Ohio State to Launch Nuclear Engineering Major by 2027
The university plans to debut a dedicated undergraduate program supported by a $4.5 million investment.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Nuclear
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Ohio State University will launch an undergraduate nuclear engineering major for the autumn 2027 semester. The program development is supported by a $4.5 million investment from the nuclear energy company Oklo.
Why it matters
Rising interest from current students prompted the expansion of the curriculum beyond the existing graduate-level offerings. The new major aims to meet growing academic demand while providing specialized research and hands-on training.
The university project includes $2 million for professorships, $1 million for scholarships, and $1.5 million for laboratory and facility upgrades. Initial projections estimate an intake of 15 to 20 students transferring from other majors during the first year.
The players
Ohio State University
This major public research institution is based in Columbus and serves as the primary site for the new engineering program.
Oklo
This nuclear energy company focuses on the development of small modular nuclear power plants and is a partner in this investment.
The details
The program will be housed in Scott Laboratory, which will host the new Oklo Experiential Engineering Education Lab. Students will complete specialized coursework alongside a two-semester capstone design project to fulfill degree requirements.
Timeline
Oct. 14, 2026: 122 students were enrolled in the existing nuclear engineering minor.
Autumn 2027: The new undergraduate nuclear engineering major is scheduled to launch.
The Big Picture
The project extends the capabilities of the Nuclear Reactor Laboratory at Ohio State University to support the launch of the new undergraduate engineering degree. This shift signals a broader institutional move to bridge the gap between existing graduate research and undergraduate education.
Prospective students may gain access to new undergraduate scholarship opportunities and specialized laboratory training beginning in 2027. The development also aims to increase the local pipeline of graduates qualified for roles in the emerging nuclear energy sector.
The takeaway
The move reflects a growing institutional effort to align academic programs with the shifting demands of the energy industry. Students interested in the field should monitor future announcements regarding specific credit requirements and transfer procedures.
Further reading
Learn more about local academic and research efforts in the Nuclear section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Lantern.
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