The ocean and naval architectural engineering program includes the design, analysis and management of floating, underwater and wave-measuring buoys, underwater vehicles, sonar and other acoustic systems and offshore platforms.

Naval architects are professional engineers who conceive, design and construct ships, offshore structures and other floating equipment to serve the needs of the ocean-going community. Naval architects, like all engineers, need a working knowledge of several disciplines and expertise in specific areas, such as ship structures, hydrodynamic or marine systems design.

The field of ocean and naval architectural engineering has evolved into a group of high technology sciences. The design of large structures, such as ships and drill rigs, requires an understanding of the many facets of design, such as function, strength, appearance and safety – the last of which is especially important at sea.

This program is one of the top of its kind in North America. It is the only CEAB accredited ONAE program in Canada, and the only one in the world with mandatory co-operative education.

Students who study ocean and naval architectural engineering at Memorial University will take courses in ocean engineering hydrostatics, marine production management, resistance and propulsion of ships, fluid mechanics, marine engineering systems, submersibles, design, marine hydrodynamics, ocean systems design and advanced marine vehicles, to name a few. Co-op placements regularly take ocean and naval architectural engineering students to all parts of Canada, the United States, Europe and Asia. 

To view the program requirements for the Ocean and Naval Architectural Engineering Program, visit the university calendar.