The number of nuclear engineering degrees awarded in the U.S. during 2019 was at the highest level since 2016, driven primarily by a significant increase in the number of masters’ degrees awarded. This trend is documented in a study conducted by the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) that surveyed 34 U.S. universities with nuclear engineering programs.

The 316 nuclear engineering master’s degrees awarded in 2019 represented a 21% increase over the 2018 total, and a 12% increase over the number awarded in 2017. The 194 doctoral degrees awarded in 2019 represented the second-highest level recorded since 1966. The data follow a trend that began in 2012, with Nuclear engineering enrollment trends, fall 2001 to fall 2019. Source: ORISEmore than 600 bachelor’s degrees being awarded annually, significantly higher than the levels reported in the previous decade.

Texas A&M University had the largest number of nuclear engineering degrees awarded in 2019 with 80 bachelor’s degrees, 16 master’s degrees and 17 doctorate degrees, followed by the University of Tennessee, Oregon State University and Penn State University.

For students graduating with bachelor’s degrees and reporting their post-graduation plans, employment in the U.S. military (active duty) had the largest number followed by employment in the nuclear utility sector. For those graduating with a master’s degree and reporting employment, DOE contractor employment, other nuclear-related employment, nuclear utility employment, U.S. military (active duty) and other employment accounted for the majority of employment plans.