Graduate Program
Overview

[Financial Aid] [Housing]

The Department of Ocean Engineering at FAU offers an extensive Master of Science and PhD degree programs in Ocean Engineering with the aim of preparing individuals for engineering challenges to working in the ocean environment. The graduate program builds on our recognized undergraduate program of excellence and draws on the dedication of our reputable faculty who are involved in a number of research projects sponsored by government and industry. Specialization in specific Ocean Engineering programs is offered through in-depth studies in the areas of acoustics, vibrations and signal processing, materials and corrosion, marine structures and geotechnique, marine hydrodynamics or autonomous undersea vehicles or other special topics. Students develop skills in computational, laboratory and field work through comprehensive coursework and thesis or dissertation work. Each graduate student is assigned a faculty advisor who will guide the students's course and thesis/dissertation work and evaluate his/her performance with the help of a supervisory committee.

Many of our graduates have successful careers in government and small to large companies involved in designing ships, submarines, offshore platforms, in developing ocean technology and in providing a host of solutions to ocean engineering challenges worldwide.

Applications for admission to the graduate program are invited from students with a Bachelor's degree in any field of engineering, mathematics, the physical sciences, chemistry or oceanography.

Accelerated programs in joint BS/MS and BS/PhD degrees that involve acceptance of up to 9 dual degree credits, are available for eligible students. Outstanding graduating BS students may apply directly to the PhD program.

Most full-time graduate students in the Department receive financial support, usually in the form of graduate assistantships and coverage of tuition costs. Graduate assistants normally work on research projects conducted in the Department, and their project work usually serves as a basis for their thesis. From time to time, graduate assistants may be assigned to assist a faculty member with conducting a course, but direct teaching assignments are not permitted and regular lecture assignments should not be anticipated. Departures from this rule would be considered only for exceptional students with demonstrated teaching abilities.

For information about research assistantships in the Department of Ocean Engineering click here. These assistantships are awarded on the basis of the technical area of interest, the applicant's experience, overall academic record and letters of recommendation. Specific assignments will not be made until the student arrives at the University and has had an opportunity to discuss the assignments with the faculty members involved.

The current stipend for assistantships for qualified students ranges from $15,000/year for Master's degree students to $20,000/year for Ph.D. students who have been admitted to candidacy, on a half-time basis. It is Departmental policy that students who are awarded graduate assistantships do not undertake any additional employment. All students choosing the thesis option and receiving financial assistance must be full-time students. This requires that they be registered for a minimum of 9 credits in the Fall and Spring Semesters and a minimum of 6 credits for the Summer semester.

Residents of Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Tennessee and West Virginia qualify for resident tuition rates through the Academic Common Market. For details, contact:

Students are expected to complete their degree requirements within a reasonable length of time. Normally assistantships for Master's degree students will not be renewed after the fifth semester (summer semester included).

Graduate students typically live in rented apartments in the vicinity of the SeaTech or Boca Raton campuses. Students are advised to discuss their needs with the Departmental Graduate Student Coordinator. See also http://www.fauoffcampus.com/.