The XIII-B Program in Ocean Systems Management offers both Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees. The master's program is intended for students with engineering or science backgrounds who are interested in the business and government management aspects of ocean engineering systems and activities, including ocean transportation, marine resource development, environmental management, public policy and ocean use, ocean mining, ports, and fisheries.

Technical background should consist of an S.B. degree in engineering or science. Background should include at least one undergraduate subject each in differential equations, probability, and microeconomics. Any deficiency should be eliminated during the first term at MIT. Students without a background in ocean engineering are required to take a subject in design.

Depending on background preparation, a student entering this program can take from one to two years to complete the degree. The master's program requirements can be satisfied in one year by a department undergraduate who carefully schedules his or her elective time from the junior year on. Such a student is awarded concurrently an S.M. in Ocean Systems Management and an S.B. degree.

The doctoral degree program in Ocean Systems Management requires the development of new knowledge that enhances the state of the art in this area. To achieve that goal, the student must complete a program of study and write a dissertation that successfully integrates theory, methodology, and experience in the fundamental disciplines that constitute the Ocean Systems Management area, such as engineering, economics, business administration, operations research, public policy analysis, and law. Students are admitted to the doctoral program after passing the appropriate written and oral qualifying examinations. The doctoral program general requirements and examination process are the same as other department programs.

The OE Student Handbook

2.12 Master of Science in Ocean Systems Management ________________________________________

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN OCEAN SYSTEMS MANAGEMENT

Course XIII-B

The master's program in Ocean Systems Management provides integrated studies in management, finance, optimization, public policy analysis, law, and engineering for students who are interested in the management of ocean engineering systems, either in business or in government. Areas of application can include marine transportation, shipbuilding, port development and operation, coastal and marine resource management, ocean waste management, and public policy relating to the Law of the Sea.

The program is designed for an entering student with a bachelor's degree in engineering or science (not necessarily marine-related). Depending on the student's preparation, the requirements will take from one to two years to complete. An undergraduate student in the Department of Ocean Engineering can complete the program in one additional year if he or she selects electives carefully at the start of the junior year. Such a student is awarded the SM in Ocean Systems Management and the SB degree concurrently.

Program Requirements

The requirements can be described in four groups: (a) technical background (b) core subjects (c) electives (d) thesis (as described below). All programs of study must contain a total of at least 69 units, plus 24 units of thesis. At least 48 units must be H-level subjects within the core subjects or electives.

(a) Technical Background: A bachelor's degree in engineering or science is a normal requirement for admission to the program. The student must be able to program a computer using a high-level language and compiler. In addition, the student is expected to have taken at least one undergraduate subject each in differential equations, probability, and microeconomics. A student may be admitted with some deficiencies among these requirements, but such deficiencies must be eliminated during the first term of the program. Subjects taken for the purpose of removing entrance deficiencies cannot be used to satisfy other program requirements. Students without a background in ocean engineering or naval architecture and marine engineering are required to take a subject in design.

SAMPLE SUBJECTS

• Differential Equations 18.03
• Probability 6.041 or 1.03
• Microeconomics 14.01
• Elements of OE Design 13.400 (formerly 13.410)

(b) Core Subjects: The purpose of the core requirement is to ensure that each student is exposed in depth to the necessary fundamental disciplines and to integrate these into a logical unit. The core areas are as follows:

SAMPLE SUBJECTS

• Management of Marine Systems 13.68 
• Economics of Marine Transportation and Environment 13.661
• Law of Ocean Systems 13.94 or 15.615
• Financial Management 15.412 or 1.45 or 15.410
• Optimization 1.200 or 1.201 or 15.058 or 13.62
• International Shipping 13.69 

All six areas must be covered by the student. The Course XIII-B Committee may consider waiver of a subject if the student shows that he or she has had the material of that subject at the graduate level. If a subject is waived, another MIT H-level subject in the same area must be substituted in its place. A waiver is granted automatically if a substituted subject has the listed subject as a prerequisite.

(c) Electives: In addition to the required core subjects, the student is required to take at least two H-level elective subjects that total 18 units or more. These should be chosen to constitute an area of concentration appropriate to the student's interests. The following sample subjects are available for this purpose:

AREA SUBJECT

• International Logistics 13.67J
• Engineering Risk Benefit Analysis 13.621
• Logistics & Transportation Planning 13.665J
• Freight Transportation Management 1.286

Traditional Course XIII-B areas of concentration have been related to transportation or logistics. Other areas of concentration may be designed in consultation with the student's advisor. Elective subjects are not restricted to the above list.

(d) Thesis: The student is required to write a thesis that represents at least the equivalent of one-half term of full-time work (24 units) in his or her area of concentration. The computer of the International Shipping Club is available on a priority basis at no cost to student members who are developing computer codes for their theses.

Note: A doctoral program in Ocean Systems Management is also offered. See section on doctoral programs.

Writing Skills Examination - See SM degree requirements in Ocean Engineering.

English Evaluation Test (EET) - See SM degree requirements in Ocean Engineering.