Because of the demanding nature of Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program and the magnitude of the responsibilities members will take on from a young age, requirements to become a candidate and join NUPOC are stringent.
The NUPOC program is open to both men and women. The following program qualification criteria apply.
Age And Health
To be an eligible candidate, you must:
- Be a U.S. citizen (dual citizens must renounce non-US citizenship)
- Be at least 19 years of age and less than 29 years of age at the time of commissioning—waivers up to 35 years of age for select jobs may be available
- Meet the physical standards of the Navy
Education
Candidates must be graduates or students of an accredited college or university in the United States or in a United States territory pursuing a BA, BS or MS (preferably major in mathematics, engineering, physics, chemistry or other technical areas). Those still in school may apply as early as 30 months from completion of an undergraduate degree for Surface Warfare (Nuclear), Submarine, and Instructor positions and as early as 18 months from completion of an undergraduate degree for Naval Reactors Engineers. Applicants may also join the NUPOC program as early as 12 months from completion of a master’s degree for all NUPOC positions. Additional academic requirements include:
- Completed one academic year of calculus
- Completed one academic year of calculus-based physics
- A competitive GPA and a minimum grade of “B” in all technical courses (minimum grade of “C” in all technical courses for Nuclear Submarine Officer and Nuclear Surface Warfare Officer candidates)
Learn more about the NUPOC program.
General qualifications may vary depending upon whether you intend to serve Active Duty or Reserve Duty and whether you are currently serving, have served before or have never served before.