Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering

Nuclear Engineering Option

Mechanical engineering students can pursue a formal option in nuclear engineering, which encompasses areas such as nuclear power plant design, nuclear medicine and research of global issues.

Nuclear engineers research and design nuclear energy systems and other systems that utilize radiation.

  • Design, develop, monitor, and operate nuclear plants
  • Work on the nuclear fuel cycle-production, handling, and use of nuclear fuel and safe disposal of nuclear waste or fusion energy
  • Develop nuclear power sources such as those used in spacecraft
  • Develop industrial and medical uses for radioactive materials, such as equipment to diagnose and treat medical problems

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Declaring the Nuclear Engineering Option

Mechanical Engineering undergraduate students declare the Nuclear Engineering Option by filling out the Nuclear Engineering Option Declaration Form.

Nuclear Engineering Option Coursework

The Nuclear Engineering Option is a subplan within the Mechanical Engineering bachelor's degree, with the coursework incorporated into the Technical Electives.

Required Courses (12 hours):

NE 690 - Radiation Protection and Shielding
NE 612 - Principles of Radiation Detection (NE 612 will replace ME 535 - Measurement and Instrumentation Laboratory)
NE 630 - Nuclear Reactor Theory
NE 648 - Nuclear Reactor Laboratory

*The proposed Nuclear Engineering Option requirements for the K-State Core curriculum are currently moving through the approval process with the expected final approval in 2024.

Nuclear Reactor Operator Training

Reactor Operations Laboratory (NE 350) is offered for students interested in the operational aspects of nuclear reactors. Additionally, the K-State Nuclear Reactor Facility offers part-time student positions. Student staff assist in the maintenance and operations of the K-State TRIGA Mark II Nuclear Reactor, a 1250 kW licensed research reactor capable of short bursts up to 1400 MW. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission licenses reactor operators – obtaining a license and operating a reactor is an outstanding way to see theory put into practice and gain valuable hands-on nuclear experience.