-
John E. Hughes Clarke
PROFESSOR -
James Irish
Research Professor of Ocean EngineeringEmail: james.irish@unh.eduPhone: (603) 862-1916 -
John Kelley
Affiliate Assistant Professor of Ocean EngineeringEmail: john.kelley@noaa.govPhone: (603) 862-1628 -
Nancy E. Kinner
PROFESSOR -
Giuseppe Masetti
RESEARCH ASSISTANT PROFESSOR -
Larry A. Mayer
PROFESSOR -
M. Robinson Swift
PROFESSOR -
May-Win L. Thein
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR -
Igor I. Tsukrov
PROFESSOR -
Thomas C. Weber
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR -
Martin M. Wosnik
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR
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.
Curriculum & Requirements
Required Courses
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
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.
Explore Program Details
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.