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Naval Architecture Education


Naval architecture is a branch of engineering that concentrates on the construction and design of marine vehicles. Naval architects are skilled professionals with advanced technical knowledge of engineering, physics and materials science, and they assist with the creation of ocean liners, aircraft carriers, hovercrafts, destroyers, submarines and oil tankers. In order to gain such critical technical knowledge, naval architects must endure a rigorous education to earn a degree in naval architecture or marine engineering.

Marine engineers and naval architects take many of the same courses during college, as both need similar knowledge to design and produce water vehicles. Naval architects work on the basic design of the ships, and marine engineers work on the propulsion, steering and other systems of the ships. This is why many of the degrees earned are in naval architecture and marine engineering.

Naval Architecture Bachelor Degrees

Degrees in naval architecture and marine engineering cover a wide range of subjects in science and engineering. Courses that are usually required include:

  • Ocean Safety Theory
  • Marine Systems Managements
  • Marine Design
  • Marine Materials

There are no certification programs available for naval architects, only bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral level degrees are awarded. Naval architecture bachelor degrees are typically offered at coastal schools holding affiliations with Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, shipbuilding firms or other offshore industries. Students attending these schools should try to strengthen relationships to further their career goals, such as for future internships and possibly licensure. There are only a few different schools nationwide that offer bachelor degrees in naval architecture, and most are 4-year programs. All students need to get into these schools is a high school diploma or its equivalent and submission of either ACT or SAT scores.

Naval Architecture Bachelor Degree Coursework

To become a naval architect, students in high school should pay close attention to math and science. Some high schools offer engineering classes, and those should also be taken seriously. The courses listed below are very common among naval architecture schools and colleges:

  • Marine Engineering
  • Marine Design
  • Calculus
  • General Chemistry
  • Engineering Physics
  • Offshore Structure Design
  • Meteorology for Mariners

Naval Architecture Master Degrees

Students who wish to further their education, after graduating with an undergraduate degree, can choose to enroll in master degree naval architecture programs. These courses provide additional training in marine engineering, plus many students are allowed to focus on their specific field of interest, such as marine research or marine systems design. Many students in this level of education find themselves in laboratories and research facilities, utilizing computer-based design equipments, and hands-on experimentations.

Naval Architecture Master Degree Coursework

Many of the courses listed below are included in naval architecture master programs nationwide. Primarily consisting of marine engineering courses, common classes are:

  • Introduction to Thermodynamics
  • Ship Hull Strength
  • Advanced Marine Design
  • Advanced Offshore Engineering
  • Hydrodynamics in Ship Design
  • Structural Vibration in Marine Craft
  • Resistance and Propulsion in Ship Design

Naval Architecture PhD Programs and Degrees

In order for a student to enter a PhD naval architecture program, he or she must first earn a bachelor’s degree in naval architecture or a related field, such as mechanical engineering. Most programs only acquire applicants who have extensive experience in marine engineering. Students gain this type of experience through master level degree programs. In addition to submitting proof of experience and education, applicants must also submit a GRE score.

Naval Architecture PhD Degree Coursework

Most of the PhD programs for naval architecture are not specific. However, the courses listed below are the must beneficial for PhD students.

  • Advanced Marine Design
  • Advanced Marine Dynamics
  • Ocean Engineering Practices
  • Safety in Marine Systems
  • Fluid Dynamics in Marine Design
  • Manufacturing Simulation

Naval Architects Tuition

Many naval architects find themselves attending tuition-free institutions to earn their degrees. Most of these locations are involved with the military and require students to give 5 years of active military service instead of paying for the costs of tuition, room and board, books, supplies, clothes, etc. Most military academies, such as West Point Naval Academy supply cadets with all basic necessities during their time on campus.