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Skip Navigation LinksHome : Undergraduate Program : Overview

NAME Undergraduate Program Overview

Bachelor of Science in
Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering

Although naval architecture and marine engineering seems to be a very specialized discipline of engineering, it is this only in the sense that its objectives are systems operating in a marine environment: ships, boats, yachts, offshore structures, submarines, etc. However, the very nature of these systems require naval architects to have a broad understanding of general engineering topics, because there is no marine system without mechanical subsystems and electrical or electronic equipment. Thus, besides the specific methods to design and analyze marine systems, naval architecture and marine engineering also comprises the integration of many different subsystems into a functional whole.

The degree in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering prepares majors for careers in the US and international shipbuilding and offshore industries by applying the principles and laws of basic sciences and mechanics to the design and construction of commerical, naval, and recreational vessels as well as offshore structures and other floating systems.

The University of New Orleans is one of the select few universities to offer a Bachelor of Science in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering (NAME) degree. The program was founded in the early 1980's on initiative of the local shipbuilding and offshore industry. Since then the program has prospered and grown considerably, although Hurricane Katrina set us back momentarily in terms of student numbers. In Fall 2007, a total of 101 students enrolled into the BSc in NAME program. Due to a high demand for our graduates and the quality of our challenging program, we expect to continue to thrive and take our place among the best Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering programs in the world.

It is note-worthy to mention that the BSc in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering program is short-listed as one of the key programs essential for the future development of the University of New Orleans. Our program is also accredited by the Accrediting Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). If you want to continue your education we also offer Master of Science in Engineering and Ph.D. in Engineering and Applied Science programs with focus on Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering.

Admission

Students apply to the University for admission. Forms and further information can be found on the UNO Admissions web page. See also the publications page for a wealth of information to download. All engineering students are enrolled into the pre-engineering program. Students doing satisfactory work usually qualify for admission to the College of Engineering after they have completed two semesters of full-time work in pre-engineering. For details see the College of Engineering admission web page.

Undergraduate Curriculum

The BSc in NAME curriculum is composed of five groups of courses:
  • Math and science classes (40 credits)
  • Humanity, social science and economics classes (25 credits)
  • Basic engineering courses (28 credits)
  • Required Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering (NAME) courses (32 credits)
  • Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering (NAME) electives (12 credits).
Math, science and humanity classes are common to all engineering degrees and form a broad foundation for later courses and ensure continuous general education beyond high school level. The basic engineering courses introduce students to fundamental principles and methods of engineering work covering subjects from computer aided drawing to thermodynamics and fluid mechanics. The required Naval Architecture courses provide access to specific methods necessary to design and analyze ships and offshore structures. The required courses culminate in the senior design class with its associated capstone design project in which student groups design a ship of their choice. The NAME elective courses allow students to deepen their knowledge in selected subjects and provide access to cutting edge tools and research. Interested students can participate in the research projects conducted by NAME faculty. For a list of all courses that comprise the NAME curriculum as well as a timeline see the curriculum page. A total of 137 credit hours has to be completed before graduation. Please observe the additional information on the College of Engineering web site and the University Catalog regarding graduation requirements

Tuition, Scholarships and Honors Program

The current tuition rates and fees can be found on the UNO Registrar's web site. Please note that many students living outside of Louisiana may still qualify for the lower in-state tuition (University Fee). See our information page on the Academic Common Market.

In addition students may qualify for scholarships. For a list and more information visit the scholarship page of the College of Engineering. In addition you find small brochures on the Admissions publication web page under Undergraduate Financial Aid and Scholarships.

Naval Architecture students in their junior and senior year have access to some additional merit based scholarships donated by generous organisations: American Bureau of Shipping, Chevron Corporation and the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineering. These scholarshps are administered by the School of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering.

Exceptional students can graduate with honors:

  • A cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.5 in departmental (NAME) courses and a minimum overall GPA of 3.2 have to be earned and
  • a senior honor thesis, which amounts to a senior level research or design project have to be completed.
For details on the Honors Program visit the corresponding pages of the College of Engineering and the University.

Professional Outlook

Naval Architects and Marine Engineers provide the systems necessary for mankind to explore and use the 70% of Earth surface covered by water. About 90% of world trade is relying on waterborne transport, requiring a growing supply of new ships and innovative transport systems. Oceans, lakes and rivers are a source of food, minerals and other resources of growing importance. Our graduates are hired by a wide range of companies related to the marine industries: ship- and boatyards, offshore companies, marine design consultants, classification societies, research institutions, shipping companies, software developer, marine engine manufacturer and suppliers of marine equipment. Right now, graduates secure job opportunities well before graduation.

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Last update: 2/13/2008 9:06:38 AM by Lothar Birk © 2008 Copyright NAME, University of New Orleans, all rights reserved