COURSE CURRICULUM

The Bachelor of Science in Ocean Engineering at The University of Southern Mississippi is a highly specialized 128-credit-hour engineering program designed to prepare students for careers in the rapidly expanding maritime and coastal industries connected to the global “Blue Economy.” The curriculum combines advanced engineering principles with ocean science, coastal systems, marine technology, and offshore operations to develop professionals capable of solving real-world challenges in marine environments. Students begin with strong foundations in mathematics, calculus, differential equations, chemistry, physics with calculus, computer science, engineering economics, mechanics, and electrical circuit analysis before progressing into specialized ocean engineering coursework. Core engineering subjects include coastal engineering, nearshore processes, ocean mechanics, engineering fluid mechanics, marine instrumentation design, ocean acoustics, engineering ethics, research internships, and capstone engineering projects. The program also emphasizes technical computing, data analysis, professional communication, and design problem-solving skills needed in modern engineering industries. During junior and senior years, students study at the Gulf Park campus, where they gain access to specialized marine laboratories and Gulf Coast facilities that support practical learning experiences connected to shipbuilding, offshore systems, environmental monitoring, and maritime operations. Students can further customize their education through electives in artificial intelligence, marine autonomous vehicles, hydrography, remote sensing, GIS, physical oceanography, thermodynamics, software development, project management, and ocean policy. The curriculum includes research opportunities, engineering seminars, laboratory experiences, and industry-focused capstone projects that prepare students for professional engineering careers or advanced graduate study. Graduates are prepared for employment in offshore oil and gas exploration, coastal infrastructure development, naval and maritime industries, marine robotics, environmental consulting, port operations, hydrographic surveying, ocean technology, renewable marine energy, and government research agencies. Because ocean engineering programs are rare in the United States, this degree provides students with unique technical expertise and strong career potential in industries that continue to grow globally due to increasing demand for sustainable coastal development, marine transportation, offshore technology, climate resilience, and ocean-based engineering innovation.