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Online Graduate Certificate Nuclear Nonproliferation Nuclear Engineering and Radiation Science

About the Certificate

The Nuclear Nonproliferation graduate certificate provides students and working professionals with an interdisciplinary understanding of nuclear engineering, nuclear security, and international nonproliferation policy. The program combines technical knowledge of reactor physics, the nuclear fuel cycle, radiation detection, and nuclear material control and accounting with the legal, political, and regulatory frameworks that govern the peaceful use of nuclear technology. Students develop the skills to address global challenges related to nuclear safeguards, export controls, treaty verification, and nuclear security while gaining an understanding of the role engineers play in preventing the proliferation of nuclear weapons. This certificate prepares graduates for careers in government agencies, national laboratories, industry, and international organizations, while also providing a strong foundation for advanced study in nuclear engineering and related disciplines.

The topics in comprising the certificate program are selected from courses available to graduate students in the nuclear engineering program at Missouri University of Science and Technology. All courses are available both in traditional on-campus delivery and online format. The certificate program deployment strategy allows all enrollees to pace their study in manner consistent with the individual's plans.

The Graduate Certificate in Nuclear Nonproliferation is open to all persons holding a B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. degree in Engineering, Science, and/or Mathematics as well as related B.A. or M.A. degrees, or are currently accepted into a graduate degree program at Missouri S&T. Once admitted to the program, the student must take the four designated courses (provided in the curriculum section). In order to receive a Graduate Certificate, the student must have an average cumulative grade point of 3.0 or better in the certificate courses. Students who do not have English as first language may be required to provide evidence of English language proficiency. Once admitted to the program, a student will be given three years to complete the program.

Students admitted to the Graduate Certificate in Nuclear Nonproliferation Program will have non-degree graduate status, however, they will earn graduate credit for the course they complete. If the student completes the four-course sequence with a grade of B or better in each of the courses taken, they, upon application, will be admitted to the M.S. degree program in Nuclear Engineering. The certificate credits taken by the students admitted to the M.S. degree program will count towards their master's degrees.

Students who do not have all of the prerequisite courses necessary to begin the courses in the Graduate Certificate in Nuclear Nonproliferation Program will be allowed to take "bridge" courses at either the graduate or undergraduate level to prepare for the formal certificate courses. 

For online students applying to a graduate certificate program. (No GRE/GMAT required.)

Certificate Applicant 

The following are the courses offered in the program. Courses are 3 credit hours each, unless stated otherwise. The University reserves the right to change or cancel courses as needed. 

Total Courses: 4 (12 credit hours)

Required course:  
NUC ENG 5509 Nuclear Nonproliferation  
   
Choose three elective courses:  
NUC ENG 5207 Nuclear Fuel Cycle  
NUC ENG 5281 Introduction to Probabilistic Risk Assessment  
NUC ENG 5312 Nuclear Radiation Measurements and Spectroscopy  
NUC ENG 5347 Radiological Engineering  
NUC ENG 5577 Advanced Nuclear Forensics and Radiochemistry  
NUC ENG 5507 Nuclear Policy  
NUC ENG 6331 Radiation Shielding  

Course plans are coordinated between the advisor and the student to meet the student's needs and the program's requirements.

Course availability may vary by semester (see course listings). Students should consult their academic advisor for appropriate alternatives or substitutions if needed.

Please refer to the Nuclear Engineering section of the graduate catalog for more information.

This program is 100% online: any campus visits are optional.

Courses are semester-based. Students typically take one or two classes per semester and finish the program in one year.

  • Delivery: 100% online
  • Calendar system: Semester-based 
  • Typical program length: 1-2 years
  • Typical course load: 1-2 courses a semester (fall and spring)

Courses are offered asynchronously, meaning they do not have regular meetings. They may consist of various media and content — such as online discussions, videos, quizzes and recordings — that students review and complete at the time of their choice.

Learn more about our graduate programs at Missouri S&T by attending one of our virtual information sessions.

Attend Info Session

Pathway to a Master's Degree

Are you a working professional who wants to earn your master's degree, but you don’t have time to take the GRE/GMAT? Then start in a graduate certificate program. Graduate certificates were designed as a pathway to a master's degree.* The admission requirements are more relaxed and credit earned will count toward your degree. Once you successfully earn your graduate certificate, you can continue with the corresponding master's degree without having to take the GRE/GMAT.

*Completion of a graduate certificate program does not automatically guarantee admission into a corresponding graduate degree program. To continue in a master’s degree program, you must apply.

Questions?

Missouri S&T Online Education

We are here to answer any of your questions about Missouri S&T’s online education programs.

Email Us  Request Info

Sylvia Skouby
Associate Director for Online Admissions

573-341-6903  |  stgrad@mst.edu

Nuclear Engineering and Radiation Science

Ayodeji Alajo, PhD
Associate Professor and Interim Director of Nuclear Reactor

573-341-6609 |  alajoa@mst.edu
Department Website: nuclear.mst.edu

Marjie Grimshaw
Undergraduate and Graduate Studies Support Assistant

573-341-4720  |   grimshawm@mst.edu@mst.edu