Educational requirements for nuclear power plant employees vary based on role. Many positions, however, require some form of college education related to nuclear energy.
This nuclear power generation certificate teaches you the fundamentals of nuclear energy, engineering and nuclear power plant operation. This knowledge is a requirement for some nuclear power plant positions and is essential for building your career in nuclear energy over the long term. The certificate can also prepare you for graduate degree programs in nuclear engineering, which opens up more opportunities in the field.
How do I become a nuclear power reactor operator?
Becoming a nuclear power plant operator involves:
- Building work experience in a nuclear power plant.
- Completing nuclear power reactor operator training.
- Passing a series of tests to show competency, both with nuclear power in general and within a specific plant.
- Earning a license from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
A nuclear power generation certificate can set you apart from other candidates when seeking an operator position. The advanced knowledge you build in this program can also prepare you for the testing and certification process required of all reactor operators.
Who should consider earning a nuclear power generation certificate?
If you have a strong background in science and math as well as an interest in nuclear power generation, you are likely a good fit for this program. The top candidates will have an electrical or nuclear engineering degree, but these credentials are not required. Many professionals in nuclear power come from other scientific disciplines. It is common for students who have the needed math and science background to complete this certificate without previous nuclear power experience.
This certificate can be completed on its own for professional development or in tandem with an online master’s degree program. If you decide to pair this certificate with an engineering master’s degree you’ll be able to gain a broad skill set across disciplines and leverage engineering courses to complete both programs.
A nuclear power generation graduate certificate is a valuable credential for engineers and scientists who want to start working or advance in this field. The certificate covers nuclear energy, engineering and more. By completing this program, you can build the specialized knowledge and talents needed to access more career opportunities related to nuclear power.
This multidisciplinary professional certificate brings together courses to focus on relevant concepts in nuclear power generation. Topics like operations and safety, reactor theory and design, nuclear power plant dynamics and more are all areas of emphasis. Elective courses support the specialization of your degree. Featured courses include:
Of the 350+ faculty members in Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering, the majority have been honored with the highest awards in their fields. Faculty milestones include:
- National Academy of Engineering members.
- National Academy of Sciences member.
- National Academy of Inventors members.
- National Academy of Construction members.
The Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering is dedicated to providing a dynamic learning environment and supporting all students on the paths to their degrees. We’ve received numerous peer-reviewed programmatic honors from U.S. News & World Report.
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Applicants to the nuclear power generation graduate certificate program must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering.
Applicants who hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution in an engineering or science discipline, such as physics, chemistry and mathematics, are eligible to apply to the program.
Applicants must have a minimum of a 3.00 cumulative GPA in the last 60 hours of their bachelor's program. Alternatively, applicants must have a minimum of a 3.00 cumulative GPA in an applicable master's degree program.
All applicants must submit:
- Graduate admission application and application fee.
- Official transcripts.
- Personal statement.
An applicant whose native language is not English (regardless of current residency) must provide proof of English proficiency.
The personal statement should describe your educational and career goals.
No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.” That’s because ASU Online students learn from the same faculty and receive the same course content as in-person students receive.