Undergraduate Majors

While there is currently no official fusion major at UC San Diego, there are many different majors that students can pursue in order to graduate with the skills needed to join the fusion workforce. 

For example, there is an “energy track” within the mechanical engineering major which could be followed in order to build up expertise relevant for joining the fusion engineering workforce. 

In addition, majors focused on materials engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, data science, artificial intelligence, structural engineering and controls and robotics all provide opportunities to build up classroom and laboratory coursework relevant for joining the fusion engineering workforce. 

Paring coursework with undergraduate research experiences (see below) will open even more opportunities for graduating with well-rounded preparation needed for joining the fusion engineering workforce. 

Undergraduate Research

At UC San Diego, we are training the fusion engineering workforce that is needed for building and operating fusion power plants and other fusion energy infrastructure. 

Our goal is to provide research experiences in fusion-related labs to as many undergraduate students at UC San Diego as possible. Providing positive real-world experiences enhances the undergraduate experience and speeds your transition to jobs in industry. 

These kinds of learning opportunities are important for increasing the overall numbers and breadth of academic backgrounds of undergraduate students who are interested in graduate degrees and careers focused on fusion-engineering challenges. 

To drive further undergraduate interest in engineering fusion careers, the Institute leverages a series of successful undergraduate research, outreach, mentorship, and student success programs.