How to Select a Marine Mechanical Engineering School
When considering a program, students want to make sure that the school is accredited by the Engineering Commission on the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) or the Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC). Prospective students may want to consider programs with experienced faculty, as well as engineering laboratories and simulators that prepare students with practical experience. Because there are a wide variety of marine engineering specialties, students may want to find a school that offers diverse coursework or a school with their specialization. Students looking to gain practical experience at sea may want to consider the duration of the hands-on experience or internships incorporated into the programs. Those interested in long experiences aboard a ship may want check out certificate or bachelor's degree programs with extended practical experiences.
Students interested in marine mechanical engineering programs may want to keep these considerations in mind:
- Accredited programs have been proven to meet high standards in education and offer a high level of training.
- Schools with engineering laboratories and simulators allow students to gain more hands-on training in the field.
- Some schools provide specialized internships and practical experience in a student's area of interest.
Certificate in Marine Engineering Technology
A certificate program in marine engineering gives students basic education and practical hands-on training with hand and power tools, as well as safe work practices. Courses take place in the classroom and aboard ships. Certificate programs take about one year to complete, and prospective students should check with the school to see if they meet all the educational prerequisites. Certificate programs may also include an internship aboard a ship. Courses explore:
- Marine materials
- Equipment
- Maintenance
Bachelor of Science in Ocean Engineering or Marine Engineering
Both the Bachelor of Science in Ocean Engineering (BSOE) and Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering (BSME) take four years to complete. As with most bachelor's degree programs, the first few semesters are dedicated to general education courses. Students are required to complete practical training aboard military or commercial vessels in order to graduate. Some programs incorporate qualifying examinations by the U.S. Coast Guard into the curriculum. Marine engineering specific courses include:
- Chemistry
- Engineering physics
- Electronics
- Marine survival
Master of Science in Ocean Engineering or Marine Engineering
The Master of Science in Marine or Ocean Engineering takes about two years to complete and applicants must have a degree in engineering, the sciences or mathematics. A thesis is usually required. Students take advanced courses in mechanical ocean engineering, such as:
- Acoustics
- Hydrodynamics
- Materials and corrosion
- Transportation management
Ph.D. in Ocean Engineering
Applicants must be proficient in data analysis, mathematics and oceanography, in addition to mechanics and materials. At the Ph.D. level, students gain expertise in specialized marine engineering fields, such as:
- Marine vehicles
- Vibration
- Offshore structures
Top 10 Maritime Schools
| College/University | Institution Type |
|---|---|
| Florida Institute of Technology | 4-year, Private not-for-profit |
| Maine Maritime Academy | 4-year, Public |
