Marine Engineering
Undergraduate Degree
The Marine Engineering (MENG) program prepares graduates for careers as licensed engineering officers in the United States Merchant Marine as well as engineering positions in associated shoreside industries.
Cadets gain a firm grasp of mechanical and electrical engineering systems through classroom and experiential learning. This includes approximately 50 days of practical shipboard training each year, typically during the annual sea term aboard the NSMV Patriot State or on a commercial merchant ship assignment.
Four sea terms are required and cadets must pass examinations conducted by the United States Coast Guard in order to qualify as a third assistant engineer, steam, motor, and gas turbine, unlimited horsepower. Licensure is dependent upon successful completion of Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) requirements.
Marine Engineering Career Paths
The Marine Engineering (MENG) program prepares graduates for careers as licensed engineering officers in the United States Merchant Marine and for engineering positions in associated shoreside industries. Many graduates later go on to become senior management executives throughout industry.
Possible positions for a Marine Engineering major include:
- Chief Engineer on a merchant ship
- Port Engineer for an marine related company
- Executive management for major corporations
- Field service engineers throughout industry
Hands-on Learning
Anybody can watch someone else perform a task. It’s a rare person that can successfully perform many different tasks competently by using their own two hands in doing so.
Learning Outcomes
The overarching goal of the MENG program is to produce a competent and conscientious Marine Engineering Officer in accordance with the Standards for Training and Certification of Watchstanders (STCW) and United States Coast Guard (USCG) regulations.
At the end of the MENG Program, graduates should be able to:
- Apply general education knowledge to appreciate the impact of engineering solutions on society as a whole.
- Apply mathematics, science and engineering knowledge to solve engineering problems.
- Gather, analyze and interpret engineering data.
- Communicate effectively in English using written, oral and graphic formats.
- Function effectively as a member of a multidisciplinary team.
- Satisfactorily meet all STCW Competencies (listed separately) required to be licensed as a Marine Engineering Officer on board a ship in accordance with USCG regulations.
- Apply for, be examined for, and receive a Merchant Marine Officer License issued by the USCG for a Third Assistant Engineer of Steam, Motor and Gas Turbine vessels any horsepower.
The U.S. Maritime Administration requires that all senior MENG students complete all their academic program requirements and earn their USCG license for a Third Assistant Engineer of Steam, Motor and Gas Turbine vessels any horsepower prior to receiving their MENG degree.
Certifications Available through the Degree
The objective is to earn a USCG Third Assistant Engineering License for unlimited horsepower Steam, Diesel or Gas Turbine power propulsion systems (that’s three licenses) that are very difficult to obtain and demonstrate the breadth of knowledge amassed.
The examinations are administered by the United States Coast Guard with the ultimate goal of preparing students to eventually reach the level of Chief Engineer.
Sea Term
The MENG program includes approximately 50 days of practical shipboard training each year to satisfy STCW requirements for sea service. Shipboard training typically takes place during the annual sea term. Students gain practical experience either aboard the NSMV Patriot State or aboard commercial merchant ships to experience the maritime industry first-hand. The MENG major requires students to complete four sea terms.
What Will You Study?
The MMA ME program requires 152.5 credits to complete the degree, which surpasses the typical 128 credits required for most engineering schools, which means you learn a whole lot more.