NUPOC
Nuclear Propulsion Pipeline Program (NUPOC)
Florida Poly is proud to offer an exclusive pathway for high-achieving STEM students to become future leaders in the U.S. Navy’s Officer Candidate Programs including nuclear submarines, surface warfare, and naval reactor engineering —fields that demand exceptional talent. This academically driven program allows students to remain enrolled full-time as degree-seeking throughout all four years. By completing the Florida Poly Nuclear Propulsion Pipeline Program by the end of their sophomore year, students significantly enhance their chances of selection for the Navy’s NUCLEAR PROPULSION OFFICER CANDIDATE (NUPOC) Program. NUPOC provides an exceptional opportunity to earn compensation while finishing a bachelor’s degree at Florida Poly and prepares students for a challenging, prestigious, and rewarding career in naval engineering and leadership.
How it Works
1. Throughout the freshmen and sophomore year, Florida Poly students will be part of a coordinated campus program and activities with U.S. Navy and campus personnel to maximize students’ exposure to and opportunities to learn about and prepare for the admissions process and Navy Nuclear Officer career field, including leadership seminars, mentoring, an expert speakers series, fitness programs, and arranging field trips when available.
2. At the beginning of sophomore year, students who have successfully completed the required Florida Poly coursework (Calculus 1 and 2 and Calculus-Based Physics 1 and 2) with a minimum GPA of 3.0 will be invited to begin the screening process for the U.S. Navy NUPOC Program.
3. Florida Poly will assist eligible students in completing the military screening and evaluation process for the Navy NUPOC Program, which currently requires medical screening, academic screening, a technical interview to evaluate the applicant’s knowledge of calculus and physics, and a security clearance eligibility determination, and a personal interview with the Director of Naval Reactors in Washington, D.C.
The Program Benefits
- A highly selective program for a limited cohort of elite STEM students.
- Scholarships for entrants and U.S. Navy compensation while students are still enrolled full time at Florida Poly
- NUPOC students (admitted juniors) are also eligible for military health-care and life insurance benefits for themselves and their dependents while in the program.
- NUPOC students (admitted juniors) are issued military ID that will allow access to low-cost shopping options on military bases and gymnasium facilities.
- In addition to making the strongest bonds with friends you will have and can count on for life, you will stand for, and stand with courageous and noble peers that share the highest values of integrity and honor for our country.
Scholarship Information
Freshman Year
- Freshmen Year Florida Poly Merit scholarship (up to $4,940)
Sophomore Year
- Freshmen Year Florida Poly Merit scholarship (up to $4,940)
- Sophomore Year (Second Term) $28,000-$29,000 U.S. Navy
compensation with the housing allowance.
Junior Year
- Junior Year $56,000-$57,000 U.S. Navy compensation with the housing allowance.
Senior Year
- Junior Year $56,000-$57,000 U.S. Navy compensation with the housing allowance.
Eligibility
Students should have the potential to be leaders who are looking to harness their high level of skill in math and science to be used in a meaningful way. Typical GPAs are above a 3.5, an SAT of 1320 or an ACT above 29.
Expectations for Students in the Program
- Maintain a 3.0 GPA
- Earn 30 credits each academic year toward their degree and graduate in no more than 4 years with their bachelor’s degree.
- Have a stellar student conduct record
US Navy NUPOC Eligibility
- A U.S. citizen
- Be at least 19 years of age and less than 29 years of age at the time of commissioning (waivers may be available: up to age 31 for Submarine or Surface Warfare Officer positions, up to age 35 for Naval Reactors Engineers or Nuclear Power School Instructors)
- Meet the medical and physical standards of the US Navy.
Other Information
- There are no requirements to wear a uniform or attend military training during your time as a full time student at Florida Poly.
- Throughout their college career, students must make satisfactory academic progress and assure a solid campus record and remain in good standing with the Student Code of Conduct at all times.
After Graduation: Officer Training
- Upon college graduation, the formal training process for becoming a Navy Officer in the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program is officially underway.
- The Program leads to an appointment on active duty as an Ensign in the unrestricted/ restricted line of the U.S. Navy.
- Nuclear Propulsion Officers serve their duty on a nuclear-powered submarine or surface ship.
- Those selected for nuclear submarine and surface warfare will attend the 12-week Officer Candidate School (OCS) located in Newport, Rhode Island when eligible. Those selected for nuclear power school instructor, prototype instructor, and naval reactors engineer will attend the 5-week Officer Development School (ODS) located in Newport, Rhode Island when eligible.
- Following OCS, those who select surface ships (aircraft carriers) will complete their Surface Warfare qualification during a division officer tour aboard a non-nuclear ship before moving on to Nuke School.
- For those who volunteer on submarines, they move directly to Nuclear Power School (Nuke School).
- The initial Nuke School is 24 weeks of classroom-based courses and is located in Charleston, South Carolina.
- The classroom portion of Nuke School is followed by 26 weeks of hands-on training at the Navy’s prototype reactor located in Charleston, SC.
Connect With Us
Have questions? Our admissions counselors are here to help you every step of the way.
