Center for Ocean Engineering

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SB in MOE

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The Bachelor of Science in Mechanical and Ocean Engineering is designed for students who are interested in mechanical engineering with a specialization in ocean engineering. Within the MIT community this course is called 2-OE.

The program incorporates aspects of ocean exploration and utilization of the oceans for transportation, defense, and resources. Courses and research covers the disciplines of fluid dynamics, structural mechanics, acoustics, dynamics, materials, and ocean systems and design. The degree prepares students for work in the industry and government in areas including offshore oil recovery, transportation and defense, ocean environment protection, underwater vehicles, global climate monitoring, and computer-aided design. For more information on the degree, visit the Department of Mechanical Engineering.

Educational Objectives

The educational objectives of the program leading to the degree Bachelor of Science in Mechanical and Ocean Engineering are that:

  1. in their careers, graduates will bring to bear a solid foundation in basic mathematical and scientific knowledge and a firm understanding of the fundamental principles and disciplines of mechanical and ocean engineering;
  2. graduates will use proper engineering principles when they model, measure, analyze and design mechanical, thermal, and ocean components and systems;
  3. will have the professional skills necessary for formulating and executing design projects, for teamwork, and for effective communication; and
  4. graduates will demonstrate the confidence, awareness of societal context, professional ethics, and motivation for life-long learning that is necessary for them to be leaders in their chosen fields of endeavor.

These objectives have been developed over a period of 150 years by the faculty and students of the Department, with input from other constituents, in an attempt to comply with the mission of MIT as an institution. That mission, as stated in the current edition of the MIT Bulletin is:

“The mission of MIT is to advance knowledge and educate students in science, technology, and other areas of scholarship that will best serve the nation and the world in the 21st century.

The Institute is committed to generating, disseminating, and preserving knowledge, and to working with others to bring this knowledge to bear on the world’s great challenges. MIT is dedicated to providing its students with an education that combines rigorous academic study and the excitement of discovery with the support and intellectual stimulation of a diverse campus community. We seek to develop in each member of the MIT community the ability and passion to work wisely, creatively, and effectively for the betterment of humankind.”

Writing Requirements

Effective written communication is essential to success during your academic career. In turn, it’s paramount to success after graduation. For these reasons, MIT developed a Communication Program that begins during freshman year. Further details on the requirements of the program can be found on the Mechanical Engineering website. Writing resources and further information can be found on the WAC (Writing Across the Curriculum) website.

Admissions

If you are interested in the SBMOE, Bachelor’s of Science in Mechanical and Ocean Engineering, apply for admission into the Department of Mechanical Engineering through MIT’s undergraduate admissions website.

Graduate Degree

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