UB CBE Launches New Nuclear Engineering Minor

The Chemical and Biological Engineering Department at the University at Buffalo's School of Engineering and Applied Sciences is launching a new undergraduate minor in Nuclear Engineering. This program is designed to provide students across engineering and science disciplines with a strong foundation in applied nuclear science and engineering, including nuclear reactions, radioactivity, radiation, reactor design, hazards and safety, and applications in energy, medicine, and materials. Students completing the minor will gain the ability to apply fundamental nuclear principles to real-world challenges, including energy production, risk and safety analysis, and environmental management.

The initiative for this new minor grew from a combination of student advocacy and faculty engagement. The Nuclear in Clean Energy (NiCE) student club has been particularly active in promoting nuclear energy and advocating for a related academic credential. 

The minor responds to growing global and regional demand for nuclear expertise, including recent initiatives to expand advanced nuclear power in New York State. It also reflects strong student interest and represents the first nuclear engineering credential among SUNY university centers, positioning UB as a leader in this area. The curriculum includes core courses such as Foundations of  Nuclear Engineering (first offered in Spring 2026) and Introduction to Nuclear Reactor Engineering (first offered in Fall 2026), along with electives covering topics such as nuclear materials, the nuclear fuel cycle, and applied radiochemistry, with additional offerings under development. The program is supported by Professors Jeffrey Errington, David Kofke, Mark Swihart, and Thomas Thundat.

The following video discusses the new minor with School of Engineering and Applied Sciences Dean Kemper Lewis, and Professor and Department Chair Jeffrey Errington.