MS in nuclear engineering or mechanical engineering

In summary, the person is deciding between a Master's in nuclear or mechanical engineering, with a focus on nuclear engineering for the development of safer fission reactors and a potential PhD in fusion. They believe nuclear power is a great alternative for clean energy, but have also heard that the industry may not be doing well and finding a job may be difficult. On the other hand, they feel that specializing in simulation-based engineering with a Master's in mechanical engineering may provide more job opportunities. However, they also acknowledge that simulation skills can be learned through school and work experience. The person plans on studying in the US and has heard that the nuclear industry in the US is not doing well, but there may be better job prospects in countries like China, Russia
  • #1
boyongo
27
0
Hi, I am currently trying to decide between a master in nuclear or mechanical engineering. I did my BS in mechanical engineering.

If I dicide in a MS in nuclear engineering I am planning in focusing in the development of better and safer fission reactors and later on doing a PhD in fussion. I find nuclear engineering more interesting for some reason. I am always interested in learning new physics. I believe nuclear power is a great alternative for clean energy. On the other hand, I have been reading that the nuclear industry is not doing so well and that finding a job is very hard(is that true?)

If I dicide in a MS in mechanical engineering I am planning on focusing in simulation base engineering: FEA, CFD, etc. I feel that with the MS in mechanical engineering, specializing in simulation based engineering, I will have many job oportunities in both research and industry. But i think that learning how to do simulations (FEA and CFD) can be achieved by school work and work experience since that is how I have learned what I know on the subject.

What do you guys think?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
How the nuclear industry is doing depends on the country, and what languages you are fluent in.

https://www.masterresource.org/nucl...construction-moves-forward-except-in-the-u-s/

If you were fluent in Mandarin then the nuclear industry is a huge growth industry. The graph on this page understates the number of reactors under construction in China. There are about 30 currently under construction, and quite likely to be 30 more after that. The graph may have been accurate in 2009 when this article was published, but China is moving forward on nuclear with, as they say, determination. Quite likely within the next 10 years there will be another 30 started. And in China they build them on time and under budget.

After that you want Russian, Hindu, or Korean.

Don't speak one of those languages? Maybe nuclear isn't the safest career choice.
 
  • #3
I am planning on studying in the US. It appears that the nuclear industry in the US is in fact not good at the moment. Btw I am fluent in spanish and english.
 

1. What is the difference between MS in nuclear engineering and mechanical engineering?

The main difference between MS in nuclear engineering and mechanical engineering is their focus. Nuclear engineering deals with the design, development, and operation of nuclear power plants and other nuclear systems, while mechanical engineering focuses on the design and development of mechanical systems and devices. Additionally, nuclear engineering involves the study of nuclear reactions and radiation, while mechanical engineering deals with the principles of mechanics and materials.

2. What are the career opportunities for someone with an MS in nuclear engineering or mechanical engineering?

Graduates with an MS in nuclear engineering or mechanical engineering have a wide range of career opportunities in various industries. They can work in nuclear power plants, aerospace and defense companies, renewable energy companies, manufacturing companies, research and development organizations, and many more. They can also pursue careers in academia as professors or researchers.

3. Is an MS in nuclear engineering or mechanical engineering a good choice for someone interested in sustainable energy?

Yes, both MS in nuclear engineering and mechanical engineering can be good choices for someone interested in sustainable energy. Nuclear engineering focuses on the development of nuclear energy, which is a clean and efficient source of energy. Mechanical engineering also plays a crucial role in the design and development of renewable energy systems, such as solar panels, wind turbines, and hydroelectric plants.

4. Can someone with a background in a different field pursue an MS in nuclear engineering or mechanical engineering?

Yes, it is possible for someone with a background in a different field to pursue an MS in nuclear engineering or mechanical engineering. However, they may need to take some prerequisite courses to ensure they have the necessary knowledge and skills to succeed in the program. Some universities also offer bridge programs that help students transition from a different field to a graduate program in engineering.

5. What skills and qualities are important for success in an MS in nuclear engineering or mechanical engineering?

Some important skills and qualities for success in an MS in nuclear engineering or mechanical engineering include strong analytical and problem-solving skills, attention to detail, creativity, good communication and teamwork skills, and a strong foundation in mathematics and science. Additionally, having a passion for learning, adaptability, and the ability to work under pressure are also important for success in these fields.

Similar threads

Is a nuclear engineering minor worth an extra semester?
    • STEM Academic Advising
Replies
3
Views
1K
How do i get a nuclear engineering degree
    • STEM Academic Advising
Replies
3
Views
825
Schools Looking for advice on where to go for undergrad to help lead to graduate work in fusion system design
    • STEM Academic Advising
Replies
3
Views
605
Programs Pros and Cons of Nuclear Engineering
    • STEM Academic Advising
Replies
13
Views
409
Unveiling My Journey into Engineering: Seeking Your Valuable Input
    • STEM Academic Advising
Replies
3
Views
845
Other Mechanical drafter moving to electrical engineering
    • STEM Academic Advising
Replies
6
Views
745
Programs Universities for Research in Dynamical Systems of Fluids
    • STEM Academic Advising
Replies
4
Views
794
Programs Engineering Triple Major (Mechanical, Electrical, Computer Science)
    • STEM Academic Advising
Replies
23
Views
3K
Programs Help on Majors and Graduate Degrees as an Engineering Student
    • STEM Academic Advising
Replies
3
Views
798
Which topics are best to focus on in my spare time for engineering?
    • STEM Academic Advising
Replies
16
Views
1K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top