Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the difference between Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering?
- Will I be limiting my career opportunities by choosing Naval Architecture or Ocean Engineering over a more traditional or "conventional" major?
- Is Naval Architecture really an engineering major even though it does not have "engineering" in its title?
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How does Ocean Engineering differ from the other engineering majors?
Ocean engineering is a varied and diverse field of engineering that encompasses many exciting challenges related to the marine field. In addition to the normal engineering courses and material that are required of all USNA engineering majors, EOE also incorporates many field trips, real-world exposure and real-world problems into your education.
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Is Ocean Engineering a difficult major?
Ocean Engineering is a challenging engineering major as much as the other USNA engineering majors are. However, we hear that EOE seems "easier" to some students -- mostly because the students are enjoying what they are learning, You will learn more if you are interested in the subject matter. So if the ocean or the coast interests you, Ocean Engineering may also seem easier for you.
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What is the difference between Ocean Engineering and Oceanography?
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.
"Scientists discover the world that exists; engineers create the world that never was." -Theodore Von Karman
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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.
- Can I be a Trident Scholar if I choose Naval Architecture or Ocean Engineering?
- Can I minor in a language if I choose Naval Architecture or Ocean Engineering as my major?
- Can I dual-major if I choose Naval Architecture or Ocean Engineering?
- Can I play varsity sports if I choose Naval Architecture or Ocean Engineering as my major?
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How many women are Ocean Engineering majors?
Enrollment naturally fluctuates, however, EOE usually has one of the highest female enrollments (by numbers and by percentages) out of all of the engineering majors at USNA.
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Who can I contact for more information?
The following is a list of our EOE faculty with primary specialties listed. Each name links to the individual faculty member's home page -- where additional contact and other information is available.
- Professor Dawson - Ocean Materials, Structures,
- Professor Kriebel - Coastal Engineering, Wave Mechanics,
- Professor Mayer - Ocean Design, Environmental,
- Professor Mouring - Structures, Marine Foundations,
- Professor Schultz - Biofouling, Wave Mechanics,
- Professor Waters - Environmental Engineering, Wave Mechanics
