McMaster University is announcing a new Minor in Nuclear Studies and Society in a timely response to growing demand for more skilled leaders in the nuclear sector.  

The minor brings together experts from multiple Faculties at the University – home to world-class nuclear facilities and the country’s largest research reactor – to prepare students for impactful roles across a range of career pathways.  

Designed with interdisciplinary education at its core, the minor will equip undergraduate students with knowledge and skills to tackle critical challenges and opportunities in the evolving field.   

The minor will be available to all students at McMaster University with new core courses for the program becoming available in Fall 2025.    

“McMaster University is Canada’s Nuclear University,” says, Susan Tighe, McMaster’s provost and vice-president (Academic) and incoming President and Vice Chancellor, noting that the University offers more than 40 undergraduate and 20 graduate courses focusing on nuclear.  

“Our infrastructure, resources and expertise are primed to offer enhanced academic programming in nuclear. With more than 1,300 alumni working in the nuclear industry, we will continue to build on our commitment to ensuring our clean energy future is secure and thriving.”  

Nuclear minor details  

Students can now pursue a Minor in Nuclear Studies and Society with three specializations: Nuclear Engineering, Nuclear Applications in Applied and Medical Science, and a general track.  

The program features new foundational courses that blend technical and social disciplines, offering comprehensive insights into the nuclear field. Key courses include:  

• Nuclear Technology Applications: Focuses on nuclear technology’s role in society and the environment, with an emphasis on applications like energy, medical imaging and cancer treatment.  

• Nuclear Technology & Society: Covers international nuclear policy and regulatory frameworks, public health, and safety, enhancing students’ analytical skills and social awareness.  

• Interdisciplinary Projects in Nuclear Studies: Engages students with an interdisciplinary project that synthesizes their knowledge and understanding.   

• Nuclear Energy in Practice: Provides hands-on experience with nuclear energy in urban and natural environments.  

Students can also select additional courses to tailor the minor to their major.   

Industry welcomes launch of new program  

McMaster has strong ties to the nuclear industry through various academic and research partnerships.   

Tighe is McMaster’s Canadians for CANDU ambassador – a campaign to promote the adoption of Canada’s only domestically developed and licensed nuclear technology to general emission-free energy.   

Gary Rose, President & CEO of Candu Energy, an AtkinsRéalis company and the original equipment manufacturer of CANDU nuclear technology, is thrilled with the launch of the minor for helping establish a talent pipeline. 

“The CANDU reactor life extension and new build projects that we’re seeing occur at an unprecedented rate, driven by the need for clean energy, require hundreds of skilled workers from our organization: engineers, project managers, consultants, designers and other commercial professionals. With Canada facing a pressing talent shortage across many of these areas, we’re thrilled with the launch of this new minor at McMaster,” Rose said. 

“As a major industry employer in Canada, about 20 per cent of the hundreds of new hires we brought on board last year in our Canadian Nuclear business were recent graduates.  We remain committed to working with McMaster to foster the next generation of Canadian nuclear talent that will contribute to Canada’s long-term prosperity and energy security.” 

McMaster is committed to fostering connections with valued partners that expose our students to exceptional opportunities.   

Each year, select undergraduate students from the Faculties of Engineering and Science participate in a Canadian Nuclear Laboratories research experience, which involves spending time at the nuclear site in Chalk River, Ontario.  

McMaster is also leading a series of Community Energy Transition Workshops in collaboration with First Nations Power Authority. The sessions focus on knowledge mobilization through dialogue to improve energy security in northern and remote communities.   

Learn more about the Minor in Nuclear Studies and Society