Ocean Engineering, B.S.

The Department of Ocean Engineering and Sciences combines the expertise of both scientists and engineers. The ocean engineering faculty includes highly qualified researchers engaged in the study of port and harbor facilities, the modeling of estuarine environments, the design and construction of marine vehicles, the impact of waste disposal in the sea, the effects and prevention of coastal erosion and sediment transport, offshore engineering, hydrographic surveying and corrosion in the marine environment. In addition to these studies, various scientific investigations in the bioenvironmental, chemical, physical and geological oceanographic fields incorporate ocean engineering expertise.

Educational Objectives

The ocean engineering major offers an education that is unique among engineering disciplines in providing an intimate and practical knowledge of the environment in which the graduate will operate. The result is a diverse curriculum with a strong foundation in all relevant engineering fields as well as in oceanography. The educational objectives of the program are:

Academic fundamentals: Graduates will have achieved sufficient mastery of the academic fundamentals that underpin a successful career related to ocean engineering. These fundamentals include knowledge of chemistry, calculus-based physics, advanced mathematics, engineering sciences, humanities, social sciences, information technology and experimental methodologies.

Engineering practice: Graduates will have sufficient competence in the application of engineering skills for the practical solution of problems related to the ocean engineering profession. These skills include systematic problem formulations, techniques for their solutions, and methodologies for designing systems in the main stems of Florida Tech ocean engineering: coastal processes, hydrographic engineering, materials and structures, instrumentation, and naval architecture and ocean systems/underwater technologies.

Teamwork and communication: Graduates will have obtained confidence and ability to work both independently and as productive members of a team. Graduates attain mastery of technical communication and practice the interpersonal and organizational skills required to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams.

Professional development: Graduates will be instilled with the desire to contribute to the profession and to society on a continuing basis. They are encouraged to pursue various options consistent with lifelong learning, maintain ethical professional conduct, have knowledge of contemporary issues, participate in professional organizations and contribute to diversity in the community.

The first two years of study are devoted to developing a foundation in mathematics, physics, chemistry, mechanics, computer programming and humanities. During the junior year, the ocean engineering major acquires knowledge of ocean science and the basics of engineering analysis. The fourth year is oriented toward the application of these basic techniques to ocean engineering problems. Ocean engineering majors are encouraged, but not required, to obtain firsthand field and sea experience during the marine field projects held during the summer between the junior and senior years. These projects encourage the student to learn to analyze, design, construct, install and operate equipment in the marine environment for a particular designated task. The university operates several small boats and charters a well-equipped vessel for offshore, estuarine and river work. An option for field projects is available to seniors who are unable to participate in the summer program. 

Degree Requirements

Candidates for a Bachelor of Science in Ocean Engineering must complete the minimum course requirements outlined in the following curriculum.

For a definition of electives for engineering programs, see Undergraduate Academic Information .