Nuclear Security Science and Analysis Graduate Certificate

The Department of Nuclear Engineering offers a graduate certificate in nuclear security science and analysis (NSSA). The program is designed primarily for students seeking specialization in nuclear security science with emphasis on current or aspiring members of the nuclear security community, including those areas with an emphasis on arms control, treaty verification, non-proliferation, international nuclear security issues in both civilian and military contexts, nuclear threat detection, and principles of nuclear intelligence assessment. Additionally, this program will prepare graduate students to engage in the research and development of new tools and processes related to nuclear security science and analysis.

The 12-credit hour certificate is earned by completing four courses from the following lists, including one required course, one qualifying Nuclear Engineering elective course, and two NSSA electives.

• The required course is NE 530 - Nuclear Security Science and Analysis .
• Qualifying Nuclear Engineering elective courses include (please note that the 400-level courses must be taken for graduate credit to qualify for the certificate):
      NE 404 - Nuclear Fuel Cycle ,
      NE 433 - Principles of Health Physics ,
      NE 470 - Nuclear Reactor Theory ,
      NE 542 - Management of Radioactive Materials ,
      NE 551 - Radiation Protection ,
      NE 571 - Reactor Theory and Design .
• NSSA electives include:
      NE 532 - Detection, Localization, and Nondestructive Assay of Nuclear and Radiological Materials ,
      NE 533 - Physical Security for High-Consequence Facilities ,
      NE 534 - Physical Security Vulnerability Assessment ,
      NE 537 - Human Reliability in Nuclear Systems  
      NE 550 - Radiation Measurements Laboratory ,
      NE 635 - Nuclear Forensics ,
      POLS 686 - Arms Control, Deterrence and Nuclear Nonproliferation .

The selection of courses, which must be approved by the department, is determined through a student advising conference that considers the student’s personal interests, academic background, and work experience. Criteria for acceptance to the certificate are the same as for acceptance into the M.S. program in nuclear engineering. Applicants must submit the application for the certificate during the semester prior to graduation.