What does United States Naval Academy's nuclear engineering program offer?

I'm interested in nuclear engineering and I saw that the United States Naval Academy has this program. Could anyone provide insights on what this program offers and if it's a good fit for someone looking into a Navy career?

Absolutely! The United States Naval Academy (USNA) offers a comprehensive Bachelor of Science program in Nuclear Engineering. This program provides students with a robust, multi-disciplinary understanding of the science and application of nuclear processes. Students learn about nuclear power and how it's produced, as well as nuclear reactors, radiation detection, and nuclear safety.

The curriculum gravitates towards practical application, preparing students for a Navy or Marine Corps career, and often, working with naval nuclear propulsion plants. Moreover, all nuclear engineering students participate in a two-week summer program at the end of their Third Class (sophomore) year to experience navy nuclear power firsthand.

The faculty includes officers from the unrestricted line and the Engineering Duty Officer community, and civilians with extensive bridge-building experience linking the academic and the practical. Class sizes at USNA are usually quite small, providing students with personalized attention and the chance to interact directly with their instructors.

Additionally, students in this program undergo the standard leadership training and military instruction, which can provide substantial advantages when pursuing a career in the Navy. The blend of technical know-how, leadership training, and practical experience makes this program an excellent match for someone planning a Navy career, as it equips students with the capacity to innovate, lead, and excel in the Navy Nuclear Propulsion Program or guide students into graduate education in the health and medical physics areas.