Marine Engineer College Requirements

Marine engineering involves the construction and maintenance of marine vessels and vehicles, habitats, and systems that work with or under water. Marine engineering requires knowledge of several other fields of engineering, including electrical, hydraulic, chemical and process engineering. And it requires knowledge of nuclear technology, ship building and design, and naval processes if conducted in conjunction with naval vessels such as submarines. For individuals with interests in these areas, marine engineering can be a lifelong career. Marine engineers can also work with offshore oil rigs or research platforms, serve as support for marine biology expeditions, work in major U.S. shipping ports, and have a number of other career options.

Schools Offering Marine Engineering Degrees

A number of schools offer degrees in marine engineering. These include the University of Michigan's Department of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering, the Massachusetts Maritime Academy, the Maine Maritime Academy, the University of New Orleans' School of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering, the California Maritime Academy, and the Coast Guard Academy, among others.

Preparing for Marine Engineering in College

High school students can prepare for an undergraduate marine engineering major by taking as much science at the AP level as they can, including physics, chemistry and mathematics. Several universities run summer programs for students who might be interested in the major when they get to college. Students can also pursue dive certification and learn CPR, life guarding and sailing before they get to college.

Options for Study

According to Michael S. Bruno, director of the Center for Maritime Systems at the Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, N.J., students can major in marine engineering at the undergraduate level or decide to specialize in it for post-graduate work. Students interested in marine engineering degrees at the master's level should have an undergraduate background that includes some field of engineering such as mechanical or electrical as well as courses in marine science.

College Curricula

For undergraduate students, the required courses for a bachelor's degree in marine engineering typically include courses in science and the humanities, with an emphasis on science and engineering. For example, the University of Michigan's undergraduate curriculum consists of courses in physics, English, chemistry, dynamics, thermodynamics, marine hydrodynamics, mathematics and advanced mathematics, solid mechanics, marine design, marine systems manufacturing, marine structures, marine engineering, marine electrical engineering, probability and statistics, ship design, marine laboratory, environmental ocean dynamics, small-craft design, theory of plates and shells, near-shore environmental dynamics, marine systems production strategy and operations management, and electives in the social sciences and humanities.

Post-Graduate Curricula

Graduate degrees in marine engineering take the courses of an undergraduate degree several steps further. The Coast Guard Academy's master's program includes courses in marine mechanics, marine safety, marine mathematics, seamanship, marine hydraulics, marine electricity, marine refrigeration, propulsion systems, marine design, marine boilers, machinery and ship design, basic and advanced diesel engine design, leadership, and management.

Resources

• University of New Orleans' School of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering
• U.S. Merchant Marine Academy
• Michigan Marine Engineering