Ocean Engineering

Overview

Ocean engineering (OE) deals with the design of ships of all types. The field is often called naval architecture. It involves fluid mechanics, propulsion, structures, vehicle dynamics, and marine engineering. The curriculum culminates in an international award-winning design sequence in which students design a complete ship.

The program is closely related to aerospace engineering, and the two programs share a major portion of their course requirements. A double aerospace and ocean engineering major is available to students desiring this combination.

Curriculum:

Review the Graduation Requirements (Checksheet) for your entering class year to see the required coursework.

Interest Areas and Related Degrees/Minors

The undergraduate OE program provides courses and experiences related to the following areas within ocean engineering: aero/hydrodynamics; dynamics, control, and estimation; energy and the environment; naval engineering; propulsion; space engineering; structures and materials; vehicle and system design. A short description of each area and related degrees and minors are provided below to enhance your major exploration experience.

Aero/hydrodynamics
Analysis and understanding of fluid flows about vehicles.
Related Engineering Degrees: Aerospace Engineering | Electrical Engineering | Mechanical Engineering
Related Degrees: Meteorology | Physics
Related Minors: Astronomy | Engineering Science and Mechanics | Mathematics | Meteorology | Naval Engineering | Physics

Dynamics, Control, and Estimation
Modeling and predicting the motion of a vehicle, and modulating that motion through proper control design.
Related Engineering Degrees: Aerospace Engineering | Electrical Engineering | Mechanical Engineering
Related Degrees: Physics
Related Minors: Astronomy | Engineering Science and Mechanics | Mathematics | Meteorology | Physics

Energy and the Environment
Understand the nature, scope, and challenges of environmental impact and the science behind energy and propulsion systems that minimize that impact.
Related Engineering Degrees: Aerospace Engineering | Electrical Engineering | Mechanical Engineering
Related Degrees:  Physics
Related Minors: Astronomy | Engineering Science and Mechanics | Green Engineering | Mathematics | Meteorology | Physics

Naval Engineering
Understand naval missions, capability requirements, and the broad scope of engineering applications to naval missions.
Related Engineering Degrees: Aerospace Engineering | Electrical Engineering | Mechanical Engineering 
Related Degrees: Physics
Related Minors: Astronomy | Engineering Science and Mechanics | Mathematics | Meteorology | Naval Engineering | Nuclear Engineering | Physics

Propulsion
Understand the nature, scope, opportunities, and challenges of designing, specifying, and integrating propulsion technologies.
Related Engineering Degrees: Aerospace Engineering | Electrical Engineering | Mechanical Engineering
Related Degrees: Physics
Related Minors: Astronomy | Engineering Science and Mechanics | Mathematics | Meteorology | Naval Engineering | Physics

Space Engineering
Analysis and understanding of the space environment, space payloads, and/or space mission design and operations.
Related Engineering Degrees: Aerospace Engineering | Electrical Engineering | Mechanical Engineering
Related Degrees: Physics
Related Minors: Astronomy | Engineering Science and Mechanics | Mathematics | Meteorology | Physics

Structures and Materials
Analysis and understanding of structural analysis and materials selection.
Related Engineering Degrees: Aerospace Engineering | Electrical Engineering | Mechanical Engineering 
Related Degrees: Physics
Related Minors: Astronomy | Engineering Science and Mechanics | Mathematics | Meteorology | Naval Engineering | Physics

Vehicle and System Design
Understand the nature, scope, and challenges of designing innovative vehicles and systems.
Related Engineering Degrees: Aerospace Engineering | Electrical Engineering | Mechanical Engineering
Related Degrees:  Physics
Related Minors: Astronomy | Engineering Science and Mechanics | Mathematics | Meteorology | Naval Engineering | Physics

Getting Involved

Ambassadors
Design Teams
Professional Society - Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineering (SNAME)
Study Abroad
Undergraduate Research

Career Resources

Our Engineering Career Resource provides you with all of the most frequently used career information websites in one place for ease of access. This list includes links to VT First Destination Post Grad Report, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Department of Defense, and many more.