BS Nuclear Engineering at Pennsylvania State University

Programme overview

The overall educational objective of the Nuclear Engineering program is to help prepare our graduates to function effectively in the marketplace in a wide range of career paths in Nuclear Engineering. The technical part of the curriculum, emphasizes nuclear power engineering, which refers to complex systems used to generate electricity. Because of our strong educational and research emphasis in nuclear power engineering, and because a shortage for this expertise exists in the industry, generally the industry values our graduates highly.

Faculty: College of Engineering | Duration: minimum 129 credits | Study mode: full-time | Location: University Park, PA, United States

What you will study

The degree requires a minimum of 129 credits, including General Education and the requirements for the major. Required courses include Experimental Chemistry I, Introduction to Electronic Measuring Systems, Statics, Dynamics, Strength of Materials, Mechanical Response of Engineering Materials.

Career pathways

Penn State’s nuclear engineering program relates theory to practice in a way that most universities cannot. Penn State is one of the few universities where undergraduate students can work with a functioning nuclear reactor.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

In order to be eligible for entrance to this major, students must satisfy the following requirements by the end of the semester during which the admission to major process is carried out. 29-55 graded Penn State credits (excludes transfer and AP credits) Completed with a C or better the following courses: EDSGN 100 , CHEM 110 , MATH 140 , MATH 141 , and PHYS 211 Attained at least a 2.6 cumulative grade point average * In the event that the major is under enrollment control, a higher minimum cumulative grade-point average is likely to be needed and students must be enrolled in the College of Engineering or Division of Undergraduate Studies at the time of confirming their major choice.

Domestic applicants: USD 26,778 a year (2026-27). University Park campus, upper division (junior and senior) full-time tuition per academic year (fall and spring), 'Business & Engineering Programs' rate band. Pennsylvania resident rate / Non-Pennsylvania rate (the schedule's non-PA column includes intern Source

International applicants: USD 52,656 a year (2026-27). University Park campus, upper division (junior and senior) full-time tuition per academic year (fall and spring), 'Business & Engineering Programs' rate band. Pennsylvania resident rate / Non-Pennsylvania rate (the schedule's non-PA column includes intern Source

Undergraduate applications are accepted for Fall, Spring and Summer entry; the application opens August 1 for Fall and Summer and June 1 for Spring.

Early Action: apply by November 1 to receive a decision by December 24. Recommended submission deadline for all applications: December 1. Applicants apply through the MyPennState application or the Common App. A nonrefundable application fee is paid by credit card; fee waivers are available to eligible students.

Apply through the official page: https://admissions.psu.edu/apply/

Explore more study programmes

Engineering