The Grainger College of Engineering
Nuclear, Plasma & Radiological Engineering

PhD Curriculum

The PhD in Nuclear, Plasma, and Radiological Engineering is offered either through a MS track or directly following a baccalaureate degree. 

A doctoral student typically takes several courses in NPRE, plus additional courses that support a specialized research area and provide background in mathematics and science.  Students work with their faculty advisors to determine elective graduate coursework that aligns with their research area and interests. 

PhD (Post MS) Degree Requirements

Total Credit Hours 64 Hours

NPRE 501: Fundamentals of Nuclear Engineering

and

NPRE 521: Interaction of Radiation with Matter

8 hours

If MS is completed elsewhere, students should consult with the Graduate Office.

Elective coursework

 
 
 16 hours
  •     A minimum of 4* - 8 hours must be NPRE graduate level courses 
  •    *If MS is earned from NPRE, a minimum of 4 hours must be NPRE graduate level courses
  •     A minimum of 8 hours must be 500 - level coursework (in addition to NPRE 501 and 521)
  •    NPRE 402, 596 and 599 do not count toward this requirement
 
 
 
NPRE 599: Thesis credit 40 hours

NPRE 596: Seminar

All PhD students must enroll in NPRE 596 each semester of enrollment

Registration for 1 hour every semester while in residence; credit does not apply toward the degree
OTHER REQUIREMENTS AND CONDITIONS

All courses must be taken for a letter grade to satisfy degree requirements.   

Any courses that do not count toward the degree requirements may be taken CR/NC following Graduate College rules and policies and Graduate Student Code
    NPRE 402 does not count toward degree requirements

 
    Minimum GPA: 3.0/4.0

Direct PhD - For students entering with an approved Baccalaureate degree

The NPRE department offers highly qualified applicants, generally with a BS degree GPA of 3.75 equivalent or better, to be admitted directly into the PhD program without an MS degree.

Direct PhD (Post BS) Degree Requirements

Total Credit Hours 96 Hours

NPRE 501: Fundamentals of Nuclear Engineering

and

NPRE 521: Interaction of Radiation with Matter

8 hours

 

Elective coursework

 

 

  40 - 48 hours

  •    Chosen in consultation with research advisor
  •    A minimum of 16 hours must be NPRE graduate level courses 
  •    A minimum of 8 hours must be 500 - level technical coursework 
  •   NPRE 402, 596 and 599 do not count toward this requirement 
 
 
 
NPRE 599: Thesis credit

40 - 48 hours

  •  A minimum of 40 hours and a maximum of 48 hours may be applied toward degree 
  • If less than 48 hours are completed, elective coursework may supplement

NPRE 596: Seminar

All PhD students must enroll in NPRE 596 each semester of enrollment.

Registration for 1 hour every semester while in residence; credit does not apply toward the degree.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS AND CONDITIONS

All courses must be taken for a letter grade to satisfy degree requirements.   

Any courses that do not count toward the degree requirements may be taken CR/NC following Graduate College rules and policies and Graduate Student Code
     NPRE 402 does not count toward degree requirements

 
 
   NPRE students not completing MS thesis may only count 40 hours of NPRE 599
     Minimum GPA: 3.0/4.0