students in front of a nuclear power plant

Undergraduate Program

BSE in Nuclear Engineering & Radiological Sciences

At NERS, we believe that engaging in research as an undergraduate student is a very important part of the educational experience. Many of our students are actively involved and have co-authored papers in scientific journals.

Our ABET-accredited Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Sciences Bachelor of Science in Engineering (NERS BSE) program provides students with skills and tools necessary for industrial, medical, governmental, and environmental applications of nuclear processes and radiation.

Because of its breadth and flexibility, our undergraduate program should be considered by several different groups of students:

Those who wish to obtain a BSE degree and then seek employment in challenging and a socially relevant field such as energy, medicine, or national security
Those preparing for graduate study in nuclear engineering or related fields
Those who are seeking very broad technical backgrounds and who hope to make their careers in research and development, particularly after further study at the graduate level.

The tight-knit community within the department provides our students endless opportunities to excel in a cooperative atmosphere. One such opportunity is research, either for pay or academic credit.

In addition to nuclear engineering and radiological fundamentals, students use modern tools and techniques while working in multidisciplinary teams that reflect real-world engineering projects.

They engage with the environmental, social, political, and ethical aspects of the field by taking advantage of the quality and diversity of programs at Michigan to broaden their horizons and explore other fields of study. U-M boasts highly-ranked schools in Natural Resources, Public Health, Public Policy, Medicine, Law, and Business, and our students are encouraged to explore course sequences or collaborative programs in these other areas. Alternatively, with a solid background in math, science, and engineering principles, students often consider these complementary fields for future graduate or professional study.

Admissions

Incoming freshmen or transfer students who want to join the program, please apply through Michigan Engineering. The University of Michigan uses the Common Application. Current U-M students considering NERS should meet with Michelle Sonderman to discuss declaring the major or transferring from another college.

Contacts

Michelle Sonderman

Undergraduate Program Manager

Ryan McBride

Associate Professor and Undergraduate Program Advisor

Carolyn Kuranz

Associate Professor and Engineering Physics Program Advisor (2023)

Michael Atzmon

Professor Emeritus

Want to know more about NERS or arrange a visit? Please contact us through the Undergraduate Program Information Requests form. You can also arrange general tours of North Campus, home of Michigan Engineering, through the college website.

Most NERS graduates who join the workforce after earning BSE degrees find employment in industry, government, or health care.

Others earn MS or PhD degrees, not only in nuclear engineering and radiological sciences, but also in various disciplines such as medicine, law, and health physics. The strong math and physics background of nuclear and radiological engineers ensures that they are well prepared for graduate programs in diverse fields.

Many of our alumni go on to assume leadership roles, building on their strong backgrounds in fundamental engineering analysis, teamwork, and communication skills. Learn more about NERS career opportunities.

Mission

To be the global academic leader in the innovation and evolution of nuclear engineering, uses of radiation, and plasma science.

Goals

The program provides students with:

skills and tools necessary for industrial, medical, governmental, and environmental applications of nuclear processes and radiation.
insights and skills that will prepare them to be leaders in research and the practice of nuclear engineering and radiological sciences within 5 to 10 years of graduation.

Program Educational Objectives

Within 5–10 years after graduating, our students will be able to:

Use their understanding of nuclear engineering and radiological sciences to perform analyses and measurements related to radiation and radiation interactions with matter, nuclear power systems, and health physics design and analyses, in industry, government agencies, or academic environments.
Adapt to the rapidly changing scientific and technological landscape, recognize the implications of their work, drive the development of future technologies, and engage in life-long learning and the continual improvement of their skills and knowledge.
Communicate effectively with their colleagues and students, and positively influence policymakers and the general public.
Contribute substantively as leaders in science, technology, the environment, and society.

Student Educational Outcomes

Graduates of the program will have: [ includes references to ABET Criterion ]

an ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics
an ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors
an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences
an ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts
an ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives
an ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions
an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.

ABET

The Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Sciences Bachelor of Science in Engineering program is ABET-accredited. ABET, formerly known as the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology, uses a system of peer review to ensure high-quality standards in engineering education. Licensed Professional Engineers must hold a degree from an ABET-accredited program.

Because of ABET accreditation and international accords, NERS BSE degrees awarded by the University of Michigan are recognized around the US and the world. For more detailed information on our program, please see above for the Undergraduate Planning Guide.

EXPLORE OUR UNDERGRAD PROGRAM

Visit the U-M College of Engineering’s Majors site to learn more about the NERS program.

Learn More

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