MS Program in Nuclear Environmental Protection

Nuclear energy plays a major role in electricity generation contributing nearly 20% of total output in the US and nearly 80% in France. The US operates the largest number of commercial nuclear reactors but that total has remained unchanged for over three decades. However, energy sustainability and climate change concerns are driving a resurgence of interest in nuclear energy as a crucial player in the energy mix. As with any industry, along with the potential benefits comes the obligation for responsible environmental stewardship. How does one weigh the potential benefits of nuclear power as a low-carbon energy source against the challenging issues of safe nuclear waste treatment and disposal What is the appropriate role of nuclear fuel recycling (reprocessing) What technologies are needed to address legacy wastes from the nuclear defense program, dating back to the Manhattan Project, which have left a huge environmental burden facing the Nation This program will provide students with the background necessary to appreciate the complexity of these and other pressing issues and the ability to contribute to their solution in their future careers.