I want to work with nuclear reactors, should I major in physics or engineering?

Question

If in engineering, what type (engineering physics)?

Answer 1

You could also explore opportunities in the Navy.  Many of the Navy's largest ships run on nuclear power.  For a long time, at least in the US, that was the best place to be regarding nuclear engineering because the US has not built a new nuclear reactor for non-military use in ~ 40 yrs.

Answer 2

It depends on whether you want to design reactors or do nuclear experiments with them.    If the former, you'll want to study engineering, such as mechanical and/or nuclear.   If the latter, major in physics.

Answer 3

Engineering physics is more like cutting edge engineering to me.  Compared to other engineering field... they have a stronger background in physics. They are employed a lot of industries.  

Being in the nuclear side of academia, those I have met with an engineering physics background are more into fusion reactors.

The truth is... nuclear reactors require many different kinds of engineers and specialists.  As long as you know reactor physics and radiation physics with your chosen field, you can get a job in the nuclear industry for sure.

My BS is in physics.  Since it's a tough degree, I have good problem solving skills and I am good at my math.  I am doing well so far in my graduate studies in nuclear engineering, but a lot of the nuclear engineering based around a lot of mechanical and chemical engineering fields.

If you want to get right into designing/building reactors, then mechanical engineering is the way to go.  If you want to research and development, then physics might be more useful.  But you can always like dual major. or get a minor.