COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Science in Ocean Engineering at University of New Hampshire requires completion of at least 30 graduate credits focused on advanced ocean engineering theory, interdisciplinary marine science, technical specialization, and original research. The program is designed for students seeking advanced scientific and engineering expertise in areas such as coastal engineering, ocean technology, marine robotics, underwater acoustics, hydrographic surveying, and oceanographic research. Students begin with the required seminar sequence, OE 990 Ocean Seminars I and OE 991 Ocean Seminars II, which introduces current research topics, professional communication, and interdisciplinary collaboration within the ocean engineering and marine science community. To strengthen foundational ocean science knowledge, students select one course from areas including biological oceanography, chemical oceanography, physical oceanography, geological oceanography, or specialized hydrographic surveying topics such as applied physical oceanography and marine geology for hydrographic surveyors. Students then complete four advanced technical courses selected from specialized subjects including Ocean Measurements Lab, Spectral Analysis of Geophysical Time Series Data, Marine Robotics and Applications, Ocean Hydrodynamics, Ocean Waves and Tides, Coastal Engineering and Processes, Design of Ocean Structures, Underwater Acoustics, and Integrated Seabed Mapping Systems. These courses provide expertise in marine instrumentation, robotic systems, ocean fluid dynamics, offshore structural design, acoustic technologies, coastal processes, and seabed mapping methods used in modern ocean engineering practice and research. In addition, students complete two more graduate-level CEPS courses at the 800 or 900 level, allowing flexibility to tailor the degree toward individual research interests and professional goals. The program concludes with OE 899 Master’s Thesis, a substantial independent research project that contributes original knowledge or technical innovation in ocean engineering. Depending on course selections, the degree requires between 30 and 36 credits. Through advanced coursework, laboratory experiences, interdisciplinary collaboration, and thesis-based research, the UNH Master of Science in Ocean Engineering prepares graduates for careers in marine technology industries, government agencies, environmental consulting, offshore engineering, hydrographic surveying, and doctoral-level academic research focused on sustainable ocean and coastal solutions.