Ocean Engineering Ph.D.

ocean engineering tank
Ocean Engineering Ph.D.

Program Overview

Students admitted to the ocean engineering Ph.D. program come from traditional engineering degree programs including physics, mathematics, computer science, and in some cases, marine science programs. Those entering the Ph.D. program with a B.S. degree from an engineering program should be prepared to begin the Ph.D. program directly. Those coming from a B.S. in physics, mathematics, or computer science will have their transcripts more carefully reviewed on an individual basis, as additional courses may be required.

A student in the ocean engineering Ph.D. program will be expected to take a minimum of 12 courses (exclusive of dissertation research) beyond those required for a B.S. degree.

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  • Greg Deemer Ocean Engineering
    Wildcat Spotlight
    Greg Deemer, PhD Student
    "I chose to attend UNH because of the combination of having federal funds backing the program, cutting-edge facilties, industry connections, sizeable graduate student population, interdisciplinary ties to other engineering topics and computer science, and physical location within the U.S."
    Learn More
    Wildcat Spotlight
    Greg Deemer, PhD Student
    "I chose to attend UNH because of the combination of having federal funds backing the program, cutting-edge facilties, industry connections, sizeable graduate student population, interdisciplinary ties to other engineering topics and computer science, and physical location within the U.S."
    Learn More
  • Ocean Engineering PhD student Savannah DeVoe
    Wildcat Spotlight
    Savannah DeVoe, PhD Student
    "UNH has a great ocean engineering program, and really great laboratories/facilities for students. That, coupled with the large number of research and funding opportunities here for ocean engineering projects, made UNH one of my top choices for graduate study."
    Learn More
    Wildcat Spotlight
    Savannah DeVoe, PhD Student
    "UNH has a great ocean engineering program, and really great laboratories/facilities for students. That, coupled with the large number of research and funding opportunities here for ocean engineering projects, made UNH one of my top choices for graduate study."
    Learn More
  • Meagan Wengrove
    Alumni
    Meagan Wengrove
    "Ocean Engineering at UNH provides interesting research and engineering opportunities for its students, including initiaitives that impact our local communities and the globe. I had a unique opportunity to collaborate with researchers in The Netherlands to study one of the biggest coastal...
    Learn More
    Alumni
    Meagan Wengrove
    "Ocean Engineering at UNH provides interesting research and engineering opportunities for its students, including initiaitives that impact our local communities and the globe. I had a unique opportunity to collaborate with researchers in The Netherlands to study one of the biggest coastal...
    Learn More

View All Ocean Engineering Ph.D. Spotlights

Curriculum & Requirements

Required Courses

Select one of the following courses in oceanography or ocean science:3-4
ESCI 850
Biological Oceanography
ESCI 852
Chemical Oceanography
ESCI 858
Introduction to Physical Oceanography
ESCI 859
Geological Oceanography
Complete the following core courses in ocean engineering:18
OE 810
Ocean Measurements Laboratory
OE 853
Ocean Hydrodynamics
OE 854
Ocean Waves and Tides
OE 864
Spectral Analysis of Geophysical Time Series Data
OE 865
Underwater Acoustics
Select two 900 level courses from the following list:6-8
ME 909
Viscous Flow
ME 910
Turbulence
OE 965
Advanced Underwater Acoustics
OE 972
Hydrographic Field Course
OE 973
Seafloor Characterization
OE 995
Graduate Special Topics
Select two 800 or 900 level courses from MATH or IAM or select both:6-8
ME 886
Introduction to Finite Element Analysis
ME 986
Advanced Finite Element Analysis
Select an additional four CEPS electives (two at the 800 level; two at the 900 level):12-16

The general progress of a student through this program is expected to follow the time frame listed:

Year 1: Coursework

Year 2: Coursework, qualifier by the end of the year, form graduate dissertation committee

Year 3: Research, dissertation proposal defense

Year 4: Research

Year 5: Research, dissertation defense

The course selection and sequencing will be established in consultation with the student's guidance committee. There will be a qualifying examination on the core courses by the end of the second year. The goal of this exam is to test the breadth of a student's knowledge in topic areas essential to ocean engineering. A formal dissertation proposal defense will include a written proposal, a public presentation and an oral exam. After successful completion of the qualifying exam and dissertation proposal defense, the student will be advanced to candidacy. The dissertation will be defended in a public forum when completed.

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The School of Marine Science and Ocean Engineering serves as an interdisciplinary nexus for marine science and ocean engineering teaching and research across the University.

School of marine Science and Ocean engineering

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