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 (NE-530), one qualifying Nuclear Engineering elective course, and two NSSA electives. 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 courses include:
- NE 530 – Nuclear Security Science and Analysis (Required per the NSSA certificate)
- 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 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 program are the same as for acceptance into the M.S. program in nuclear engineering. Students interested in the certificate are encouraged to contact Dr. Jason Hayward (jhayward@utk.edu) with any questions. He will also be the one to sign certificates after completion.