Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering PHD Program Overviews

A Doctor of Philosophy, or Ph.D., in Naval Engineering allows students to gain an advanced education in the design and construction of boat systems and structures. A Ph.D. in the field often involves years of intensive, individualized research into a particular aspect of naval architecture.

Doctor of Philosophy in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering

Ph.D. programs in naval architecture and marine engineering are designed for students who are proficient in engineering and applied mechanics, and who are interested in studying the design of boating structures. Most doctoral programs available in the field of naval architecture allow students to design their own coursework and programs of study. Students can choose a concentration from such areas as naval hydrodynamics, marine systems design, coastal processes, marine design, marine structures, offshore engineering or marine systems management.

Before students embark upon research in a particular area of the naval architecture field, they must run their proposed course of study by a university committee and have it approved. They then spend a designated minimum number of credit hours researching and writing a Ph.D. dissertation that explores or advances theories in a particular subject of marine science study. Some Ph.D. programs also require that students pass an examination on more broad concepts in the field, such as general mechanics or engineering.

Educational Prerequisites

A Ph.D. is the most advanced degree level available in the field of naval architecture and marine engineering. Before a student can enroll in a Ph.D. course of study, he or she must complete a bachelor's and a master's degree program in mechanical engineering, physics, mathematics, civil engineering or aerospace. Many prospective doctoral students must also complete qualifying examinations before enrolling.

Program Coursework

There are no set series of courses in a Ph.D. program in naval architecture and marine engineering. Students are allowed to select their own course of study and research based upon their interests and aspirations in the field. Some areas of study or individualized courses might include the following:

• Hydrostatic stability
• Vessel arrangements
• Hull geometry
• Boating structures and design
• Marine power systems
• Structural mechanics
• Marine dynamics
• Ship production

Employment Outlook and Salary Info

A naval architect or marine engineer is responsible for researching, conceiving and designing new and advanced boating systems and production platforms. Graduates of a Ph.D. program in the field focus heavily on the research aspects of the industry, and they often receive research positions in academic or naval associations. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for a naval architect or marine engineer was about $74,330 in 2009 (www.bls.gov).