Nuclear Science and Engineering

Graduate Program at Colorado School of Mines

POWER YOUR FUTURE TODAY

Join the Colorado School of Mines Nuclear Science and Engineering graduate program. As one of the nation’s top-ranked nuclear science programs, you’ll be immersed in a true interdisciplinary program that provides a broad perspective into the world of nuclear engineering. As the world turns to alternative fuel sources, there will be a growing demand for qualified nuclear engineers and scientists. This means there’s truly no better time to advance your capabilities and knowledge base to become the next leader in this rapidly developing field.

As a student in the Nuclear Science and Engineering graduate program at Mines, you will gain the necessary knowledge of the complete nuclear fuel cycle and become an expert in areas such as uranium exploration and fuel processing, design, nuclear power system production and operation, fuel recycling, storage and waste remediation, radiation detection and related policy issues. And with small class sizes and hands-on research opportunities, you’ll have the opportunity to work directly alongside leaders in nuclear engineering.

Whichever path you take, Mines will help you become a leader in your field and build a successful career.

research

Engaging research
conducted in multiple
areas

salary increase

$107,600 median
salary for nuclear
engineers, BLS

atomic

Fully equipped
radiochemistry lab
for student experiments

Requirements and Costs

Master’s of Engineering Non-Thesis

Bachelor’s degree: Required
GRE: Not Required
Letters of Recommendation: Required – two letters. Letters of recommendation are not required for current Mines students.
Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV): Required
Statement of Purpose: Required
Transcript(s): Required. Must be submitted for all schools attended (unofficial transcripts accepted for admissions review and must show successful completion of any required prerequisite course(s).
For international applicants or applicants whose native language is not English, please review the ENGLISH PROFICIENCY requirement

Master’s Thesis

Bachelor’s degree: Required
GRE: Not Required
Letters of Recommendation: Required – three letters. 2 Letters for current Mines applicants.
Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV): Required
Statement of Purpose: Required
Transcript(s): Required. Must be submitted for all schools attended (unofficial transcripts accepted for admissions review and must show successful completion of any required prerequisite course(s).
For international applicants or applicants whose native language is not English, please review the ENGLISH PROFICIENCY requirement.

Doctorate

Bachelor’s degree: Required
GRE: Not required
Letters of Recommendation: Required – three letters. 2 Letter for current Mines applicants.
Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV): Required
Statement of Purpose: Required
Transcript(s): Required. Must be submitted for all schools attended (unofficial transcripts accepted for admissions review and must show successful completion of any required prerequisite course(s).
For international applicants or applicants whose native language is not English, please review the ENGLISH PROFICIENCY requirement.

For additional information about these admissions requirements, please refer to the Admissions Requirements page

View the Mines Academic Catalog for more program-specific information

View Annual Cost of Attendance

*Allowance for fees based on mandatory fees charged to all students. Does not include fees for orientation, library, yearbook, refrigerator rental, voice messaging, etc.

At less than 4.5 credit hours, you may be ineligible for financial aid.

WHY STUDY NUCLEAR ENGINEERING AT MINES?

With top-tier research facilities, an internationally renowned faculty and hands-on research opportunities, there are many reasons to consider Mines for your nuclear engineering graduate degree.

Countless top students have chosen Colorado School of Mines for their nuclear engineering graduate studies. Why? Just take a look:

#1 ranked college in Colorado (Niche, 2024)
Hands-on experience operating a nuclear reactor
35,000+ square feet of makerspaces
Close proximity to several national laboratories
Unique student life with traditions including our M Climb and Engineer Days

FACULTY SPOTLIGHT

Dr. Jennifer Shafer headshot

DR. JENIFER SHAFER

In the fall of 2013, Professor Shafer joined Mines after two years working at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. Having earned her PhD from Washington State University, Dr. Shafer now serves as a Professor in our Chemistry Department and Nuclear Science & Engineering Program. Her primary research interests include advancing f-element separations technology through the use of new materials, supramolecular assembly, unique oxidation states and controlling electronic structure.

Dr. Shafer has received numerous awards and honors throughout her distinguished career, including Early Career awards from DOE and DHS and a Seaborg Visiting Scholar Fellowship for her sabbatical at Los Alamos National Laboratory. Currently, she serves on the American Chemical Society’s Committee on Science working on chemical policy matters.