Can I Pursue a Part-Time Nuclear Engineering Graduate Degree at 44?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the feasibility of pursuing a part-time graduate degree in nuclear engineering at the age of 44, particularly for individuals with a background in physics and mathematics. Participants explore the challenges and requirements associated with transitioning into nuclear engineering, including necessary coursework and balancing work commitments.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a strong interest in pursuing a graduate degree in nuclear engineering, questioning the difficulty of "catching up" with the necessary knowledge given their background in math and physics.
  • Another participant, who graduated from OSU-West, suggests that a physics background should facilitate the pursuit of a nuclear engineering degree, noting the potential need to review specific topics like differential equations.
  • A third participant shares an anecdote about a professor who successfully transitioned from physics to nuclear engineering, implying that such a path is achievable.
  • One participant emphasizes the importance of understanding reactor physics, suggesting that those without prior exposure may need to take additional undergraduate courses.
  • A question is raised regarding the GRE requirements for admission into a nuclear engineering program, specifically whether the general GRE or the physics GRE is necessary.
  • Another participant clarifies that Ohio State University requires the general GRE, sharing their own academic background and the need for preparation if they were to take the physics GRE.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that pursuing a nuclear engineering degree with a physics background is feasible, though there are differing opinions on the specific challenges and requirements involved. The discussion remains open regarding the best approach to prepare for the transition and the implications of age and part-time study.

Contextual Notes

Some participants mention the need to review specific topics and courses, such as reactor physics and differential equations, but do not reach a consensus on the exact requirements or challenges faced by older students balancing work and study.

daveb
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As I learn more and more about health physics I lean more and more towards wanting to get a graduate degree (M.Sc.) in nuclear engineering, with a possible double in physics (OSU offers this). How difficult is it for a person with a double BS in math and physics to "catch up" as it were and pursue a nuclear engineering graduate degree?
Now how difficult is it for a 44 year old to do this who needs to pursue this part itme (due to work constraints)?
 
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Which OSU?

I graduated a few years ago from OSU-west (Oregon State) in Physics with a minor in math. Pretty standard fare physics curriculum with some emphasis on QM and Particle Physics. Now I'm working in a government lab effectively as a nuclear engineer.

I'd say that it shouldn't be too hard to pursue a Nuc. Eng. degree with a physics background. You might need to brush up on first order differential rate equations, but most of it would be nomenclature with the various reactions that can take place.

As for how easy it is to do and balance work, that probably depends on the school. I'm wrestling with that in trying to get a graduate degree in Physics out here.

Hope this helps.
 
One of my physics professors had an undergrad in physics, then went onto a masters in nuclear engineering. THEN, went back for a ph.d in astro/plasma physics. I think your plan is definitely possible.
 
daveb said:
As I learn more and more about health physics I lean more and more towards wanting to get a graduate degree (M.Sc.) in nuclear engineering, with a possible double in physics (OSU offers this). How difficult is it for a person with a double BS in math and physics to "catch up" as it were and pursue a nuclear engineering graduate degree?
Now how difficult is it for a 44 year old to do this who needs to pursue this part itme (due to work constraints)?
I think an MS in NE would be feasible. One however might have to look at the requirements on reactor physics, which is usually a core course for most, if not all NE degrees. If one has had no exposure to reactor physics (neutron diffusion and transport theory), then one might need to take those particular undergrad courses.

With a physics background and a good grasp of nuclear physics, it should not be difficult. :cool:
 
I'm a bit curious about this. To be accepted into a graduate program in NucE with a degree in physics, which GRE would you have to take?
 
This is Ohio State (Columbus). My undergrad physics was the standard sequence at UCLA (Mech/Stat Mech, EM, QM), but for the upper division physics electives I ended up concentrating on mathematical physics (took graduate GR and a graduate mathematical physics, and they counted PDE and ODE from my math curriculum as physics electives). Most of the radiation and particle physics I know comes from learning on the job.
As for the GRE, they want the general GRE (not the physics). It's been 3 years since I've been out of school, so taking the GRE physics would take a bit of prep on my part.
 

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