The 5 Best Master's in Nuclear Engineering Online

A ranking of the best online master's in nuclear engineering programs. Programs ranked by flexibility, affordability, and academic quality.

Updated October 12, 2022 · 2 Min Read

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Nuclear engineers are some of the highest paid in the field of engineering. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), nuclear engineers earned a median annual wage of over $105,000 as of 2017. That's significantly more than the average for all engineers. Those nuclear engineers with a master's degree stand to make the most as they qualify for advanced roles in nuclear engineering. In this ranking, we explore the top online master's in nuclear engineering programs. For more general information regarding online learning, visit our ranking of the top online colleges.

Rating and Ranking Methodology
Tuition Points:

  • Under $30,000—1 point
  • Under $25,000—2 points
  • Under $20,000—3 points
  • Under $15,000—4 points
  • Under $10,000—5 points

US News and World Report Recognition as a Top Online School for Master’s Engineering Programs

  • Top 5—5 points
  • Top 10— 4 points
  • Top 25 —3 points
  • Top 50 —2 points
  • Top 75 —1 point

Customization Options
• Format Customizations (e.g. Hybrid/Online, Full-time/Part-Time, Accelerated, Degree Completion, etc.)—1 Point Per Customization Option
• Content Customizations (e.g. Minors, Concentrations, Specializations, etc.)—1 Point Per Customization Option (5-point cap)

Wow Factor
• 1 point awarded for each unique feature or program that “wowed” us

Ranking the Best Online Master's in Nuclear Engineering Degree Programs

In developing this ranking of the top online master's in nuclear engineering programs, our editors examined the 16 such programs currently available. We consulted College Navigator to gather information regarding graduate tuition, and we visited each school's website to analyze program features. We used this information to apply the rating and ranking methodology above. In cases of a tie, we awarded the higher rankings to the more affordable master's in nuclear engineering programs online.

Featured Online Schools

#1 –North Carolina State University

Online Master of Nuclear Engineering

Website

Points: 10

Our choice for the best online master’s in nuclear engineering program, North Carolina State University’s option is a 30-credit hour offering designed for students who already hold an undergraduate degree in engineering. The curriculum includes courses such as Radiation and Reactor Fundamentals, Radiation Safety and Shielding, Nuclear Fuel Cycles, and Nuclear Materials. A master’s supervised research project is also required and is conducted under faculty mentorship. NC State’s nuclear reactor program is the first of its kind in the nation, solidifying this program’s place as the best of the best nuclear engineering masters programs online.

In-State Tuition: $8,492

#2 –Kansas State University

Online Master’s in Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering

Website

Points: 8

The offering from Kansas State University’s Department of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering is among the top online master’s in nuclear engineering programs for professional engineers with an undergraduate degree in engineering as well as some training or experience in the field. Courses comprising the curriculum for the program include Intermediate Radiation Measurement Applications, Nuclear Reactor Theory, Radiation Protection and Shielding, and Special Topics in Nuclear Engineering, for example. The program also includes a special transfer program for Navy Nuclear Power School graduates. It’s important to note that one campus visit for the purpose of an oral examination is required for this online master’s in nuclear engineering program.

In-State Tuition: $9,960

#3 –University of Tennessee-Knoxville

Online ME in Nuclear Engineering (Reliability and Maintainability Engineering)

Website

Points: 8

Nearing the top of our ranking of best online master’s in nuclear engineering ranking is the University of Tennessee-Knoxville’s interdisciplinary MS in Reliability and Maintainability Engineering with a concentration in Nuclear Engineering. Core courses required for the degree include Introduction to Reliability Engineering, Introduction to Maintainability Engineering, Process System Reliability and Safety, and Reliability of Lean Systems. Both thesis and non-thesis options are available. It is important to note that course delivery is synchronous, so students may have to log in at specific times to work on their nuclear engineering masters programs online.

In-State Tuition: $11,244

#4 –Oregon State University

Online MS in Nuclear Engineering (Health Physics)

Website

Points: 7

Oregon State University’s MS in nuclear engineering online degree option is a unique Professional Master of Health Physics with a concentration in Nuclear Reactor Engineering. Courses comprising the comprehensive 45-credit hour curriculum for this program include Nuclear Rules and Regulations, Radiochemistry, Applied Radiation Safety, and Radioecology. Although coursework for the program can be completed online, labs must be completed on campus during a one-week summer intensive. Students who complete their master’s in nuclear engineering programs online are prepared to sit for the Certified Health Physics (CHP) exam administered by the American Board of Health Physics.

In-State Tuition: $12,339

#5 –University of South Carolina

Master’s in Nuclear Engineering Programs Online

Website

Points: 7

The University of South Carolina offers two online master’s in nuclear engineering programs: a thesis-based MS in Nuclear Engineering and a non-thesis Master of Engineering in Nuclear Engineering. Core courses include Nuclear Fuel Materials and Behavior, Radiation Detection and Instrumentation, Predictive Modeling: Combining Experiments with Computations, and Thermal Hydraulic Design of Nuclear Reactors. In addition to these nuclear engineering masters programs online, a doctoral program and an accelerated BS/MS in Nuclear Engineering are also available from the university.

In-State Tuition: $12,854

Thanks for checking out our choices for the Top Online Master's in Nuclear Engineering Programs!

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