals and estimating projects.

Nuclear design engineers should possess experience in designing instrumentation or equipment for the specific industry in which they specialize. For instance, an engineer in the nuclear fuels field should have a working background involving radioactive waste removal, while those in the equipment arena should have experience in utilizing radioactive materials to solve problems in medicine, science, and agriculture.

Nuclear construction engineers should have a lengthy history with on-site facilities projects, such as power plants and reactors. These engineers must possess a proven track record of teamwork as they work closely with other specialists and often are responsible for supervising crew members. In addition, they must be capable of analyzing and solving critical aspects that can lead to nuclear disasters.

Nuclear engineers will encounter two unique concerns. First, exposure to high levels of radiation may be hazardous; thus, engineers must always follow safety measures. Those working near radioactive materials must adhere to strict precautions outlined by regulatory standards. In addition, female engineers of childbearing age may not be allowed to work in certain areas or perform particular duties because of the potential harm to the human fetus from radiation.

Finally, nuclear engineers must be prepared for a lifetime of continuing education. In some states, license renewal is contingent upon earning continuing education credits.