by our College Data Analytics TeamA degree in Naval Architecture or Marine Engineering will allow you to design, build, and maintain many different types of ships. You have the opportunity to work with everything from very large aircraft carriers to submarines to sailboats. If you are interested in working with ships that help maintain our navel defense system, a degree in Naval Architecture or Marine Engineering is for you.
Marine Engineering is math and science oriented. You will take classes in civil engineering, architectural engineering, drafting, physics, computer aided design and more to develop the skills to choose proper materials, calculate ship strength, and oversee building and maintenance.
While a degree in Marine Engineering can lead to working on any type of oceanic vessel, a degree in Naval Architecture most often leads to a career working on ships in the U.S. Navy. Those who study Naval Architecture at the U.S. Naval Academy with not only earn a degree, but also be commissioned into the U.S. Navy as an officer.
A major in Marine Engineering explores Naval Architecture And Marine Engineering. Read on to learn the essential details every marine engineering major should know — including career paths, salary data, the skills you will develop, and the best colleges offering marine engineering programs.
Across the country, marine engineering is a popular field of study, with 445 degrees awarded annually.
Our 2026 Best Marine Engineering Schools ranking analyzes these 15 schools to determine the best overall colleges for marine engineering students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of marine engineering programs later in this article.
Studies in Marine Engineering emphasize a specific mix of skills, knowledge, and abilities — derived from O*NET surveys of workers in the occupations marine engineering graduates commonly enter.
Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering are careers that rely heavily on mathematics and science. Strong backgrounds in both fields are required for this profession. Problem-solving and teamwork skills are also required especially when drafting blueprints and working with others to design and test ships. Since a degree in Naval Architecture or Marine Engineering will lead to a position of management, communication and interpersonal skills are mandatory when meeting with clients or leading a team of builders.
Professional Marine Engineers often work in office settings with access to computer design equipment and other engineering tools, but sometimes they must go out on ships for testing or to oversee maintenance. Experience is important in this field. While earning your degree, it is recommended to also work at an internship. This will allow you to gain valuable hands-on experience. Relevant experience will make graduates more attractive to potential employers.
Along with earning a degree in Naval Architecture or Marine Engineering, graduates must also obtain a mariner's license from the U.S. Coast Guard. After completing the test, graduates with receive a 3rd Assistant License. Additional testing will allow graduates to work towards a 2nd, 1st, and ultimately Chief Assistant License. More advanced licenses typically lead toward jobs with higher pay.
Skills built by a marine engineering program reflects the day-to-day work of related occupations:
According to O*NET, a marine engineering major emphasizes the following knowledge areas:
There are several marine engineering degree levels. The table below shows the typical length of the most common levels, and how many graduates earn each one.
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 10 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 368 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 62 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 5 |
People currently working in careers related to marine engineering tend to have obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Doctoral degree | 36.2% |
| Bachelor’s degree | 20.9% |
| Post-master’s certificate | 11.6% |
| Master’s degree | 10.9% |
| Post-doctoral training | 10.9% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 2.7% |
| First professional degree | 2.2% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 1.8% |
| Some college courses | 1.2% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 0.8% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 0.8% |
See the chart below to get an idea of what level of education most of those in marine engineering careers hold.
Source: ONET Online education / training / experience requirements.*
A degree in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering will often lead to a career at a marine architecture firm. Graduates have also followed career paths in shipbuilding or joined the U.S. Navy.
Studying marine engineering prepares you for a variety of career paths. Below are some of the most common occupations related to marine engineering.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to marine engineering.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary | 1,297,204 | -2.0% |
| Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers | 440,884 | 8.0% |
| Marine Engineers and Naval Architects | 270,124 | 11.6% |
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | 207,139 | 9.0% |
The U.S. Department of Education tracks median earnings of marine engineering graduates 1, 4, and 5 years after completion. Wages typically rise as graduates gain experience.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $97,198 |
| 4 years | $108,264 |
| 5 years | $116,295 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study earnings tracker.
Salaries for marine engineering graduates vary widely by occupation. The following table shows the top highest-paying careers marine engineering grads often go into.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Marine Engineers and Naval Architects | $121,581 |
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | $101,277 |
| Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers | $89,263 |
| Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary | $79,889 |
With 15 different marine engineering programs to choose from, finding the best fit can be a challenge. We have analyzed these schools to produce unbiased marine engineering school rankings to help you.
Students interested in marine engineering, you may also want to explore other closely related fields of study within the same broad area.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering | 445 |
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineering | 42,939 |
| Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering | 26,760 |
| Civil Engineering | 20,005 |
| Computer Engineering | 19,986 |
| Biomedical/Medical Engineering | 13,914 |
| Engineering, General | 13,411 |
| Chemical Engineering | 10,939 |
| Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering | 9,596 |
| Industrial Engineering | 8,533 |
| Systems Engineering | 3,956 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
