Overcoming Engineering Challenges Posed By The Ocean: Ocean Engineering
It might sound unbelievable, but the ocean actually covers more than seventy percent of The Earth’s surface. It also contains the vast majority of living space on the planet and its importance to life on Earth cannot be emphasized enough. However, the ocean also poses a lot of challenges, particularly from an engineering standpoint. These challenges require the expertise and knowledge of special engineers and with a degree in ocean engineering, you have a good chance of joining their ranks. If you are passionate about engineering, but want a bigger challenge than just working on land, it could be the ideal degree for you. Ocean engineers are involved with many projects that deal with the destructive nature of the ocean as well as its resources and exploration. Unlike oceanography, ocean engineering doesn’t deal with the natural aspects of the oceans, but rather man-made systems and how they influence the ocean as well as the reverse.
Ocean Engineering Degree Information
Bachelor of Science in Ocean Engineering
Most Bachelor of Science in Ocean Engineering degrees takes about four years to complete and are suitable for students who are interested in working as ocean engineers after graduating. Typical courses range from Fluid Mechanics, Oceanography and Underwater Acoustics to Coastal Systems, Dynamics of Ocean Systems, Ocean Wave Mechanics, Offshore and Coastal Structures as well as Moored System Design.
Master of Science in Ocean Engineering
The Master of Science in Ocean Engineering is a two year degree program for students who have already completed their bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline. The completion of a thesis also forms part of the requirements for completing this type of degree. Courses that are typically required for this degree may include Ocean Wave Mechanics, Fluid Dynamics for Ocean and Environmental Engineering as well as Higher Math for Engineers and Physicists. Students may also be able to choose from courses such as Physical Oceanography, Dynamics of Offshore Structures and Coastal Engineering. The Master of Science in Ocean Engineering is also available as a Master of Engineering degree at some institutions.
Master of Science In Ocean Engineering (Naval Engineering)
Students with an appropriate bachelor’s degree can also go on to complete a two year course for a Master of Science in Ocean Engineering (Naval Engineering) degree. The Naval Engineering degree focuses more on ship building elements of engineering as opposed to marine structures. This type of degree may be available in two tracks, one with a thesis as well as a non-thesis version. Required courses for this master’s degree usually include Applied Numerical Methods, Advanced Ship Dynamics, Advanced Aero and Hydrodynamics and Advanced Ship Structural Analysis. In addition, this course also includes a list of electives. These range from Structural Optimization, Advanced Naval Architecture, Marine Engineering, Linear Control Theory and Computation Fluid Dynamics to Vehicle Dynamics and Control, Mechanical and Structural Vibrations and more.
Doctor of Philosophy in Ocean Engineering
The Doctor of Philosophy in Ocean Engineering degree typically requires an additional 64 credit hours beyond what is required for a Master’s degree, along with a dissertation. In addition, most institutions require students to first pass a written and oral general exam before they are formally admitted to the program. In addition to the requirements for a Master’s degree, a Ph.D. requires courses in the areas of mathematics, numerical methods and statistics as well as fluid mechanics.
Ocean Engineering Degree FAQ
Is Ocean Engineering Available As An Online Only Degree?
Ocean Engineering is available as an online degree program for students who are unable to attend campus based classes. These programs are typically at master’s degrees and feature synchronous as well as asynchronous components. This means that in additional to downloadable modules, students are also offered the opportunity to engage in live communication with their professor as well as live internet meetings where the class can interact and ask questions. Taking part in an online course is ideal for students who have work or other commitments that make it impossible for them to work with a campus class based schedule. Online degrees usually offer a lot more flexibility in terms of when and where you can study. Usually the only equipment needed to take part in an online degree program is a computer or laptop with a microphone and headphones. Some institutions provide students with special software while others make use of browser plug-ins to facilitate the online learning. Online programs are typically at a master’s level and focus on the naval engineering aspect of the profession. Many universities near the coast are able to provide students with practical experience in the form of research projects on board chartered vessels, which is something that online programs cannot offer.
Who Is An Ideal Candidate To Study Ocean Engineering
As with any type of engineering degree, math skills are very important for ocean engineering. Good problem-solving skills are also an advantage, as are ingenuity and great interpersonal skills. Students interested in ocean engineering should also have good communication skills as they may be required to work on complex projects that involves collaborating with other people and being able to clearly convey instructions.
What Type of Career Options Might Be Available With a Degree in Ocean Engineering
Depending on the type of degree you have earned, there are a number of employment options in the field of ocean engineering. Career paths for ocean engineers are not just restricted to the private and governmental sector, but corporate and educational options also exist. You’ll also be able to focus on areas that interest you, such as renewable energy, underwater vehicles, marine transportation, instrumentation design and much more.
What Type of Responsibilities Might I Have When Employed In The Field of Ocean Engineering?
Ocean engineers have a lot of different types of responsibilities, depending on where they are employed and what the goals of their employers are. Ocean engineers are often involved in activities such as beach restoration, coastal zone management, instrumentation, as well as the development of vehicles that are able to operate efficiently under the ocean. Other ocean engineers are tasked with designing offshore structures that are either fixed or floating while some deal with the maintenance of harbors and their entrance channels.
What Are The Other Advantages To Studying Ocean Engineering?
Because ocean engineering actually combines a number of different engineering types, it is a very stimulating area of study for anyone with an interest in this field. It is also great for people who love solving problems and overcoming challenges because the ocean is such a harsh environment.
