Nuclear Engineering

You know that the world’s most pressing challenges find their solutions in the power of nuclear technology. And you want to help solve those problems, whether by innovating in industry, leading in government, or pioneering research in academia or the national laboratories. From the climate crisis to global health and security, nuclear engineers lead research and development using nuclear energy and radiation to produce electricity, power spacecraft, and advance life-saving medicines. This is a field of immense power — and it’s expanding rapidly.

Why choose Berkeley?

Because our nuclear engineering department plays a leading role in advancing nuclear science and engineering for an array of applications. These include fission power generation and fusion energy on earth and in space, medical physics, nonproliferation and global security, and artificial intelligence for nuclear applications. Our undergraduate students perform research under the guidance of UC Berkeley faculty as well as in collaboration with scientists at nearby national laboratories. The department also has strong partnerships with the nuclear industry to facilitate internship placements. Our program is consistently ranked in the top 10 in the nation, and our award-winning faculty bring the resources of a global powerhouse directly into the classroom.

Berkeley faculty are currently conducting research and designing next-generation tools for nuclear forensics and safeguards, characterizing materials in extreme environments to support advances in fusion energy systems, and developing new pathways for next-generation cancer therapy.

Sound interesting? Learn more about the Department of Nuclear Engineering and its programs.