Bachelor of Science [B.S] [Ocean Engineering] From University of Rhode Island

The program is designed to provide students with a strong base in fundamental sciences, mathematics, and engineering; a broad base in ocean engineering; opportunities for the integration of theory, experimentation, and design; appreciation of ethical, social, and environmental issues in the practice of the profession; and strong oral and written communication skills.

URI’s curriculum provides a basic ocean engineering program that gives students a firm base in engineering fundamentals and prepares them for direct entry into a professional career or continued study toward a graduate degree. The required ocean engineering courses begin at the freshman level and include laboratory, analysis, and design courses. A strong emphasis is on the application of scientific principles in the ocean environment gained through laboratory courses. Experiments covering several basic areas are used to provide an integrated approach to investigations into ocean phenomena and processes. Students are involved in the planning and execution of experiments, including data collection and analysis and the reporting of results. This hands-on experience provides graduates with an understanding of ocean engineering activities in scientific and industrial fields.

The broad-based program exposes students to the following topics: offshore renewable energy, ocean instrumentation and data analysis, underwater and sub-bottom acoustics, marine hydrodynamics, coastal processes, marine geomechanics, coastal and offshore structures.

To ensure that each student gains an in-depth knowledge of one of the ocean engineering disciplines, the curriculum allows course sequences in hydrodynamics, structures, geomechanics, acoustics, instrumentation, and data analysis. A senior year Ocean Systems Design Project course integrates previously obtained knowledge in a comprehensive design project. This experience may be obtained through an on-campus course or through an off-campus internship in an ocean-oriented private company or government laboratory.