Lead the Future of Ocean Sound
From defense to offshore renewable energy to marine conservation, expertise in underwater acoustics is in demand nationwide. At URI, you’ll learn from world-renowned leaders in the field—faculty whose research and industry partnerships are shaping the science of sound in the sea. Designed for working professionals and researchers across the country, the Graduate Certificate in Underwater Acoustics offers flexible, graduate-level training that can advance your career or serve as a pathway to further study.
Why URI? The Department of Ocean Engineering at the University of Rhode Island is uniquely positioned:
- Hybrid course availability makes it accessible to working professionals
- First in the nation to develop a doctoral program in ocean engineering
- Strong faculty expertise
- Strong collaborations with the Graduate School of Oceanography
- Strong industry connections (e.g. Navy, defense, offshore wind)
- $140M+ in new facilities
Program Overview
What You’ll Learn
The Graduate Certificate in Underwater Acoustics provides advanced training in sound propagation, sensing, and analysis in the ocean. With applications in national defense, offshore renewable energy, and marine environmental protection, this 12-credit program equips engineers, oceanographers, and other professionals with specialized expertise to meet industry and research needs.
Curriculum
Four graduate-level courses. One powerful credential.
The Graduate Certificate in Underwater Acoustics is a 12-credit program that combines core knowledge with advanced electives. All students take an introductory course in underwater acoustics to learn the principles of sound propagation and its applications, then select three electives in areas such as sonar design, data analysis, acoustic transducers, bioacoustics, and propagation. This flexible curriculum prepares graduates for careers in defense, offshore energy, and marine environmental research.
Required course (3 credits)
OCE 571 – Underwater Acoustics I
Select three courses (9 credits)
OCE 472 – Sonar Systems Design
OCE 555 – Modern Oceanographic Imaging and Mapping Techniques
OCE 561 – Introduction to the Analysis of Oceanographic Data
OCE 572 – Underwater Acoustic Transducers
OCE 575 – Marine Bioacoustics
OCE 661 – Analysis of Oceanographic Data Systems
OCE 672 – Underwater Acoustics II
OCE 673 – Advanced Course in Underwater Acoustic Propagation
Courses may be taken individually or as part of the certificate sequence. Please see the University Academic Catalog for more details about the specific course prerequisites.
Admission and Cost
Ready to take the next step?
Admission Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in engineering, mathematics, or science discipline.
Not sure if your background is a good fit? Contact our program director.
Application Requirements
Please visit the Graduate School for application requirements and deadlines.
International Student? Please visit this site for more information.
For specific semester start dates and details, please refer to the Academic Calendar.
Tuition & Fees
Tuition and fees for graduate programs at the University of Rhode Island can be found here.