Responding to the Challenges in American Naval Engineering Education

A critical need recognized by the American Navy is that the United States is in danger of losing ground in its ability to design ships and in particular naval vessels, which are expected to constitute the primary area for future careers in the U.S. ship design and building enterprise.

Aside from programs geared to the training of naval officers, there are few degree programs whose mission is to train the civilians who will work in shipyards, design offices and Navy bureaus, filling needs for both military and non-military vessels.

Building on its research strengths and long term leadership in the field, Stevens is well placed to offer a program in Naval Engineering under the auspices of our broad-based Engineering curriculum.  

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering with a Concentration in Naval Engineering

The program is offered as a concentration under the Engineering program and leverages existing courses in ocean engineering as well as the Center for Maritime Systems's experimental and modeling facilities. The program was developed with the Stevens leadership in the ONR NNR Atlantic Center for the Innovative Design and Control of Small Ships and in collaboration with University College, London, which has one of the leading Ship Design educational programs in the world.

About Naval Engineering Education

Naval Engineering is a broad-based engineering discipline that involves the design, construction, operation and maintenance of surface and sub-surface ships, ocean structures, and shore facilities. Although these vessels and facilities are traditionally employed in the defense of the nation, many are also employed in the support of the civilian (commercial) Marine Transportation System. Because of the complexities of today’s naval and civilian vessels and supporting infrastructure, the Naval Engineer must possess a strong background in the physical sciences, mathematics, and modeling, as well as the more specialized fields of naval architecture, marine engineering, systems engineering, and environmental engineering.

Minor in Coastal Engineering

Students in other majors may qualify for minor in coastal engineering by taking the required cources indicated below. Completion of a minor indicates a proficiency beyond that provided by Stevens engineering curriculum in the basic material of the selected area.

Requirements for a Minor in Coastal Engineering
CE 304 Water Resources Engineering
CE 342 Fluid Mechanics
OE 501 Oceanography
OE 589 Coastal Engineering

Mission and Objectives

The mission of the naval engineering program at Stevens is to develop innovative engineers capable of international leadership in the profession. The educational program emphasizes design innovation, trans-disciplinary study, a systems perspective on complex ship and infrastructure designs, lifelong learning and opportunities for international study and internships. As is the case for the other Stevens engineering programs, the naval engineering program includes a broad-based core engineering curriculum and a substantial experience in the humanities.

The program is conducted in concert with the Stevens leadership in the Office of Naval Research–sponsored Atlantic Center for the Innovative Design and Control of Small Ships and in collaboration with University College London.

The objectives of the naval engineering program are provided in terms of our expectations for our graduates. Within several years of graduation, they will: