What is Marine Engineering Technology?

Marine engineering technology is a specialized field encompassing the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of various marine vessels, offshore structures, and maritime infrastructure. It involves applying engineering principles and techniques to address challenges specific to the marine environment, such as ship propulsion, navigation, structural integrity, and environmental sustainability.

Professionals in marine engineering technology work on various projects, including designing and building ships, offshore platforms, ports, harbors, and coastal protection systems. They also develop and implement technologies to improve vessel performance, enhance safety, reduce environmental impact, and optimize operational efficiency.

About Marine Engineering Technology

The Marine Engineering Technology program is tailored for students aiming to become engineering professionals in both shore-based and offshore maritime industries. You will build a solid foundation in mathematics, science, and engineering, paving the way for advanced studies in ship propulsion, plants and electrical power generation. You will dive deep into power cycles, automation and control systems, naval architecture, and electrical engineering fundamentals tailored specifically for the maritime industry.

Program Highlights

Comprehensive Curriculum

Focus on power cycles, principles and energy conservation methods supplemented with courses in naval architecture, maritime electrical engineering applications and thermodynamics.

Clean Energy Solutions

Explore the latest trends in clean energy production onboard vessels, including alternative fuels and Hybrid Energy Storage Systems (HESS).

Hands-On Learning

Enhance your skills through computer simulations of propulsion plants and direct operation of marine machinery aboard our training ship.

Accredited Excellence

Our program is accredited by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET, ensuring a high-quality education that meets industry standards.

High Industry Demand

Marine Engineering Technology graduates with a U.S. Coast Guard license are highly desired in the workforce. Graduates report employment immediately following license exam with high starting salaries with quick career advancement.

State-of-the-Art Facilities

Train on campus in cutting-edge ship simulators and aboard training vessels and commercial ships, gaining practical experience in navigation, ship handling, and stability training.

Industry Compliance

Our program meets all accreditation requirements for a Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Engineering Technology and complies with domestic and international laws and standards, including the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers.

Licensing Preparation

Prepare to hold a U.S. Coast Guard Third Assistant Engineer license and earn an International Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping endorsement as Officer-In-Charge of a Navigation Watch, essential credentials for a successful career in marine transportation.

Expand Your Career Options with a U.S. Coast Guard License

The Marine Engineering Technology degree combined with the U.S. Coast Guard license program offers a combination of engineering technology education and professional maritime training. This program expands your career opportunities with by equipping you with the skills and credentials to pursue opportunities in research and the maritime industry.

Curriculum incorporates training and experience to meet U.S. Coast Guard license requirements to serve in the prestigious role of Third Assistant Engineer on any commercial, research or other vessel on oceans or inland waterways. This is a prestigious role with day-to-day responsibilities dependent upon what type of ship you are working aboard.

Licensing & Degree Requirements

  • Successful completion of the U.S. Coast Guard Third Assistant Engineer exam
  • Application and enrollment with the Texas A&M Maritime Academy
  • Participation in the Corps of Cadets

Program Requirements

Texas A&M Maritime Academy

The Texas A&M Maritime Academy, one of six state maritime academies in the nation, administers and manages Texas A&M's U.S. Coast Guard license program to become officers on ocean-going vessels. These licenses prepare graduates for research, industry and maritime service throughout the world. In addition to a rigorous classroom curriculum, hands-on training takes place annually during summer semesters at sea aboard our training ship, the TS Kennedy. This vessel serves as a floating classroom, laboratory and dormitory for students to earn practical experience to apply classroom theory.

Learn more about the Maritime Academy

Corps of Cadets

Students enrolled in a degree program that includes a U.S Coast Guard License are part of the Texas A&M Maritime Academy and members of the Corps of Cadets. Cadets live a regimented lifestyle with leadership and training specific to serving as a merchant mariner on inland and international waterways. The Corps of Cadets program prepares students with the leadership, discipline and critical thinking skills essential to a career at sea.

 Learn more about the Corps of Cadets

High Industry Demand

  • Marine Engineering Technology graduates with a U.S. Coast Guard license are highly desired in the workforce
  • Graduates report employment immediately following license exam
  • High starting salaries with quick career advancement

Career Options

  • Engineering Technologist
  • Environmental Engineer
  • Naval Architect
  • Marine Engineer
  • Marine Systems Engineer
  • Port Engineer
  • Power Generation Engineer
  • Engineering Officer
  • Maritime Regulatory Specialist
  • Marine Equipment Manufacturing

Join the Aggie Family

Ready to be the next loudest, proudest fightin’ Texas Aggie? Find the application details and resources available to you at Aggie One Stop.