by our College Data Analytics TeamThe ocean covers most of the earth's surface, yet is still full of mysteries scientists have yet to uncover. If you would like to develop structures to help us understand, protect, and utilize the world's largest resource, consider majoring in Ocean Engineering.
Ocean Engineers mix different types of engineering from civil to electrical to chemical with a knowledge of the ocean. Some of the tasks they may complete include developing instruments to take measurements, building structures to control water levels, and constructing underwater tunnels. In order to prepare for this career you will take classes in oceanography, civil engineering, naval architecture, computer-aided design, and maritime systems along with more specialized classes like analysis of ocean waves and air-sea interactions to learn everything about the Ocean Engineering field.
In 2021-2022, ocean engineering was the 306th most popular major nationwide with 296 degrees awarded. This year's Best Ocean Engineering Schools ranking compares 4 of them to identify the best overall programs in the country. Explore this or one of our many other custom oe rankings further below.
Since Ocean Engineering combines the field of engineering with oceanography, students should have a strong background in math, chemistry, and physics. Strong critical thinking and problem solving skills will aid students in designing new structures that can withstand the corrosive and unpredictable nature of the ocean. It is also important you are able to work in teams and have strong communication skills to explain projects and ensure they move along successfully.
Although most engineers typically work in an office setting, ocean engineers must be flexible enough to make trips to the field location. Depending on your occupation, you may have to travel to work on a project and put in longer hours to ensure timely completion.
Like other engineering majors, experience through internships will give students the ability to work hands-on in the field as well as making them attractive to future employers. Students may work summer jobs, internships, or participate in summer learning programs to gain this additional experience.
ocean engineering degree applicants generally need have finished high school or their GED. Many schools may also have GPA and SAT/ACT score minimums that must be met. Once you obtain your degree, additional oe certifications required to pursue a career in this field.
There are various different levels of oe degrees. You can get anything from a in ocean engineering to the highest oe degree, a . Ocean Engineering programs can take anywhere between one to four or more years for a full-time student to complete.
| Degree | Credit Requirements | Typical Program Length |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | 60-70 credits | 2 years |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 120 credits | 4 years |
| Master’s Degree | 50-70 credits | 1-3 years |
| Doctorate | Program required coursework including thesis or dissertation | At least 4 years |
A bachelor's degree is the most common level of education achieved by those in careers related to oe, with approximately 39.3% of workers getting one. See the the most common levels of education for oe workers below.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | 47.2% |
| Master’s Degree | 20.8% |
| Doctoral Degree | 17.3% |
| Post-Baccalaureate Certificate | 4.8% |
| Post-Doctoral Training | 3.3% |
About 55.5% of workers in careers related to oe obtain at least master's degrees. See the chart below for the most common degree level workers in ocean engineering have received.
This of course varies depending on which oe career you choose.
The possible career options available to Ocean Engineering majors are as vast as the ocean itself. Graduates have the skills of an engineer and are able to specialize in anything ocean related. Some graduates are working to preserve endangered areas, building dikes and other water control methods, constructing rigs to survey the ocean floor, and developing materials to withstand the corrosive environment. The skills and experience this degree opens many different doors.
Want a job when you graduate with your oe degree? Ocean Engineering careers are expected to grow 7.1% between 2016 and 2026.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to ocean engineering.
| Occupation Name | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | 190,000 | 5.5% |
| Engineers | 141,000 | 6.4% |
| Engineering Professors | 54,600 | 14.7% |
Ocean Engineering graduates between <nil> reported earning an average of $70,002 in the <nil> timeframe. Earnings can range from as low as $67,941 to as high as $71,788. As you might expect, salaries for oe graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.
Salaries for ocean engineering graduates can vary widely by the occupation you choose as well. The following table shows the top highest paying careers oe grads often go into.
| Occupation Name | Median Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | $148,970 |
| Engineering Professors | $113,680 |
| Engineers | $99,410 |
With over 33 different oe degree programs to choose from, finding the best fit for you can be a challenge. Fortunately you have come to the right place. We have analyzed all of these schools to come up with hundreds of unbiased oe school rankings to help you with this.
One of 41 majors within the Engineering area of study, Ocean Engineering has other similar majors worth exploring.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| General Ocean Engineering | 296 |
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineering | 44,794 |
| Electrical Engineering | 26,528 |
| Civil Engineering | 20,655 |
| Computer Engineering | 16,954 |
| Biomedical Engineering | 13,222 |
Image Credit: By Jplourde umaine under License More about our data sources and methodologies.
