An Introduction to

Why | What | FAQs

Ocean engineering is a relatively young, extremely varied and remarkably exciting field of engineering.  Oceans truly are the last frontiers remaining on earth, and it is up to us as engineers to find ways to identify, investigate and utilize ocean and coastal resources while at the same time protecting them from the destructive effects of human activities. 

While engineering has been around for hundreds of years, the term "ocean engineering" has been in existence for only about 50 years.  However, there are certainly a myriad of engineering problems related to our oceans that have existed for quite some time -- most of which still need attention!  And since more than two-thirds of the earth is covered by water, and more than 98% of the biological living space exists in the oceans, wouldn't it make sense if at least two-thirds of engineers were ocean engineers?  We all know that this is not the case, and those who choose ocean engineering have quite a collection of problems to solve ... Ocean engineering is a field of engineering that has many opportunities within it to make an impact!

Ocean engineering is one of the most varied engineering disciplines.  The ocean engineering education here at USNA includes the standard fundamental engineering courses such as statics, dynamics, strength of materials, materials science, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, along with other applied engineering courses.  Since ocean engineering encompasses so many different areas and types of problems, there are many different types of elective courses offered.  Each of these elective courses strives to utilize and reinforce the fundamental tools learned, while expanding the problem-solving capability of each student.  In addition, each ocean engineering student must complete a comprehensive capstone design project pertaining to a "real-world" problem.

Here at USNA, our ocean engineering program includes coverage of the following disciplines within ocean engineering (through elective courses and subject matter with core and design courses:

	Coastal Engineering - Learn the dynamic interaction of the ocean and its shore (also see the EOE civil engineering track web page for more info)     An ocean engineer ...         Develops shore protection systems         Designs harbors and ports         Deals with Civil Engineering issues in the coastal environment
	Offshore Engineering - Learn to design structures capable of withstanding the severe ocean environment     Offshore structures include ...         Steel jacket structures         Concrete gravity platforms         Tension-leg platforms

	Underwater Engineering - Learn the special requirements of living and working underwater (also see the EOE underwater track web page for more info)     Underwater concerns include ...         Life support         Work systems         Cables, pipelines, shipwrecks, etc.
	Environmental Engineering - Learn to protect the oceans from the harmful effects of mankind's activities.  Also learn to harvest and/or utilize oceanic resources such as minerals, wave energy, thermal energy and tidal power.     Environmental concerns include ...         Pollution abatement         Environmental remediation         Ocean resource utilization

What is the difference between Ocean Engineering (EOE) and Oceanography (SOC)?

In short, Ocean Engineering is an engineering discipline, whereas oceanography is a science.  Engineers are problem-solvers; they must assimilate numerous skills (e.g. math & physics) and resources (e.g. oceanic data) in order to solve a problem through means such as the design of a structure, vehicle or system.  Oceanographers, on the other hand, are generally responsible for finding out information about the oceanic characteristics (temperatures, currents, etc.) which ocean engineers need.  The two groups - oceanographers and ocean engineers - usually work very closely with each other.

Or, to quote Theodore Von Karman, "Scientists discover the world that exists; engineers create the world that never was."

How do the EOE environmental courses differ from the courses in the environmental track of the Systems Engineering (ESE) department?

The systems engineering majors who choose the ESE environmental track take one elective in the systems department, and then must take another environmental elective from within our department.  (So they all must come to our department anyway!)  Our department offers more environmental engineering electives than any other department at USNA.

Will I be limiting my career opportunities by choosing Ocean Engineering over a more traditional or "conventional" major?

Certainly not.  All engineering majors here at USNA are required to take traditional fundamentals of engineering courses such as statics, dynamics, strength of materials, materials science, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, along with other applied engineering courses.  The difference that ocean engineering brings to engineering education is that the application of the fundamentals learned can be so varied -- and so interesting!  You will learn more if you are interested in the subject matter.  So if the ocean or the coast interests you, and you are interested in applying math, science, and physics to design solutions to some of mankind's most challenging problems, Ocean Engineering may very well be the major for you!

The design of a structure or vehicle to withstand the harsh environment of the ocean or coast (due to waves, currents, pressures, corrosion, etc.), is usually much more complex than the design of that same structure for land application.

Click here for more information about Ocean Engineering career opportunities.

Can I minor in a language if I choose Ocean Engineering as my major?

Yes.  There are and have always been numerous EOE majors who have minored in French, German, Russian and Spanish.  Talk to your academic advisor to find out about how to set up and complete a minor in a language.  Overloading of courses is not necessary in nearly all cases.

Can I play varsity sports if I choose Ocean Engineering as my major?

Absolutely yes.  In fact, we have had varsity athletes from all sports (men's and women's) within our program, including numerous team captains.

How many women are Ocean Engineering majors?

Enrollment naturally fluctuates, however, EOE usually has the highest female enrollment (by numbers and by percentages) out of all of the engineering majors at USNA.

Who can I contact for more information?

The following is a list of our EOE faculty with primary specialties noted.  Each name links to the individual faculty member's home page -- where office location, telephone number and e-mail address are given.

Professor Dawson	Ocean Materials, Structures
Professor Johnson	Wave Mechanics, Engineering Economics
Professor Nuckols	Life Support, Underwater work systems
Professor Kriebel	Coastal Engineering, Wave Mechanics
Assoc. Professor Mayer	Ocean Design, Environmental
Assoc. Professor Mouring	Structures, Marine Foundations
Assoc. Professor Waters	Environmental Engineering, Wave Mechanics
Asst. Prof Schultz	Biofouling, Wave Mechanics
CDR Marr	Underwater work systems
LCDR Finlayson	Ocean Engineering Design

 

[Home] [People] [Courses] [Research] [Facilities] [Links] [What's New] [Contact Info] [Search]
[E-Mail] [USNA Home] [Division Home]

Last modified 12/10/01