Graduate study in Ocean Engineering can lead to the following degrees: Master's of Science in Ocean Engineering; Master's of Science in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering; Master's of Science in Oceanographic Engineering (offered in conjunction with Wood's Hole Oceanographic Institute); Master's of Science in Transportation with depth concentration in Ocean Systems Management (offered through the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering); and Doctor of Philosophy; or Doctor of Science. Unless otherwise noted, all degrees are granted by the Department of Mechanical Engineering.

An acceptable program of subjects plus an acceptable thesis leading to the Master's of Science usually requires from one to two academic years, depending upon undergraduate preparation. The Master's of Science in Ocean Engineering could take from 12 to 18 months, depending on the relative strength of undergraduate preparation in engineering or the physical sciences. The Naval Engineer degrees require at least two years, including a substantial thesis.

The Doctor of Science or Doctor of Philosophy with a specification in an ocean-related field usually requires more than three years following a Bachelor's of Science.

Students, together with their program advisors, usually can tailor their programs of graduate study to suit individual interests and career objectives. Detailed departmental requirements for admission are available from the Mechanical Engineering Graduate Office in room 1-112. Inquires can be directed to megradoffice@mit.edu.

Ocean Systems Management, which is a depth concentration within The Masters of Science in Transportation (MST), is administered by the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department.

Admissions for all other courses are administered by the Department of Mechanical Engineering.