Ocean Engineering B.S.

Objectives and Outcomes

The primary mission of the undergraduate degree program is to prepare students for successful careers in ocean engineering, for advanced studies, and for lifelong learning. The program is designed to provide our students with a strong base in fundamental sciences, mathematics, and engineering; a broad base in ocean engineering; opportunities for the integration of theory, experimentation, and design; appreciation of ethical, social and environmental issues in the practice of the profession; and strong oral and written communication skills.

Program Educational Objectives

Three to five years after graduation, our graduates will be:

  • Gainfully employed with private or government organizations and advancing to positions of increased responsibility and leadership or pursuing an advanced degree. 
  • Working in one of the specialty areas within the broad field of ocean engineering including ocean instrumentation, ocean robotics and vehicles, ocean waves and coastal resilience, underwater acoustics, marine structures, marine geomechanics, ocean renewable energy, naval architecture, and ocean engineering design.
  • Behaving ethically, contributing to society, participating in strengthening a diverse engineering professional environment, and succeeding in diverse workplaces, nationally and internationally.

Student Outcomes

The graduates of the Bachelor of Science program in Ocean Engineering will have:

  1. An ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics
  2. An ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors
  3. An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences
  4. An ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts
  5. An ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives
  6. An ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions
  7. An ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.

Department of Ocean Engineering Mission

  • Provide high quality, undergraduate and graduate degree programs that prepare our students for professional careers in ocean engineering in industry, academia, and government
  • Develop and maintain internationally recognized research programs in selected areas of ocean engineering
  • Actively serve the profession and the community in the areas of our expertise, and
  • Provide a challenging work and learning environment where diversity, community, scholarship, professional development, and excellence are valued and rewarded.