Can You Specialize in Nuclear Physics in Graduate School?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the possibility of specializing in nuclear physics during graduate school, including the requirements and available programs. It touches on related fields such as nuclear engineering.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants inquire whether it is feasible to focus solely on nuclear physics in graduate studies.
  • Others suggest that while there are requirements to take classes in mathematics and other areas of physics, it is indeed possible to study nuclear physics.
  • Specific graduate programs in nuclear physics are mentioned, including those at Michigan State University, MIT, and others.
  • One participant notes that nuclear engineering is also a valid area of study within 'nuclear stuff' and highlights programs available in that field, particularly at Texas A&M.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that specialization in nuclear physics is possible, but there are differing views on the extent of requirements and the inclusion of nuclear engineering as a related field.

Contextual Notes

Some limitations include the potential variability in program requirements and the definitions of what constitutes 'nuclear stuff'.

Who May Find This Useful

Students considering graduate studies in nuclear physics or related fields, as well as those interested in the structure of graduate programs in physics and engineering.

cragar
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Can you go to grad school and just study nuclear physics or nuclear stuff?
 
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cragar said:
Can you go to grad school and just study nuclear physics or nuclear stuff?
Usually there are requirements to take classes in mathematics and other areas of physics, but one can certainly study nuclear physics.

See the options here - http://www.pa.msu.edu/grad/

http://groups.nscl.msu.edu/nero/

The Physics & Astronomy Grad Student Handbook - see Appendix A http://www.pa.msu.edu/grad/GradHandbook081110.pdf

One should look into Nuclear Physics programs at these schools:
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI

Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Cambridge, MA

University of Washington
Seattle, WA

Stony Brook University--SUNY
Stony Brook, NY

Indiana University--Bloomington
Bloomington, IN

Yale University
New Haven, CT

California Institute of Technology
Pasadena, CA

Duke University
Durham, NC

University of California--Berkeley
Berkeley, CA

Columbia University
New York, NY

University of Illinois--Urbana-Champaign
Urbana, IL

Texas A&M University--College Station
College Station, TX
 
Last edited:
thanks for the info
 
Also, nuclear engineering certainly qualifies under 'nuclear stuff', and there exist numerous grad programs in that field. A solid program is at Texas A&M, if you can stand being an Aggie.
 

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