<p>Ok, so since I was little I have always been fascinated with boats and such. I am going into Iowa State undeclared Engineering and I am wondering which major would best suit me for a position on a cruise ship or a big barge. i either want to build them up or oversee there maintenance while at sea. I dont really want to design the whole boat just parts of it and then put it all together. Which major is right? I am thinking mechanical?</p>
<p>Marine Engineering and Naval Sciences... not many schools have that so I'd guess mechanical would be right.</p>
<p>University of New Orleans has a great Naval Architecture program.</p>
<p>yea but isnt naval architecture more designing the boats? i almost want to be a construction manager on them or I dont know if you ever watch Deadliest Catch, but on each boat they have a "Head Engineer" who fixes all the problems the boats have. I want to be that just not on a fishing boat in negative temperatures in the middle of the Bearing Sea.....</p>
<p>Mechanical engineering seems to be your best fit. Your college program will cover engines, compressors, turbines, etc in general, and you can look for ship-related positions after graduation. In addition, having the general mechanical background gives you a lot more flexibility if you later decide an ocean faring life isn't for you.</p>
<p>One thing to consider is a career in the Navy (ROTC). You can earn free college then get experience as an engineer aboard a ship.</p>
<p>I was considering that ROTC thing but to be brutally honest with myself. I couldnt go to the navy. I am just, I just couldnt but thanks for clarifying that mechanical engineering is the best choice</p>
<p>Try building a solar ship while your at it. We'll need them when oil runs out.</p>
<p>I'm pretty sure you're not an engineer. Otherwise, you'd actually understand objective facts and not rely solely on Al Gore movies.</p>
<p>You could always try the Merchant Marine, if you're not salty enough for the Navy. I hear working on an oiler is great fun!</p>
<p>Mechanical engineering programs fall into two categories: focus on materials and theory, and focus on products that have moving parts, like boats, planes, cars. The later usually will have classes available to MECH students that cover control/software/electronics that make moving things go. I don’t know which type of program IOWA has, but if it is NOT the “moving parts” type, you are probably in the wrong place. </p>
<p>The best NAME program in your area is Michigan.</p>
<p>By the way, MIT MECH with Ocean Eng concentration (the old course 13) is down to a total of 14 undergraduates (7 men; 7 women).</p>
<p>Wouldn’t aero cover this pretty well also?</p>
<p>I dunno but Im pretty sure Im going to do mechanical and then try just to get a job at a Shipyard or something</p>
<p>You might consider Mass Maritime Academy. Here’s a description of their Marine Engineering major:</p>
<p>This major prepares students for careers as licensed engineering officers in the United States Merchant Marine and engineering positions in associated shoreside industries. Courses include internal and external combustion engines, electricity and electronics, auxiliaries and main propulsion machinery, and the organization and operation of merchant vessel engineering plants. In addition, students study preventative maintenance, gain practical experience aboard ship in port and on the high seas, and work in laboratories to learn other skills in a variety of closely connected fields.</p>
<p>Four sea terms, including the opportunity to sail with a commercial company during Sea Term III, provide an excellent chance to learn the industry first hand, establish contacts and better prepare them for graduation the next year. This program requires satisfactorily completing STCW 95 requirements. Graduates must qualify through examination by the United States Coast Guard as Third Assistant Engineers, Steam and Motor, Unlimited Horsepower. The ultimate aim is to prepare the student to eventually reach the level of Chief Engineer.</p>
<p>[Massachusetts</a> Maritime Academy](<a href=“http://www.maritime.edu/l2.cfm?page=85]Massachusetts”>http://www.maritime.edu/l2.cfm?page=85)</p>
<p>There’s an admissions officer on one of my email lists and I can put you in touch with him if you’re interested.</p>
<p>Virginia Tech has an Ocean Engineering program that is well regarded</p>
<p>Texas A&M - Galvaston, Memorial University of Newfoundland, US Merchant Marine at Kings Point, MassMaritime, Maine Merchant Marine focus on hands on operations of ships and their mechanical engineering systems. </p>
<p>University of New Orleans, Florida Atlantic University, UMichigan, MIT, and Virginia Tech are Mechanical engineering with a more research/design focus. </p>
<p>University of Rhode Island’s Ocean Engineering programs focuses on static, at water’s edge structures, senors/mapping, and physical oceanography. </p>
<p>All are abet certified in thier own specialdties (NA, OE, or Marine engineering)</p>
<p>Check out the Webb Institute.</p>