University of Michigan

What you'll study

The programme combines core engineering theory with applied topics specific to marine vessels and offshore systems. Study areas typically include ship and offshore structural analysis, hydrostatics and stability, seakeeping and seakeeping prediction, resistance and propulsion, marine hydrodynamics, fluid–structure interaction, marine machinery and systems integration, and materials for marine environments.

Students choose from coursework and research options. Taught modules often cover:

• Ship Hydrodynamics: resistance, propulsion, wake and propeller performance, and experimental and computational approaches to flow around hulls and appendages.
• Hydrostatics & Stability: intact and damaged stability, trim and buoyancy calculations, and regulatory frameworks for safe ship operation.
• Marine Structures & Materials: strength of ship structures, fracture and fatigue in corrosive environments, and finite element methods for structural analysis.
• Seakeeping & Ocean Loads: ship motion in waves, wave–structure interaction, estimates of environmental loads on offshore platforms and floating systems.
• Marine Systems & Propulsion: marine power systems, diesel and gas-turbine propulsion, control systems and integration of mechanical and electrical systems on ships.
• Numerical Methods & CFD: computational fluid dynamics techniques, panel methods, and high-performance computing applied to marine problems.
• Experimental Methods & Lab Work: towing tank and basin model testing, instrumentation, data acquisition, and processing techniques.

The programme is offered with both course-based and research-oriented routes (for example professional master’s and thesis-based master’s), and usually culminates in a capstone design project or an independent research thesis supervised by faculty. Interdisciplinary electives allow students to draw on control, materials, naval architecture, ocean engineering and systems engineering topics.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a recognised bachelor’s degree in naval architecture, mechanical engineering, ocean engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline. Strong preparation in mathematics, mechanics, fluid mechanics and numerical methods is expected.

Typical application components include academic transcripts, a statement of purpose outlining research or career goals, letters of recommendation, and a CV. For applicants whose first language is not English, an approved English language proficiency qualification is required. Some applicants may be asked to submit GRE scores where useful for assessment; requirements for these tests vary by applicant background and department practice.

Admissions decisions consider the applicant’s academic record, relevant engineering experience, fit with faculty research interests for thesis candidates, and the strength of recommendations and statement of purpose.

Career prospects

Graduates move into a wide range of maritime and related industries. Common career destinations include:

• Naval and commercial ship design and shipyards — roles in hull design, structural analysis, and overall ship systems engineering.
• Offshore energy — design and analysis of platforms, floating wind and oil & gas structures, and subsea systems.
• Defense and naval engineering organisations — ship and submarine design, survivability and mission systems integration.
• Consultancies and classification societies — structural assessment, stability and regulatory compliance, and specialist advisory services.
• Maritime research and testing facilities — experimental hydrodynamics, CFD development and coastal engineering groups.
• Marine equipment manufacturers and propulsion firms — development and testing of propulsors, power systems, and control systems.

Graduates are equipped for roles in design, analysis, research and project management, and many continue to doctoral study or move into leadership positions overseeing interdisciplinary maritime engineering projects.

Why study at University of Michigan

The University of Michigan offers this degree within a well-established engineering faculty that provides strong technical training alongside opportunities for applied research. Students benefit from specialised facilities and resources such as hydrodynamics testing capabilities, structural laboratories, and access to modern computational infrastructure for CFD and finite-element analysis.

The programme emphasises collaboration with industry and government partners, enabling practical project work, internships and exposure to real-world maritime engineering challenges. Faculty researchers work across ship hydrodynamics, structures, offshore engineering and marine systems, giving students access to diverse expertise and research projects. The university’s broader engineering environment supports interdisciplinary electives in controls, materials, and systems engineering, helping students tailor their studies to specific career goals within the marine sector.