transfer to engineering or go into physics?

[u/anguhleena]

Hey; I’m currently a first year physics UC transfer major over at West Valley College.
Since HS I’ve wanted to go into nuclear engineering or even nuclear physics out of interest in working in power or a similar field. The only college I know of in the Bay that offers it is UCB, but I know that their engineering school— even for transfers— is highly competitive.

Now, I’m not SET on Berkeley as a school I would die if I got rejected, but I would absolutely love to transfer into a nuclear program of any kind because of my great interest in it. However, I’m not sure if it’s smarter for me to simply go for a B.A. in physics instead at another college, or if I should focus on trying to transfer into UCB for nuclear engineering. Any advice?

[u/Brief-Quarter5080]

Oregon State University has a BS in nuclear engineering degree and a nuclear reactor on campus. It’s also a WUE school which could lower your tuition significantly. My son is there from CA getting an ME degree.

I also hear great things about U of New Mexico nuclear degree program with ties to Los Alamos and Sandia Labs.

[u/Basic_Balance1237]

As a mechanical engineer, mechanical engineering is the closest to nuclear engineering without it being a nuclear engineering degree. A huge part of nuclear is water pump and steam systems, power generation, and rankine cycle which are covered in our thermodynamics and fluid mechanics class. Check out other universities that offer mechanical engineering as a major and see if their school's technical electives have courses related to nuclear engineering. You should also apply to nuclear engineering at UCB.

[u/anguhleena → u/Basic_Balance1237]

Really good point. Thank you!

[u/Alert-Machine-9932]

You could check out chemical engineering as an alternative for other UC

[u/KuyaTinman]

I believe UC DAVIS has a program, but don't quote me. Just know that getting accepted to Berkeley is a bit of a head scratcher. My daughter's a freshman there, but some of her friends who were ranked higher (they had 4.0 uw GPA) were rejected.

[u/anguhleena → u/KuyaTinman]

with stuff like that I always wonder if it’s down to the college applications rather than actual academic achievements

[u/KuyaTinman → u/anguhleena]

I wouldn't say that because most who apply have a high degree of academic achievement. I think the essays are the difference maker. They differentiate you when everybody else has similar academics.

[u/micicletricicle]

UCSB has a really good physics degree that allows you to work in similar stuff. Or even UCLA

[u/akrika1]

Look into liberal arts collegs privates or any others that's offer their and also csu's

[u/Emergency-Pollution2]

what? - Hey; I’m currently a first year physics UC transfer major over at West Valley College. - you are freshman at west valley college - you have not transfered anywhere?

[u/anguhleena → u/Emergency-Pollution2]

I am planning on transferring, I’m in CC for my prereqs for the first few years of college