University of Michigan

What you'll study

The PhD is predominantly a research degree built around an original dissertation project. Students complete advanced coursework to provide depth in a chosen specialism and breadth across related areas of engineering. Typical subject areas include:

• Hydrodynamics and fluid mechanics – potential flow, viscous flow, free‑surface flows, seakeeping and manoeuvring, and experimental hydrodynamics.
• Marine structures and materials – structural analysis, dynamics, fatigue and fracture, composite materials and reliability of ship and offshore structures.
• Ship and offshore design – ship resistance and powering, hull form optimisation, intact and damage stability, and design methodology.
• Computational methods – computational fluid dynamics (CFD), finite element analysis, numerical methods for multiphysics simulation and uncertainty quantification.
• Coastal, ocean and marine renewable systems – waves, currents and sediment transport, offshore wind and wave energy systems, and environmental interactions.
• Control and systems engineering – marine vehicle dynamics and control, autonomous surface and underwater vehicles, and systems integration.

Programme structure typically includes a set of advanced graduate courses, a qualifying or preliminary examination to assess readiness for research, the development and defence of a dissertation proposal, sustained independent research under a faculty supervisor, and a final dissertation defence. Students engage in both experimental and computational work and are encouraged to present at conferences and publish in peer‑reviewed journals.

Entry requirements

Applicants are usually expected to hold a relevant master's degree or a strong first degree with substantial postgraduate coursework or research in naval architecture, marine engineering, ocean engineering, mechanical engineering or a closely related field. Typical preparation includes advanced mathematics (calculus, differential equations, linear algebra), fluid mechanics, solid mechanics/structures and numerical methods.

• Academic transcripts demonstrating strong performance in relevant subjects.
• Research experience or a statement of research interests outlining proposed doctoral research and alignment with faculty expertise.
• Letters of recommendation from academic or professional referees who can comment on research potential.
• Proof of English proficiency for applicants whose first language is not English, where required by university policy.

The department considers applicants holistically; prior publications, significant project work, industry experience and strong fit with potential supervisors all strengthen an application. Prospective students should review faculty research areas and contact potential supervisors before applying.

Career prospects

Graduates with a PhD in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering pursue careers across academia, industry and government. Common career paths include:

• Academic and research positions at universities and national laboratories, leading independent research groups and teaching.
• R&D roles in shipbuilding and design firms, naval yards and integrators, focusing on hydrodynamics, structure design and optimisation.
• Offshore energy companies and consultancies working on floating platforms, substructures and marine renewable energy devices.
• Defence and naval research organisations developing naval systems, autonomy and advanced materials.
• Classification societies, regulatory agencies and technical consultancies providing expertise in safety, standards and risk assessment.
• High‑tech industries and startups applying marine technologies in areas such as autonomous systems, sensors and environmental monitoring.

Skills developed during the PhD—advanced modelling, experimental design, data analysis, project leadership and scientific communication—are highly transferable and valued across sectors.

Why study at University of Michigan

The University of Michigan has a long‑established Department of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering with faculty whose research spans hydrodynamics, structures, marine energy and maritime systems. Students benefit from a multidisciplinary engineering environment, close collaboration with neighbouring departments and access to research centres working on coastal, offshore and transportation challenges.

The department provides access to advanced experimental facilities (such as towing tanks and hydrodynamics laboratories), high‑performance computing resources and opportunities for industry and government partnerships. The programme emphasises both rigorous fundamental research and practical applications, preparing graduates to make impact in academia, industry and public service.