The degree requirements in ocean engineering begin with the same basic mathematics, science, and engineering subjects as other traditional engineering disciplines and then extend this training to prepare a professional who is capable of responding to the broad demands of complex engineering tasks. Through selection of degree programs and elective subjects, students may concentrate in areas such as structures, fluid mechanics, oceanographic engineering, or naval architecture. For nearly a century, MIT has been a leading center of ship research and design, and is widely recognized for its contributions in such areas as hydrodynamics, ship structural mechanics and dynamics, propeller design, and overall ship design. The Pratt School of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering, which was established through a bequest to MIT in 1912, is an integral part of the Department of Ocean Engineering. Building upon this historical base, the department's curriculum today offers studies in all systems that must operate in an ocean environment.
Marine transportation encompasses broad questions of international trade.
The ocean engineer must be able to assess in an integrated fashion a wide range of technical, economic, and political considerations. Oil and gas beneath the ocean floor are increasingly important sources of energy. An ocean engineer is concerned with all phases of discovering, producing, and delivering offshore petroleum resources, a complex and demanding task. Also of central importance is the development of new methods to protect marine wildlife and coastal regions against the undesirable side effects of offshore oil production. Once regarded as an inexhaustible source of food, the oceans are now approaching critical levels of depletion for some species.