University of Southern Mississippi

What you'll study

This programme combines core engineering fundamentals with specialised topics in marine and coastal environments. You will study mathematics, physics and fluid mechanics before progressing to ocean-specific subjects such as marine hydrodynamics, ship and offshore structures, coastal engineering, wave mechanics, and ocean instrumentation.

• Core engineering modules: calculus, differential equations, statics and dynamics, materials science, thermodynamics and engineering design.
• Fluid and systems modules: fluid mechanics, hydraulics, hydrodynamics, marine propulsion basics and control systems.
• Ocean-focused modules: wave theory, coastal processes, offshore structures, subsea engineering, ocean measurement and remote sensing.
• Hands-on and laboratory work: model testing in wave tanks, instrumentation and sensor calibration, marine vehicle labs and fieldwork on the Gulf Coast.
• Design projects and capstone: multi-semester team design projects addressing realistic problems such as mooring systems, coastal defences, or autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) development.
• Optional and advanced topics: coastal zone management, marine renewable energy (e.g. tidal and offshore wind), computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and ocean data analysis.

The degree structure typically balances lecture-based modules, laboratory sessions and a substantial senior design or research project. Students are encouraged to take elective modules or minors that complement ocean engineering, such as environmental science, computer science or business.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to demonstrate strong attainment in mathematics and physics at secondary level. Entry typically requires a high school diploma with high grades in STEM subjects; international applicants must meet equivalent qualifications and English language requirements. Successful applicants often have:

• A strong pass profile in mathematics and physics (or equivalent subjects).
• Evidence of problem-solving ability and practical interest in engineering (project work, clubs or relevant work experience is advantageous).
• Meeting the University of Southern Mississippi’s general admission standards and any campus-specific requirements for the ocean engineering programme.

Transfer students from related engineering programmes are commonly accepted subject to credit review. Prospective students should consult the university’s admissions pages for the current minimum entry thresholds and information about placement testing or preparatory courses.

Career prospects

Graduates with a bachelor’s in ocean engineering have a broad range of career options in both the public and private sectors. Typical roles include design engineer for offshore and coastal projects, subsea systems engineer, naval architecture support, coastal resilience and flood risk analyst, marine instrumentation engineer and offshore installation or operations engineer.

• Employment with engineering consultancies specialising in coastal protection, harbour design and offshore platforms.
• Roles in the maritime and shipping industries, including vessel systems and structural assessment.
• Positions with energy companies focused on offshore oil & gas or marine renewable energy projects.
• Opportunities in government agencies, environmental and coastal management bodies, and research institutions.
• Further study in specialised master’s programmes or research degrees in areas such as oceanography, coastal engineering, or marine technology.

The emphasis on laboratory work, field experience and a capstone design project prepares graduates for professional engineer accreditation pathways and for multidisciplinary teams working in complex marine environments.

Why study at University of Southern Mississippi

The University of Southern Mississippi offers proximity to the Gulf Coast, which provides regular opportunities for fieldwork, access to coastal test sites and collaboration with regional marine industries and research centres. The university’s ocean science and engineering activities emphasise applied, hands-on learning through laboratories, wave tanks and research vessels.

• Coastal location: easy access to practical fieldwork environments and regional industry partners.
• Applied facilities: laboratory space, instrumentation suites and opportunities for student involvement in on-water testing and instrumentation campaigns.
• Interdisciplinary links: collaboration with oceanography, coastal science and environmental research groups to broaden technical and environmental understanding.
• Industry connections: local and regional partnerships that support internships, placements and project collaborations with offshore, maritime and coastal engineering employers.

Students benefit from a programme designed to blend solid engineering fundamentals with ocean-focused specialisms, preparing them for technical careers and further study in marine technology and coastal engineering.