Engineering

Engineers solve problems in the ocean environment. Drawing from the fields of mechanical, electrical, chemical and civil engineering, ocean engineers have a significant impact on ocean science through the instruments and devices they create. Examples of some of the contributions of ocean engineering include: computer- and satellite-linked buoys and floats, sediment traps, ocean seismometers (underwater earthquake sensors), underwater video equipment, and acoustic measuring devices (instruments that make it possible to "sense" underwater objects and seafloor formations). Additionally, ocean robotics is a rapidly growing field with various types of autonomous vehicles supporting scientific investigations, contributing to national defense, and providing essential support for the offshore oil and gas industry.
» Visit Sea Grant Marine Careers website

Preparing in High School for majoring in Engineering in college

1. Take as many science courses as you can in high school, including biology, chemistry and physics.
2. Take as many math courses as you can, including Algebra I and II, trigonometry, and calculus.
3. Take computer classes. Computing skills including word processing and data analysis programs are very important.
4. Take English, literature and speech classes. Although it might not seem intuitive, communication skills are extremely importantfor success in a science career.

Sample course requirements to earn a bachelor’s degree in Engineering:

• Delaware State University – Bioengineering
• United States Naval Academy – Ocean Engineering
• Texas A&M University – Ocean Engineering
• San Diego State University – Environmental Engineering (pdf)

Preparing in College for majoring in Marine Technology and Ocean Engineering in Graduate School

Applicants must have a thorough preparation in physics (three years of physics or applicable engineering), chemistry, and mathematics, including differential equations. Undergraduate courses in dynamic and synoptic meteorology are expected, but they can be taken in the first year. Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA. Missing a required course? Don’t give up! Some programs will still accept new graduate students and then provide the opportunity to complete one or more courses to fill gaps in their education.

If you have the opportunity (either paid or volunteer) to participate in laboratory, field work or a research cruise during your undergraduate years, it will serve as good preparation for graduate work. Participating in an ocean Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) summer program is a great way to learn about ocean research and to meet faculty and graduate students involved in ocean science, policy and engineering graduate programs. REU programs provide stipends to cover expenses, and often students are able save some of their summer stipend money.
» Visit REU website

Graduate Programs in Ocean Engineering

Many of the best jobs in ocean engineering require a Masters (MS) or Doctoral (Ph.D.) degree in ocean engineering or closely related field. Some students choose to get an MS first and then go on for a Ph.D. Others go straight for a Ph.D., and some choose to only get an MS.

Most graduate students in ocean engineering receive a stipend that covers living expenses and have their graduate tuition paid, thus attaining their graduate degree without incurring additional education debt.

There are many excellent graduate programs in ocean engineering at state and private institutions. Virtually every coastal state has at least one program and larger states, such as California, have many. Some universities offer MS and Ph.D degrees in engineering with a specialty in ocean engineering. Talk to your faculty adviser about your interests, or check the website below.
» Visit GradSchools.com

What can you study?

• Robotics, specifically improvement and design of autonomous vehicles, including sophisticated software to navigate the vehicles over complex ocean bottom terrain.
• Vessel construction and maintenance
• Civil/Environmental/Ocean Engineering
• Diving Technology
• Naval architecture
• Underwater Acoustics is the study of understanding the propagation of sound and seismic waves in the ocean to improve navigation, communication systems, and improve understanding of natural systems and organisms.

Potential careers

• Teaching
• Research
• Coastal Engineer
• Naval Architect
• Offshore oil and natural gas industry
• Military (Navy, Army Corp of Engineers)
• National Aeronautics and Space Administration