Since the discovery of fission, a major industry has evolved in nuclear power generation. Nuclear technology is also important in medicine for the diagnosis and treatment of disease. However, the importance of nuclear energy lies in the future. Development of fast breeder reactors will lead to low thermal pollution and to the conservation of fissionable fuels. Nuclear engineers will play an increasingly important role in solving worldwide energy shortages.
Plasma research is on the verge of breakthroughs in controlled thermonuclear fusion.
Soon, it may be possible to generate useful power from energy released by fusion, with environmental improvements over both fossil fuel and fission reactors. Nuclear engineering may someday support the widespread use of electric automobiles. In addition, the development of nuclear engines will permit more extensive exploration of space than is now possible with conventional rocket engines. Students receiving the BS degree in nuclear engineering may work for electric utility companies, federal or state regulatory agencies, for major contractors designing and testing improved reactors for central-station power generation, or for propulsion of icebreakers or other oceangoing vessels. Nuclear engineering is also good undergraduate preparation for students interested in careers dealing with the protection of people from radiation, or in medical applications of nuclear technology.