Ocean Engineering (Ph.D.)
https://ceps.unh.edu/ocean-engineering/program/phd/ocean-engineering
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.
Degree Requirement
The full course requirements below are for students entering with a relevant B.S. degree.
Students entering with a relevant M.S. degree with comparable content must take a minimum of six of the listed courses (exclusive of dissertation research and Ocean Seminars), of which at least three must be at the 900-level. Students entering with an M.S. must either take the listed core courses or demonstrate equivalent knowledge from other programs to be able to successfully pass the OE Ph.D. qualifying exam. As part of preparation for their research, students often take additional, dissertation-specific courses. Additional graduate courses may also be required based on recommendations by the supervisor or dissertation committee.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses | ||
| OE 990 & OE 991 | Ocean Seminars I and Ocean Seminars II | 2 |
| Select one course from the following courses in oceanography or ocean science: | 3-4 | |
| Biological Oceanography | ||
| Chemical Oceanography | ||
| Introduction to Physical Oceanography | ||
| Geological Oceanography | ||
| Complete the following core courses in ocean engineering: | 18 | |
| Ocean Measurements Lab | ||
| Ocean Hydrodynamics | ||
| Ocean Waves and Tides | ||
| Spectral Analysis of Geophysical Time Series Data | ||
| Underwater Acoustics | ||
| Select two 900-level courses from the following: | 6-8 | |
| Graduate Partial Differential Equations | ||
| Nonlinear Control Systems | ||
| Spatiotemporal and Turbulent Dynamics | ||
| Numerical Partial Differential Equations | ||
| Advanced Underwater Acoustics | ||
| Hydrographic Field Course | ||
| Seafloor Characterization | ||
| Graduate Special Topics | ||
| Graduate Special Topics | ||
| Advanced Topics | ||
| Select two 800- or 900-level courses from MATH or IAM or select both: | 6-8 | |
| Introduction to Finite Element Analysis | ||
| Advanced Finite Element Analysis | ||
| Select two additional CEPS electives (one 800-level and one 900-level): | 6-8 | |
| Total Credits | 41-48 | |
The general progress of a student through this program is expected to follow the time frame below:
- 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.