How to Become a Naval Architect

Naval architecture is a prestigious and time consuming profession, before licensure is even granted. Every career begins when an individual is a teenager in high school. High school is taken for granted by many, many teens, however there are also just as many students who use high school to prepare them for future education. Utilize this article to help you understand what it takes to become a naval architect.

Educational Requirements

During high school, it’s important that a student pays particular attention to all math, physics and science classes. Taking advanced courses, such as calculus and art/design can help a high school student sharpen his or her skills in these areas. Also, high school students who know they want to pursue a career in naval architecture can begin taking basic college courses before graduation. This can help eliminate the amount of undergraduate coursework an individual needs to take to satisfy educational requirements for naval architecture programs.

Generally, for an individual to become a naval architect, they need to obtain an undergraduate or bachelor’s degree in naval architecture. Depending on where the individual would like to work, he or she may consider furthering their education and earning either a Master of Naval Architecture or PhD of Naval Architecture. Obtaining higher degrees can help an individual enter into a larger, more prestigious architecture or engineering firm.

Internship Requirements

There are no set requirements in any of the 50 States for naval architects, however internships and apprenticeships can benefit an individual seeking employment in a larger firm with higher salaries. Internships must be performed under the supervision of a naval architect or marine engineer. Duties of an intern are similar to those of an employed naval architect, plus, internships give intern’s hands-on training, additional knowledge and time to sharpen skills even further.

Naval Architect Jobs

Prospective naval architects can begin choosing which type of company or institution they would like to work for while earning a degree. Naval architects are needed in government positions, shipyards, consulting firms, maintenance companies, and engineering companies. If an individual has gained specialize knowledge in a particular field, such as management, then he or she may want to join a company in such a position. Becoming a naval architect doesn’t require passing of an examination or lengthy licensure procedures. Most naval architects are able to land employment in a facility of their choice rather easily, as competition for jobs is not as high as in other professions.