VCU to Offer State’s First Doctoral Program In Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering

By Anne Buckley and Joan Izzo

Virginia Commonwealth University has received state approval to offer a doctoral degree in mechanical and nuclear engineering, the first such program in Virginia to prepare graduates to address technical challenges from both engineering disciplines.

The State Council of Higher Education for Virginia has approved the program, which will be offered beginning in the spring of 2013, and is the only doctoral program in Virginia incorporating nuclear engineering.

It reflects VCU’s decision to create an advanced degree program that responds to industry demand for graduates with skills in both mechanical and nuclear engineering for employment in critical fields such as power generation, alternative energy, nuclear medicine and national defense and homeland security.

The new program, which will be taught by faculty from the Department of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering in the VCU School of Engineering, offers an unprecedented approach to prepare engineering researchers with broad, interdisciplinary training bridging two complementary fields. 

“I applaud VCU for being the first school in the commonwealth to offer this program that will prepare students for the in-demand, highly skilled, good-paying jobs in the energy industry,” said Gov. Bob McDonnell.

“The new program in mechanical and nuclear engineering at the VCU School of Engineering fits perfectly with the goals of the landmark Top Jobs higher education legislation, passed two years ago in Virginia,” he said.

“In keeping with our strategic plan, the new VCU School of Engineering doctoral program in mechanical and nuclear engineering is additional evidence of VCU’s commitment to attracting highly motivated and well-prepared students with an interest in leading in the STEM-H fields,” said VCU President Michael Rao, Ph.D.

In response to a growing national interest in nuclear energy, the VCU School of Engineering added a master’s degree in mechanical and nuclear engineering in 2007.

J. Charles Jennett, Ph.D., interim dean of the VCU School of Engineering, said, “The cutting-edge program will build on VCU’s existing strengths and expertise in mechanical and nuclear engineering to answer the increasing need for engineers and scientists trained in both disciplines.”

“Graduates of this program will possess the knowledge and skills needed to solve a broad range of engineering challenges with both mechanical and nuclear engineering elements,” he added.

For more information on this program contact Karla M. Mossi, Ph.D., director of graduate studies, VCU Department of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering at kmmossi@vcu.edu.