Nuclear Energy Engineering Technology

The Bachelor of Science (BS) degree with an area of study in Nuclear Energy Engineering Technology emphasizes the practical application of engineering principles as they impact nuclear power generation. The 126-credit program is designed to provide students with the skills necessary to perform competently in reactor operations, quality assurance, instrumentation and control technology and other related areas. Additionally, the BS degree with an area of study in Nuclear Energy Engineering Technology addresses career pathways in the engineering function and thus supports the ability to obtain a professional engineering license. A total of 18 Area of Study credits must be from 300/400 level courses.

Nuclear Energy Engineering Technology Program:

The Nuclear Energy Engineering Technology Program’s goal is to educate engineering technology practitioners who are immediately relevant to or practicing in industry by frequently evaluating and improving our educational programs, engaging in scholarly and industrially based activities, and working within the broader community to be relevant to the professional and global community.

The AST vision and mission statements are reviewed and updated periodically, most recently in 2018. These reviews are performed by the mentors as well as the Industrial Advisory Council (IAC). Details are published in the School and IAC meeting minutes. The current vision and mission statements are published on Thomas Edison State University’s web site.

Note: Laboratories are considered to be part of the course work and/or prior experiential learning. Laboratory requirements of the degree are assigned zero credits.

• How Students Earn Credit in the Area of Study: Most students have earned credit from the Navy Basic Nuclear Power School, which covers more than half of the area of study. Credit may also be earned by advanced Navy training. Prior Learning Assessment (PLA), NRC license, NRRPT certification, certification from a nuclear utility INPO accredited program or ACE-reviewed company training

Policy for Required Advisement for the BS Degree with an Area of Study in Nuclear Energy Engineering Technology:

BS degree with an area of study in Nuclear Energy Engineering Technology program students are required to schedule and complete a minimum of two program planning sessions with a School of Applied Science and Technology Academic Advisor. The first scheduled program planning sessions should be after the student receives formal evaluation of transferred credits and prior to starting courses. A second scheduled program planning session should be prior to registration for Nuclear Assessment/Career Planning (NUC-490)

The session shall encompass the following:

• Each BS degree with an area of study in Nuclear Energy Engineering Technology is required to meet with an AST advisor or military representative/advisor;
  • After receiving evaluation of transferred credits and prior to starting courses to ensure course sequencing as indicated.
  • Required to verify completion of  prerequisite courses prior to enrollment in Nuclear Energy Issues & Career Planning (NUC-490) and Nuclear Energy Engineering Technology Capstone (NUC-495)
  • Required to verify completion of  all courses before Graduation application
• Required sequence of courses for the BS degree with an area of study in Nuclear Energy Engineering Technology are the following:
  • Required the general educations courses or equivalent transfer courses prerequisites:
    • English Composition I (ENC-101) and English Composition II (ENC-102)
    • Calculus I (MAT-231) prior to Calculus II (MAT-232)
    • Physics I with Lab (PHY-115) prior to Physics II with Lab (PHY-116) and prior to Nuclear Physics for Technology (NUC-303)

Note: Other General Education, Free Electives and Nuclear Elective courses can be taken as determined by student and approved by advisement.

• Required the BS degree with an area of study in Nuclear Energy Engineering Technology area of study  courses or equivalent transfer courses prerequisites:
  • Nuclear Physics for Technology (NUC-303), Thermodynamics (EGM-221), Heat Transfer (EGM-323), and Fluid Mechanics (EGM-330) prior to Reactor and Plant Systems courses of Reactor Fundamentals (NUC-365), Primary Reactor Systems (NUC-331) or Nuclear Instrumentation and Control (NUC-351)
  • Nuclear Physics for Technology (NUC-303) prior to Radiation Effects courses: Radiation Biophysics (NUC-412),  Radiation Interaction (NUC-413) or Radiological, Reactor, Environmental Safety (NUC-342)
  • Radiation Effects courses: Radiation Biophysics (NUC-412),  Radiation Interaction (NUC-413) or Radiological, Reactor, Environmental Safety (NUC-342) prior to Ration Analysis Laboratory (NUC-238)
  • Required completions of general educations courses: English Composition I (ENC-101),  English Composition II (ENC-102), and Technical Report Writing (ENG-201), Calculus I (MAT-231), Calculus II (MAT-232), Physics I with Lab (PHY-115), Physics II with Lab (PHY-116), General Chemistry with Lab (CHE-121), prior to Nuclear Energy Issues & Career Planning (NUC-490)
  • Required completion of BS degree with an area of study in Nuclear Energy Engineering Technology area of study courses or equivalent transfers prior to Nuclear Energy Issues & Career Planning (NUC-490)
  • Require completion of and Nuclear Energy Engineering Technology Capstone (NUC-495)
  • Prior Learning Assessment options will not be available for Nuclear Energy Issues & Career Planning (NUC-490) or Nuclear Energy Engineering Technology Capstone (NUC-495)

Program's Educational Objectives:

The program educational objectives (PEOs) are broad statements describing the career and professional accomplishments that the Nuclear Energy Engineering Technology program is preparing graduates to achieve. The BS degree with an area of study in Nuclear Energy Engineering Technology strives to produce qualified and competent applied technology engineering professionals who can immediately make substantial contributions to their employers.

The PEOs are to:

1. Demonstrate an appropriate mastery of the knowledge, techniques, and skills necessary to identify, analyze, and solve professional/technical challenges in Nuclear Energy.
2. Possess a desire and commitment to be technically current with changing technologies through self-improvement and continuous learning.
3. Function effectively in a professional/industrial environment, while maintaining independent thought and adhering to ethical standards.
4. Communicate effectively in one's career environment and serve influentially in team oriented settings.
5. Strive for increasing levels of leadership and responsibilities in the nuclear field.

Student Outcomes for the BS Degree with an Area of Study in Nuclear Energy Engineering Technology:

1. Demonstrate a fundamental mastery of the knowledge, skills, and modern/appropriate techniques and tools required for nuclear facility operations and /or related fields.
2. Demonstrate an ability to understand and apply current concepts in the areas of mathematics, science, engineering, and technology to engineering technology/nuclear facility problems using proper application of principles and applied procedures or methodologies.
3. Demonstrate the ability to conduct standard tests and measurements in the lab or in the field; similarly, to conduct, analyze, and interpret experiments; and apply results to resolve technical challenges and improve processes. 
4. Demonstrate the ability to design or redesign systems, components or processes that are used for efficient and safe operation of a nuclear facility.
5. Demonstrate effective leadership and participation as a member of a technical team.
6. Demonstrate a capability to solve technical problems through proper identification, research and systematic analysis of the issue.
7. Demonstrate proficiency in oral, written, and graphical communications in a technical and non-technical setting utilizing standard English.
8. Demonstrate an ability to identify and use appropriate technical literature, documents and procedures.
9. Demonstrate the need for and commitment to engage in self-directed continuing professional development and life-long learning in one’s discipline.
10. Demonstrate professional, ethical, and social responsibilities within the nuclear energy field, while recognizing differences due to culture and diversity.
11. Demonstrate recognition of the impacts of nuclear technology solutions in an expanding societal and global context, including cyber security.
12. Demonstrate a commitment for quality, timeliness, and continuous improvement in professional activities.
13. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the Federal, State, and Local regulations, standards, and rules applying to operations and safety in the nuclear energy field.