Nuclear, Plasma, and Radiological Engineering

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What is Nuclear, Plasma, and Radiological Engineering?

This major focuses on how sources of nuclear energy and radiation are developed and used. Many of the exciting applications of this major are in energy production, materials processing, and science. This degree is also relevant for biomedical and industrial fields. In your classes you will think about the big picture of energy production and consumption. You’ll study radiological technology, risk assessment, and analysis. In this major, you can learn how to ensure homeland security through detection technology. Our program is also a good fit for students interested in current and developing fission and fusion technology. With this degree, you can learn how to make computers, cell phones, and game consoles better, cheaper, and faster.

Career Options

Controls & control systems
Energy policy & security
Fusion energy
Government & state regulations
Health physics
Materials performance & processing
Medical diagnostics & therapy
Microelectronics
Nuclear & medical instrumentation
Power plant design, supervision operations, & safety
Waste management

Post-Graduation Success¹

94% employed or continuing education

46% employed after graduation

48% attending graduate school

$75,871 average starting annual income

Sample employer destinations: Constellation (3), Exelon (2), Exelon (2) View All

Sample grad school destinations: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Pennsylvania State University, Princeton University View All

Program Resources

Grainger College of Engineering Program Webpage Degree Requirements

Review Criteria

First-Year Major-Specific Criteria

Strong math and science coursework and performance
Calculus preferred and physics expected (if available at high school)
Strong teamwork and interpersonal communication skills
Interest in improving society through engineering
Demonstrated understanding of and interest in the engineering major selected

View All Review Criteria

Transfer Criteria

Transfer Handbook

Graduation & Retention²

3.8 years to degree

91% first-year retention rate

71% four-year graduation rate

83% six-year graduation rate

Annual Program Costs³

Illinois Resident

Tuition: $18,740
Fees: $5,182
Expenses: $19,558
Total: $43,480

Non-Resident

Tuition: $44,340
Fees: $5,182
Expenses:$19,898
Total: $69,420

International

Tuition: $47,800
Fees: $5,182
Expenses: $19,898
Total: $72,880

Related Majors

Bioengineering - ENG

Mechanical Engineering - ENG

Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences - ACES

Systems Engineering and Design - ENG

¹ Post-graduate data was collected through the Illini Success initiative, which primarily relies on self-reported survey data sources. Statistics are aggregated from the past three years. Please note that total compensation may be greater than annual salary as other forms of compensation (e.g., signing bonus, commission, benefits) are not included. For more information on Illini Success data and methods, please visit the Illini Success website. For average wage or salary information five years after entry into an occupation, visit the Post-Secondary Employment Outcomes Explorer.

² Graduation and retention data comes from several majors within a similar interest area. Data may not yet be available for newly created programs. Years-to-degree data is only available for programs from which you can earn a degree. Retention and graduation rates are only available for programs that you can apply directly into. Retention rates reflect retention to the university, not necessarily retention within the major.

³ "Expenses" are estimated and include books, supplies, housing, and other living expenses. The exact amount you’ll pay depends on where you decide to live, the meal plan you choose, and your overall lifestyle. To learn more about costs, please visit the Office of Student Financial Aid website. To learn the average monthly student loan payment over a period of 20 years based on estimated cost, visit the Illinois College2Career website.