Ohio State to Launch Nuclear Engineering Major in 2027
The undergraduate program will expand access to nuclear power education starting in the autumn 2027 semester.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Nuclear
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Ohio State University plans to launch an undergraduate nuclear engineering major for the autumn 2027 semester. The program aims to address rising student interest, supported by a $4.5 million investment from Oklo.
Why it matters
The program shift from graduate-only to undergraduate access reflects an effort to scale the nuclear engineering workforce. This development is driven by documented student demand for specialized training in small nuclear power plant design.
The $4.5 million project includes $1 million for new laboratory development and $500,000 for upgrades to the existing Nuclear Reactor Laboratory. The remaining funds are allocated to $2 million for professorships and $1 million for undergraduate scholarships.
The players
Ohio State University
A public research university that currently offers nuclear engineering only as a graduate-level discipline.
Oklo
A nuclear energy company focused on the development of compact nuclear power plants.
The details
The undergraduate curriculum will feature specialized coursework and a two-semester capstone design project, which requires students to complete a comprehensive engineering task. Hands-on training will take place in the newly established Oklo Experiential Engineering Education Lab, housed within the university's Scott Laboratory. The lab provides the physical infrastructure for students to study small nuclear power plants, a type of reactor designed for modular deployment.
Timeline
Oct. 14, 2026: 122 students were enrolled in the nuclear engineering minor.
Autumn 2027: The new undergraduate nuclear engineering major is scheduled to launch.
The Tech Race
This program aligns with broader industry efforts to expand the pipeline of engineers capable of designing small-scale reactor technologies. It marks a transition for the department, which has previously focused its research and teaching resources on postgraduate students.
The major is projected to enroll 15 to 20 students during its first year through transfers from other engineering disciplines. Students can expect the coursework to integrate directly into the newly constructed laboratory space within Scott Laboratory.
The takeaway
The program provides a new entry point for engineering students interested in the nuclear energy sector. Interested students should monitor the Ohio State Board of Trustees meeting schedule for updates on the final authorization of the major.
Further reading
For broader trends in research and education, see the Nuclear section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Lantern.
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