Nuclear Engineering Minor
Nuclear science and engineering is essential to understanding nuclear energy, the use of nuclear technologies in medicine, industrial applications, sustainability and several critical areas.
The nuclear engineering minor enables the next generation of problem-solvers to apply fundamental nuclear principles to real-world challenges like energy production, risk and safety analysis and environmental management.
The initiative for this minor grew from a combination of student advocacy, faculty engagement, and discussions with industry partners, including New York Power Authority, New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, Adsorption Applications, among others.
This minor responds to a growing global and regional demand for nuclear expertise, including recent initiatives to expand advanced nuclear power in New York State. This also positions the University at Buffalo as a leader in nuclear engineering education with the first nuclear engineering credential among SUNY university centers. The curriculum features core courses, including Foundations of Nuclear Engineering, Introduction to Nuclear Reactor Engineering, and several electives focused on nuclear materials, nuclear fuel cycle and applied radiochemistry.
Contact us with questions
Marlo Roetzer, Undergraduate Academic Coordinator
304 Furnas Hall
mkerr@buffalo.edu
David Kofke
510 Furnas Hall
kofke@buffalo.edu
Jeffrey Errington
306 Furnas Hall
jerring@buffalo.edu
In order to be admitted into the nuclear engineering minor, students must have one of the following:
- Academic good standing within a major within the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences
- Satisfaction of the core course requirement for admission to an engineering major.
Students must also have a minimum overall and UB GPA of 2.5.
- Gain a basic understanding of nuclear science, engineering and principles of nuclear fission.
- Explore how nuclear engineering principles are applied in various fields, such as medicine and power generation.
- Apply fundamental nuclear concepts to solve open-ended problems in various applications.
- Understand the fundamentals of nuclear reactor design, operation, and management.
- Analyze risk factors, environmental management, and waste management related to nuclear materials.