About the department

Nuclear Engineering and Radiation Science (NERS)

Within the Department of Nuclear Engineering and Radiation Science, Missouri S&T is developing the Missouri Powerplex, a first-of-its-kind nuclear-hybrid energy research campus designed to power Missouri’s clean energy economy, educate the next generation of nuclear professionals, and establish the state as a national leader in advanced reactor technology.

Unlike traditional university reactors, the Powerplex will serve as an industry-facing testbed that integrates nuclear energy, thermal and battery storage, and advanced manufacturing. This unique environment will enable Missouri S&T, industry partners, utilities, and energy developers to develop and demonstrate integrated hybrid energy systems that can be deployed to meet the nation’s growing energy needs.

Our BS, MS, and PhD programs are the only programs in nuclear engineering in the State of Missouri. The educational mission of the department is to offer students unparalleled, career-focused educational opportunities in nuclear engineering, nuclear energy, medical applications of radiation, nuclear nonproliferation, radiation science applications, and related engineering and science fields.

We aim to become nationally recognized leaders in areas of small modular reactor and micro reactor development, medical imaging, radiotherapy applications, and materials under extreme environments, including their application in advanced nuclear systems. The department is home to 10 faculty members, nearly 300 undergraduate students, and 35 graduate students (including 20 Ph.D. students). The department’s facilities provide students with exceptional hands-on learning opportunities, including access to the Missouri S&T Reactor (MSTR), newly modernized teaching laboratories, advanced simulation technologies, and research opportunities through the Missouri University Research Reactor (MURR).

Learn more about NERS