Nuke Minor: Can I Work at NPP w/ Math Degree?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the potential career paths available to someone with a mathematics degree and a minor in nuclear engineering, specifically regarding employment opportunities at nuclear power plants (NPPs). Participants explore the feasibility of such a combination in the context of the current job market and the roles available within the industry.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether a math major with a nuclear engineering minor can find work at a nuclear power plant, expressing concern about the availability of jobs in the field.
  • Another participant suggests that while opportunities may be limited, there are roles beyond engineering that require different areas of expertise, indicating that a math background could still be valuable.
  • A later reply asserts that it is possible to secure a job with a math degree and a nuclear engineering minor, especially with a master's degree in nuclear engineering, although it may not be as straightforward as having a full engineering degree.
  • Concerns are raised about the necessity of moving for job opportunities, as well as the potential for a math degree to limit options compared to a more traditional engineering education.
  • One participant expresses uncertainty about their career direction, contemplating whether a math degree with a minor in nuclear engineering is the best approach, and invites suggestions for alternative paths.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the viability of a math degree with a nuclear engineering minor for employment at nuclear power plants. There are competing views on the availability of jobs and the necessity of an engineering degree for certain roles.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects uncertainty regarding the current job market for nuclear power plants and the specific qualifications required for various roles within the industry. There are also assumptions about the flexibility of job requirements and the potential for waiving experience based on advanced degrees.

questionmenow
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If I major in math and minor in nuclear engineering. Can I work at a npp still? I would like to get a math degree rather than nuke degree just in case I want to work in the math field(no teaching).
 
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Work in commercial npp look remote. You can have possibility of working in research reactor (but most of these are educational institutes). You develop your speciality in nuclear codes.
 
So there is not much work in npp anymore? I understand the EE and ME can be employed at npp but I wasn't sure about someone with a math major and nuke minor.
 
Yes, you can get a job. First off, there are more than engineers at nuclear power plants. Like any other business, it requires different areas of expertise. Further, with a masters in NE and bachelors in math, you can get a job as a nuclear engineer. Is it as easy as if you had a bachelors + masters in nuclear engineering? No, but it's still possible.

questionmenow said:
So there is not much work in npp anymore? I understand the EE and ME can be employed at npp but I wasn't sure about someone with a math major and nuke minor.

Still plenty of work out there. It isn't the largest field in engineering for sure, but it's there, and possibly growing. An EE, ME, CE, IT, admin, etc. etc. can all gets jobs for a nuclear power company. Here's what I found with a quick google search: https://www.nukeworker.com/job/view.php?job_id=47132&type=search&auth_sess=04gof49ev7i93u7rb4qhhd86s4&ref=34b15b337f7b5cce43722403b

Education doesn't specify an engineering degree, and the experience could probably be waived with a masters. One thing that comes to mind, is you need to be prepared to move for a job.

But why not just get a education in engineering, if you want to be an engineer?
 
I would either like to be a mathematician or a nuclear engineer (not sure which yet). I figured if I got a BS in math and minor in NE that would be good enough for to swing both provided I change my mind. Other engineering fields do interest me as much as NE. Do you thing there might be a better solution maybe?
 

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