During the course of obtaining a marine engineering degree, you will learn how to apply the principles of engineering to systems that help ships, docks and other water bodies function. This may include the design and evaluation of propulsion systems and power supply systems to assist communication and navigation devices, engines, weather protection equipment and many other types of marine instruments. To become a marine engineer, it takes time, patience, dedication and commitment to study.

You can get a bachelor's, Master's or PhD degree in marine engineering, which will prepare you for the design and evaluation of marine vessels and other equipment on land. Alternatively, you can enroll in the United States Marine Corps Academy and learn how to operate ship equipment, get one of three degrees: Marine Engineering, Marine Engineering Systems and Marine Engineering.

Marine engineering applies basic engineering principles to systems designed to operate primarily in an aquatic environment. This includes not only all types of marine vessels, docks, harbors, loading and unloading facilities, oil platforms and shipbuilding facilities, but also engines, electric motors and navigation and communication devices. Bachelor's degree programs in marine Engineering will provide the skills and practical experience needed to solve these far-reaching tasks.

Bachelor of Marine Engineering programs are usually designed for four years, and courses include principles of engineering analysis, fluid mechanics, marine structure, wave mechanics, naval architecture, ship dynamics, and others. Bachelor of Marine Engineering students often have the opportunity to participate in internships or work-study to gain valuable experience. The Bachelor of Marine Engineering career includes: Marine Equipment Specialist, Marine Engineer, Hydrographic Surveyor, Ship Design Engineer, Ship Construction Engineer, Marine Systems Engineer and Engine Engineer, to name just a few. This is a growing field with excellent career opportunities.

Prospects

A Bachelor's degree program in marine engineering can give you a solid theoretical foundation, while at the same time providing excellent opportunities for growth. To learn more about the Bachelor of Marine Engineering degree, check out the options below. A four-year Bachelor of Science degree is enough to cover the basic concepts of marine engineering. Those who wish to learn more about a particular aspect of the profession are recommended to obtain a master's degree (one or two more years) and, possibly, later a PhD degree (time varies greatly). Some colleges offer combined master's and doctoral degree programs that help students get higher education diplomas faster.

It should be noted that after obtaining a bachelor's degree, marine engineers usually take several Coast Guard licensing exams. After successfully passing the Third Assistant license exam, engineers gain more experience before obtaining a second assistant license. After working even more time in the field, marine engineers receive a first assistant license, followed by a senior assistant license. Graduates of marine engineering specialties have a number of career options. They can choose to work as naval warfare or propulsion engineers, as well as marine equipment specialists. It is also possible to become a specialist in marine systems, marine designers or a ship engineer.