Bachelor of Science Degree Program in Boat Architecture and Naval Engineering
Majors Overview February 24, 2015Get information about a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree program in Boat Architecture and Naval Engineering and its coursework, career choices, job and wage outlook, and continuing education choices.
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Degree Program in Boat Architecture and Naval Engineering
The bachelor’s degree program in boat architecture and naval engineering teaches students about ways of effectively designing, manufacturing, and maintaining marine structures and ships. Students gain strong problem-solving, technical, analytical, and communication skills to help them seek employment in the marine industry.
Apart from classroom instruction, laboratory settings and computer-aided design programs are included in program coursework. A team design project usually conducted in the final year is also included in some programs. Universities and colleges located near large bodies of water are usually the ones to offer these four-year programs.
Admission criteria typically require incoming students to hold a GED certificate or a high school diploma.
Coursework
Those who complete the coursework within the bachelor’s degree program can expect to gain a firm grasp of the principles involved in the design and manufacture of marine vessels. Apart from general education classes, core coursework is completed by students in topic areas such as the following:
•Form calculations and stability
•Small craft design
•Marine engineering
•Foundations of ship design
•Marine systems manufacturing
•Ship resistance and propulsion
Career Choices
Those that complete the program may seek job opportunities within the maritime field in numerous areas, including governmental operations, recreational boating, passenger transportation, and shipbuilding. With work experience, interested individuals may rise to leadership and management positions within the field. These professionals may seek various entry-level jobs, including:
•Ocean engineers
•Coast Guard cutter crew members
•Naval architects
•Marine engineers
•Commanding officers
Job and Wage Outlook
Over the 2012 – 2022 decade, job growth rate of ten percent have been predicted for marine engineers and naval architects (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). In May 2012, these professionals brought home an average annual wage of $88,100 (BLS).
Continuing Education Choices
Those that complete a bachelor’s degree program may attempt to join the workforce immediately or continue their education by earning a master’s degree in engineering or naval architecture and marine engineering. Schools offer both master’s and doctoral degree programs in either field.
These graduate degree programs feature research opportunities and a thesis requirement. Those that complete the programs may seek job opportunities in naval architecture firms, governmental laboratories, shipyards, and offshore engineering design businesses.
