Naval Architecture

If you want to design marine vessels, including research boats, yachts, large ships or offshore platforms, SUNY Maritime College is one of the few places in the country you can learn how. As a naval architect, you will be responsible for designing strong, stable, seaworthy and effective vessels.

Accreditation

The Naval Architecture program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) of ABET, under the commission's General Criteria and Program Criteria for Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering.

Academic Program

Naval Architecture blends math, physics and other physical science courses, with a variety of different engineering disciplines. Many of your professors are active naval architects and others have years of industry experience. You will spend your final three semesters completing a rigorous ship design project.

Degree Awarded

Bachelor of Engineering

Professional Experiences Available

U.S. Coast Guard Deck License
U.S. Coast Guard Engine License
Intern Option

See the Career Options and Educational Pathways tab for more information.

Degree Curricula and Flowcharts

The Naval Architecture Degree Curricula and Pre-Requisite Flowcharts may be found at the link below.

Degree Curricula and Flowcharts

Program Educational Objectives

The objectives of this program are for graduates to:

become engineers who have the ability to practice the design, service, or operation of ships, other marine vehicles and marine structures, and
have the ability to take professional leadership positions that require an extensive engineering background

Student Outcomes

Naval Architecture graduates of Maritime College will possess:

an ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics
an ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors
an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences
an ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts
an ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives
an ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions
an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.
The structure of the curriculum must provide both breadth and depth across the range of engineering topics in Naval Architecture.
The curriculum must include applications of probability and statistics, fluid mechanics, dynamics, and engineering design at the system level.
The curriculum must include hydrostatics, structural mechanics, materials properties, energy/propulsion systems, and instrumentation appropriate to naval architecture.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE NAVAL ARCHITECTURE PROGRAM

Faculty and Staff Maritime College Catalog U.S. Coast Guard License program Maritime Fast-Track Master's Options Career Services

Professional Options

Your academic knowledge is tested and supplemented by professional learning experiences. Electrical Engineering students may choose to pursue an Engine License, a Deck License, or the Intern Option. The license programs require membership in the college's Regiment of Cadets. Intern students may choose to participate in the Regiment of Cadets if they wish to adhere to the regimented lifestyle and gain leadership experience.

Engine License

Graduates of the Engine License program earn a U.S. Coast Guard Third Assistant Engineer's License. The engine program focuses on powering, controlling, and maintaining a ship's engine and energy systems.

Upon successful completion of the Unlimited Engine License Program, graduates will be able to:

Demonstrate competency needed to serve as a third assistant engineer by passing all STCW competencies and the USCG License prior to commencement.
Understand and safely demonstrate particular skills in the analysis and design of marine propulsion, auxiliary and cargo systems and equipment.
Apply these engineering skills to a variety of marine applications.
Demonstrate the ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice.
Understand and demonstrate effective and appropriate problem solving and critical thinking required by a ship’s engineering officer.
Demonstrate a basic knowledge of engineering mechanics and thermodynamics in the context of marine vehicles.
Understand and demonstrate effective leadership and teamwork skills needed to serve as a ship’s engineering officer.
Understand and demonstrate effective oral or written communication skills needed to serve as a ship’s engineering officer.

Deck License

Graduates of the Deck License program earn a U.S. Coast Guard Third Mate's License. In the deck program, you will focus on learning navigation, cargo handling and a variety of ship systems.

Upon successful completion of the Unlimited Deck License Program, graduates will be able to:

Demonstrate competency needed to serve as a third mate by passing all STCW competencies and the USCG License prior to commencement.
Understand and safely demonstrate traditional and modern seamanship and cargo handling skills.
Understand and correctly demonstrate the use of Terrestrial, Celestial, Electronic Navigation Skills and Navigation Law.
Understand the application of Information Technology needed as a ship’s deck officer or as a maritime related shore side professional.
Understand and demonstrate effective and appropriate problem solving and critical thinking required by a ship’s deck officer or as a maritime related shore side professional.
Understand the application of business, transportation or logistics concepts needed to serve as a ship’s deck officer.
Understand and demonstrate effective leadership and teamwork skills needed to serve as a ship’s deck officer or as a maritime related shore side professional.
Understand and demonstrate effective oral or written communication skills needed to serve as a ship’s deck officer or as a maritime related shore side professional.

Intern Option

Students who elect the Intern Option must complete 6 credits worth of industrial internships, through which they apply the engineering fundamentals and design principles they have learned in their program. More information may be found on the Engineering Internships page.