There are only nine colleges for maritime engineering specifically in the US. One of them happens to be in the state. Suny maritime in the Bronx is one of them. However, there are plenty of other schools that offer maritime engineering programs, such as Florida Keys Community College which as you could probably guess in in the Florida Keys. Both of these schools have what is necessary to get a bachelors in maritime engineering.
A bachelor’s degree in marine engineering is the minimum requirement to work in this field, which encompasses mechanical engineering, hydrodynamics and possibly nuclear engineering. Students start with a foundation of calculus, chemistry, and physics then proceed to specialized coursework in mechanical engineering and hydrodynamics, the study of fluids in motion. Prospective marine engineers take courses in hydrostatics, propulsion, offshore structures and possibly hydrofoils. Those wishing to work with nuclear-powered crafts also take coursework in nuclear engineering. Aspiring marine engineers, like all engineers, should have a strong aptitude for math and physics, and the ability to think both independently and work collaboratively. They should also have the patience for work that undergoes rounds of changes and takes years to complete.
There are two competing schools in my mind. Suny Maritime and Florida Keys Community College. While they both have benefits, I cannot go to both. Suny Maritime, a great school. It’s close to home being located in the Bronx only 2 hours away. Also, I have family a train ride away. That is important, in case anything happened to the school or me I have somewhere to go. New York City is right there and its rumored that Maritime gets discounts on theatre tickets. But not only that the entirety of New York City is right there. Basically, whatever I want I could find. Also, the food I know a couple of great spots really close to the school. Because of the train network, I can also be home in 45 minutes. The school is also directly on the water. The school also has amazing extracurricular activities, such as paintball, SCUBA, ultimate frisbee, and sailing. One big thing about this school is the summer cruises to Europe. As long as you’re in the regimented program you take 3-month cruises. This is how you get boat hours which are required to graduate.
FKCC
This college is in the Florida Keys. That being said it’s a beautiful location. Surrounded with crystal clear water and wonderful beaches it is a tourist dream. It appeals to me mostly because of the weather and location. It’s also a fisherman’s dream with coral reefs and spearfishing beaches. The food is mainly seafood which is nice and it’s all fresh. The campus is small and right on the water. They also offer SCUBA as an accredited class. This is awesome, it has everything possible I could ever need. The only downside is I would have to fly home or have my family fly to me.
References
- Purdue University – Marine Engineering
- StateUniversity.com – Marine Engineer Job Description, Career as a Marine Engineer, Salary, Employment Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job
- Science Magazine – Scientists debate the role of marine engineers in ocean research
- Maritime Cyprus – Marine Engineering Articles