Marine Engineering Major

<h3 id="section---WhatTypesOfMarineEngineeringMajorsWillIFind">What Types of Marine Engineering Majors Will I Find?</h3> <p>You can earn a Bachelor of Engineering in Marine Engineering, a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Marine Engineering Technology or a B.S. in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering. The coursework for each degree program is often similar. Some programs focus more on concepts of engineering construction and design; others may focus on systems operation and maintenance. Because these degrees require hands-on training, programs are primarily campus-based. A typical bachelor's degree takes four years to complete. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td><b>Degree Programs</b></td><td> Bachelor of Engineering in Marine Engineering, B.S. in Marine Engineering Technology or B.S. in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Curriculum</b></td><td> Marine systems design and maintenance coursework, general education classes in math and science, internship</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Licensure</b></td><td> U.S. Coast Guard licensure for ship engineers, Professional Engineer (PE) licensure for marine engineers</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Further Education</b></td><td> Master's degree in marine engineering; Ph.D. in marine engineering</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Median Salary (2020)</b></td><td>$95,440 <i>(for marine engineers and naval architects)</i>*</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Job Outlook (2019-2029)</b></td><td>1% growth <i>(for marine engineers and naval architects)</i>*</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i> </p> <h3 id="section---WhatWillIStudy">What Will I Study?</h3> <p>A marine engineering bachelor's degree program will teach you how to design, maintain and repair systems that regulate propulsion and electrical power generation in a marine vessel. You'll take general education courses in mathematics and physics. Your engineering courses may cover thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, steam propulsion and statics. Design-focused courses in marine engineering may explore topics like design drawing, structural modeling and hull strength. </p> <p>Your coursework will be both classroom and field-based. Many programs will require you to complete an internship; this might include spending a semester aboard a commercial vessel at sea. Some programs include coursework on basic ocean living and survival skills. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatLicensureWillINeed">What Licensure Will I Need?</h3> <p>The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) regulates licensure for ship engineers; these engineers maintain a ship's machinery, including engines and generators. USCG licensure is required for engineering graduates who intend to work aboard a merchant vessel. Some bachelor's degree programs incorporate preparatory coursework for the USCG third assistant engineer licensure exam into their curriculum. </p> <p>All states, as well as the District of Columbia, will require you to earn an engineering license if you intend to work as a marine engineer. These engineers help design and maintain a ship's electrical and propulsion systems. Some marine engineers with a background in naval architecture are responsible for supervising the construction of a vessel. </p> <p>In order to earn a license, you'll need to graduate from a program that has been accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). After graduation, you'll take an initial exam; if you pass, you'll be granted engineer-in-training (EIT) or engineer intern (EI) status. You'll then need to accumulate four years of work experience prior to taking the state-administered licensing exam to become a professional engineer (PE). </p> <h3 id="section---WhatGraduateOptionsCanIPursue">What Graduate Options Can I Pursue?</h3> <p>Many colleges and universities offer master's degree programs in marine engineering; a master's degree may help you advance into a leadership or research position. You can also pursue a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Marine Engineering. Earning a Ph.D. may prepare you for an educational role at the post-secondary level or for work in a research-based position. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatIsTheJobOutlookAndPay">What Is the Job Outlook and Pay?</h3> <p>According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of marine engineers and naval architects is expected to grow by 1% from 2019 to 2029. The increase is due to the need for naval architects and marine engineers to design environmental-friendly ships and systems to transport energy products like liquefied natural gas. As of May 2020, the median annual salary of naval architects and marine engineers is $95,440.</p>