The numerous careers in the marine construction industry include technician, marine engineer and project manager. There are several different types and levels of educational programs for people interested in this field that range from a certificate program to the graduate degree level.
Schools with Marine Construction Programs
Degrees in ocean engineering, marine engineering and naval architecture are offered by these institutions.
| College/University | Location | Institution Type | Degrees Offered | Tuition (2018-2019)* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SUNY Maritime College | Throggs Neck, NY | 4-year, Public | Bachelor's | $8,283 In-state Undergraduate; $18,063 Out-of-state Undergraduate |
| United States Naval Academy | Annapolis, MD | 4-year, Public | Bachelor's | Free for U.S. Citizens With U.S. Navy or Marine Corps Contract |
| United States Coast Guard Academy | New London, CT | 4-year, Public | Bachelor's | NA |
| University of Michigan - Ann Arbor | Ann Arbor, MI | 4-year, Public | Bachelor's, Master's, Doctoral | $15,262 In-state Undergraduate; $23,128 In-state Graduate |
| University of New Orleans | New Orleans, LA | 4-year, Public | Bachelor's | $8,771 In-state Undergraduate; $13,607 Out-of-state Undergraduate |
| Stevens Institute of Technology | Hoboken, NJ | 4-year, Private not-for-profit | Bachelor's, Graduate Certificate | $52,202 Undergraduate; $35,960 Graduate |
| Texas A&M University | College Station, TX | 4-year, Public | Bachelor's | $11,870 In-state Undergraduate; $37,495 Out-of-state Undergraduate |
| Maine Maritime Academy | Castine, ME | public, 4 year | Bachelor's | $13,478 In-state Undergraduate; $27,098 Out-of-state Undergraduate |
| United States Merchant Marine Academy | Kings Point, NY | public, 4 year | Bachelor's, Master's | $1,080 Undergraduate |
Source: *National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
School Selection Criteria
There are several things to consider when seeking a marine construction school.
- Certificate programs are appropriate for technicians, while marine engineers and project managers need to have a bachelor's or master's degree program.
- Aspiring marine construction workers may wish to look for programs with opportunities such as year-at-sea programs.
- ABET recognizes several marine engineering programs and is one of the most respected accreditation bodies in the U.S. for engineering, technology and applied science, so students will want to find a program that is ABET accredited.
- Students should look for programs that offer a Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training (BOSIET) course, which covers firefighting and first-aid skills.
Certificate Programs
A few accredited schools offer certificate programs in marine construction. Mechanical, hydraulics, electrical and electronics technicians might receive marine construction training at postsecondary technical schools or in the military.
Bachelor's Degree Programs
Bachelor of Science degree programs in ocean engineering or naval architecture and marine engineering (NAME) are applicable to careers in marine construction. Some schools work with local offshore businesses to help provide job placement for graduates.
Master's Degree Programs
Some of these programs offer both thesis and non-thesis options; students who choose the non-thesis option might work on a team project to solve a problem in marine engineering instead of writing a research-based thesis.
By studying naval architecture, ocean engineering or marine engineering it is possible to prepare for a career in marine construction. These programs are offered by many public and private institutions, and it's possible to pursue both graduate and undergraduate studies in these disciplines.
