Ocean Engineering
A program that prepares individuals to apply mathematical and scientific principles to the design, development and operational evaluation of systems to monitor, control, manipulate and operate within coastal or ocean environments, such as underwater platforms, flood control systems, dikes, hydroelectric power systems, tide and current control and warning systems, and communications equipment; the planning and design of total systems for working and functioning in water or underwater environments; and the analysis of related engineering problems such as the action of water properties and behavior on physical systems and people, tidal forces, current movements, and wave motion.
- Schools offering
- 9
- Annual completions
- 166
- Typical degree level
- Associate's + Bachelor's
- Median earnings (5yr)
- $86k
About this major
A program that prepares individuals to apply mathematical and scientific principles to the design, development and operational evaluation of systems to monitor, control, manipulate and operate within coastal or ocean environments, such as underwater platforms, flood control systems, dikes, hydroelectric power systems, tide and current control and warning systems, and communications equipment; the planning and design of total systems for working and functioning in water or underwater environments; and the analysis of related engineering problems such as the action of water properties and behavior on physical systems and people, tidal forces, current movements, and wave motion.
Where this major leads
Occupations most often associated with this major, from the federal BLS+O*NET crosswalk. Job-growth projections and median wages are national.
| Occupation | Median wage | Job growth | Typical education |
|---|---|---|---|
| Architectural and engineering managers | $168k | +3.8% | Bachelor's degree |
| Engineers, all other | $118k | +2.1% | Bachelor's degree |
| Engineering teachers, postsecondary | $106k | +8.1% | Doctoral or professional degree |
Earnings at a glance
Median graduate earnings from the federal College Scorecard, 5 and 10 years out.
Median 5-year earnings
$86k
Top colleges for Ocean Engineering
Ranked by annual completions at the associate's or bachelor's level — a proxy for program scale.
| College | Location | Assoc. | Bach. | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States Naval Academy | Annapolis, MD | 0 | 48 | 48 |
| Texas A&M University-College Station | College Station, TX | 0 | 45 | 45 |
| University of Rhode Island | Kingston, RI | 0 | 19 | 19 |
| Florida Institute of Technology | Melbourne, FL | 0 | 15 | 15 |
| University of New Hampshire-Main Campus | Durham, NH | 0 | 13 | 13 |
| Florida Atlantic University | Boca Raton, FL | 0 | 11 | 11 |
| University of Southern Mississippi | Hattiesburg, MS | 0 | 7 | 7 |
| Northwestern Michigan College | Traverse City, MI | 0 | 7 | 7 |
| Community College of Rhode Island | Warwick, RI | 1 | 0 | 1 |
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