Welcome to the Graduate Nuclear Engineering Program. Our program is unique and focuses on the technologies associated with the effects of nuclear weapons. Areas of study include counter proliferation, nuclear forensics, neutron transport, and radiation detection. Our coursework core begins with the physics of nuclear explosions, covers prompt effects of nuclear weapons, and ends with residual effects such as fallout. Our research focuses on three primary areas: nuclear weapon effects, nuclear weapon physics, and nuclear forensics. Please review the AFIT Graduate School Catalog for curriculum details. The research can be either highly experimental, highly computational, or a combination depending on the problem and requirements of the sponsor.
Our graduates fill critical research and management roles in the Department of Defense, Department of Energy, and Department of Homeland Security; including headquarters Air Force technical Laboratories, Defense Threat Reduction Agency, STRATCOM or the National Laboratories.
Our laboratory and computational facilities are state-of-the-art and established research collaborations provide access to an electron beam, gamma irradiation cell, and a research reactor. Please review the recent theses and dissertations topics as samples of our research interests. Additionally, students often work directly with the Air Force Research Laboratory or one of the National Laboratories, conducting research at their facilities.
James C. Petrosky, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Chairman, GNE Program
Email Dr. Petrosky
Our faculty is unique and well-equipped to educate and lead research in defense focused areas. Their real world experience is brought into the classroom allowing for our students to gain from their experiences in Department of Defense laboratories and in field operations, especially from the nuclear weapon testing era. This adds unique breadth to the program not offered elsewhere.
I invite you to browse our website for more information. Please feel free to contact me if you have questions about the program. Incoming students that are not DoD sponsored with a SECRET (RD) clearance must contact me directly to determine eligibility.