Nuclear Engineering

As of 2008, two thirds of all cancer patients have and will receive radiation therapy, which has proven to be one of the most effective ways to fight the deadly disease (“Statistics." : About Radiation Therapy”). Ever since radiation was discovered in 1896, researchers have sought to use it for the benefit of the people, and radiation therapy is only one example. Nuclear engineering is a wide field that covers important subjects of study from the disposal of nuclear fuel and waste to the maintenance of systems such as nuclear reactors, plants, and even weapons (Shiori, “Nuclear Engineering Education”). Although the amount of advances has been minimal over the years, nuclear engineering is still a stable field of study and necessary for a highly civilized country to prosper.

First off, the tasks that need to be completed before even becoming a nuclear engineer start with graduate education; a master’s degree, which involves substantial work in math, physics, and engineering design is a necessity (Shiori, “Nuclear Engineering Education”). Both private and government jobs frequently require a doctorate in nuclear engineering. However, the typical educational requirements for an operating engineer are less severe, as one qualification is a bachelor’s degree in nuclear engineering, while others with only high school diplomas train in the U.S. Navy Nuclear Power Plant Program (""Nuclear Engineer" Job Description - Part 1."). The tasks of a nuclear engineer vary significantly, depending on the field of study one decides to focus on. However, similar to most engineers, nuclear engineers are usually immersed in highly technical environments for work (""Nuclear Engineer" Job Description - Part 1."). Additionally, outside of the lab, the engineers often work in cautious, extended teams; safety from the dangers of nuclear radiation is a top priority for anyone overseeing work while exposed to radiation, and a nuclear engineering working on the field should be able to...