Is transitioning from chemical to nuclear engineering a good idea?

[DL Mckinney]

I’d like to be a nuclear engineer. I live in South Carolina and I’ve been accepted into Clemson for chemical engineering and also NC State for nuclear. I hear a lot of people have gotten their bachelors in something else and then get their masters in nuclear.

Since I plan on getting a masters in nuclear engineering anyway I'm not sure if it’s worth taking on the increased debt of out of state tuition. At 26, I feel really old to be doing a bachelors degree and the debt is a much bigger concern at my age than it would be if I were 18.

So, is it worth it? Would I be at that big of a disadvantage if I got my bachelors in chemical or would there be enough of a benefit from the bachelors in nuclear to make it worth the extra debt? Would it be more difficult landing a job with the bachelors in chemical? It’s right down to the wire now but I still have a couple of days to change my mind.

 

[Astronuc]

Clemson and NCSU are both good schools for engineering.

As to whether one should major in Chem E or Nuc E, that's a personal decision. If one is going on to a graduate program in Nuc E, then it probably would be a good idea to do an undergrad program in NE, in order to get the nuclear courses.

If one is more interested in the chemical engineering aspects of nuclear systems, then one might consider a Chem Eng undergraduate program, and then one could take some remedial courses, typically in nuclear reactor physics during the graduate program.

Of course, one could do undergrad in NucE and take Chem Eng courses. I'd recommend comparing the Chem Eng programs at Clemson and NCSU.

University of SC in Columbia has a small nuclear engineering program.
http://www.me.sc.edu/nuclear/

 

[nlsherrill]

I’d like to be a nuclear engineer. I live in South Carolina and I’ve been accepted into Clemson for chemical engineering and also NC State for nuclear. I hear a lot of people have gotten their bachelors in something else and then get their masters in nuclear.

Since I plan on getting a masters in nuclear engineering anyway I'm not sure if it’s worth taking on the increased debt of out of state tuition. At 26, I feel really old to be doing a bachelors degree and the debt is a much bigger concern at my age than it would be if I were 18.

So, is it worth it? Would I be at that big of a disadvantage if I got my bachelors in chemical or would there be enough of a benefit from the bachelors in nuclear to make it worth the extra debt? Would it be more difficult landing a job with the bachelors in chemical? It’s right down to the wire now but I still have a couple of days to change my mind.

Well NC States Nuclear program is pretty good from what I have heard(I go there). I don't know if you knew this, but they offer a minor in chemical engineering. You could do Nuclear and take some chemE classes that your interested in/or could help out with the Nuclear stuff. Like Astro said, if you plan on doing a M.S. in Nuclear, you might as well do it for undergrad. It will make things easier for you.

 

[DL Mckinney]

Thanks for the replies. The only real reason I was considering Chem E was the cost of out of state tuition.

After spending more time going back and forth with the aid offices at both schools it seems out of state tuition at NC State will not be that much more than in state tuition at Clemson.

 

[alphy]

I cannot make a personal decision for you, but I can provide some information to help you make an informed decision. Transitioning from chemical to nuclear engineering is a significant change and it is important to carefully consider the potential benefits and drawbacks. Both fields are highly technical and require a strong understanding of mathematics, physics, and chemistry. However, they have different focuses and applications. Chemical engineering primarily deals with the design and production of chemicals and materials, while nuclear engineering focuses on the use of nuclear reactions for energy production, medical applications, and other uses.

If you are interested in pursuing a career in nuclear engineering, it may be beneficial to obtain a bachelor's degree in the field. This will provide you with a strong foundation and understanding of the principles and applications of nuclear engineering. It may also make it easier for you to pursue a master's degree in the field, as you will have already completed relevant coursework and gained hands-on experience. Additionally, many employers in the nuclear industry specifically seek out candidates with a degree in nuclear engineering.

However, obtaining a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering can also be a valuable option. This degree will still provide you with a strong technical background and the opportunity to gain experience in a related field. You may also have the chance to take elective courses in nuclear engineering, which can help you gain a basic understanding of the field and potentially make you a more well-rounded candidate.

Ultimately, it is important to consider your personal goals and priorities. If you are passionate about nuclear engineering and see yourself pursuing a career in the field, then obtaining a bachelor's degree in nuclear engineering may be worth the extra debt. However, if you are more interested in the chemical engineering field and see yourself potentially pursuing a career in that area, then obtaining a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering may be a better option for you.

Regardless of which path you choose, it is important to continue learning and staying up-to-date on developments in both fields. This will make you a more competitive candidate in the job market and allow you to pursue various opportunities in the future. Ultimately, the decision is up to you and what you feel will best align with your career goals and personal circumstances.