<p>I am a sophomore mechanical engineering student at respected private civilian college. I plan on graduating in 2012. My passion lies in the area of boat design and I would like to specialize in Naval Architecture after my first 4 years of college. Even so, I believe it is beneficial to have a general background in mechanical engineering. Recently, I became interested in the Navy. The USNA has really caught my eye. I have done considerable research but still have one specific question.</p>
<p>Will I, already possessing an undergraduate degree, be eligible to attend the USNA?</p>
<p>I will be under age 23. Also, I understand that this is an unusual career path. I know that I would be working for another undergraduate degree. My path is a sort of extended double-major. But, as many of you probably understand, there are aspects of the USNA and Navy that are very attractive and worthwhile. So, before giving me advice about my plan, I first wonder if it is allowed. If you do have an answer, where can I verify the information you give me? Then, I welcome any advise. </p>
<p>I’m almost certain you wouldn’t be able to go to the USNA after already completing a bachelor’s degree elsewhere. But you can still join the Navy as an officer by going through its Officer Candidate School (which is for people who already have a bachelor’s degree and want to join as an officer).</p>
<p>The big question how much the Navy’s active duty officers get involved in boat design and naval architecture. The Navy loves to have engineers as officers, but they are mostly involved in the operation of ships and planes, not the design of them. The design function is usually done by civilians. Go talk to a recruiter in your area who specializes in recruiting commissioned officers (the enlisted recruiters often aren’t aware of the full range of opportunities for officers).</p>
<p>Thanks for your two cents. This year, a few naval recruiters (officers and enlisted) came to our career fair. They were not able to answer my question so I am trying to get a hold of a USNA representative. I also have looked at the option if OCS. It is an interesting option. However, one of my main interests is actually studying naval architecture.</p>
<p>Regarding the role of engineers and people in the navy, I am aware that I would not be designing things while in the navy. I am familiar with the relationship between the Navy and (Northrop G, Lockheed etc.). I would also consider working for a civilian company right out of college if it was in my field of interest. Like I said in my original post, there are aspects of the Navy that interest me. Now I will elaborate. The idea of traveling, operating exciting machines, “manning up through hard work” etc sounds interesting and valuable as well. </p>
<p>In general, I would like to study naval architecture. Five -ten years in the navy sounds very rewarding. However, I would like to be able to entertain my passion when I get out. Life is too short not to be doing what you love. </p>
<p>My BGO told me a story about a guy that graduated from Notre Dame and then started all over again at USNA. So I guess it is possible as long as you are not older then 23 when you enter. I don’t know first hand if this indeed true, but its a promising sign…</p>
<p>This is the FAQ right off of the admissions website. And the only thing I see that’s related to your scenario is the question about transfer students. They said they do accept transfer students as long as they meet the age requirments. </p>
<p>I would keep trying to call admissions until you get an answer directly from them. Good luck!</p>
<p>My good friend Mark had 4 years at Penn State and recently retired after 20 years in the Navy starting at USNA. You need to contact Admissions and talk to them. It may still be possible. Good Luck.</p>
<p>I know this might sound like a “Sea Story” (Navy equivalent of a fairy tale), but there was a member of the Class of '86 who completed Yale and then came to USNA. I was acquainted with her, and even had a class with her, but I cannot remember her name.</p>
<p>If you read the admissions requirements carefully, it says nothing in there about whether or not you are a college graduate. It says:</p>
<p>You must be:
–at least 17 years of age and must not have passed your 23rd birthday on July 1st of the year of admission;
–unmarried, not pregnant and have no incurred obligations of parenthood;
–a United States citizen (except for the limited quotas of international midshipmen specifically authorized by Congress); and
–of good moral character.</p>
<p>I doubt they care whether you have already completed a bachelor’s degree as long as you meet the above requirements and are found scholastically, medically and physically qualified, and you earn a nomination from an official source.</p>
<p>People may wonder why you would prefer to do USNA and not earn a commission thru OCS, but those are questions you can answer in your interview.</p>
<p>This is a great thread. I do not know the answer, but hope that if you are under age 23 that you are eligible-if otherwise qualified- to attend any of the five service academies. Clearly one with an engineering degree should be welcomed with open arms, as well as those with sought after linguistics abilities. The Webb School of Naval Architecture may be another option for you to investigate. You may also want to consider pursuing a master’s degree in a specific engineering field. Stay in shape & remember that followership is just as important as leadership while attending a service academy. Good luck!</p>
<p>Be aware that in the US Navy, there are endless possibilities to go to college (undergrad and grad school), either as your primary duty or in your off-duty time. And for almost all of these opportunities, the Navy will pay for all or some of the tuition. For grad school, there is the Naval Postgraduate School (Monterey, CA), in addition to civilian universities.</p>
<p>just an opinion, but I’d not get too cranked up about the idea. While offering a grand education that goes light years beyond majors and classrooms, that is not the essence of the USNA. They’re not in the business of providing opportunities for double majors, even for talented students. A few who are there and can finish their programs in advance are given opportunity for grad school. A few more are given opportunity for med school. </p>
<p>The real question is do you want to be an officer in the USN? Or do you want to study naval architecture @ USNA? While in the traditional course of things, they can and do complement each other. But there are plenty simpler, cheaper, even better routes to being both a naval architect and a Naval officer. </p>
<p>It may be doable, but seems to make no sense in terms of your mission or that of USNA.</p>