There are many paths you may choose when looking for a career, and if you’re looking to become someone who operates and maintains large ships, then you’ll want to know what it takes. Marine Engineer is one such career that has seen an increase in popularity over the past few decades. You’ll be welcomed into a diverse group of people who explain things like semi-submersible vessels and marine conservation. But before signing up for marine engineering, there are some essential things you need to know first: what do I need to study? What’s the compensation potential? Will I enjoy my job?
In this blog post, we will answer all those questions, and more so you can be prepared with the knowledge required to pursue this dream.
What do I need to study?
The requirements vary depending on the type of license you’re looking for, but most marine engineers need an associate’s degree in Marine Engineering Technology. You will also need some math courses to be able to pass the exams which are taken by most states. If you are interested in working on semi-submersible vessels, you will also need to know some calculus, fluid dynamics, and math. Finally, to join a professional organization, you will also need to take the exams.
What’s the compensation potential?
The average salary for a marine engineer that works in the private sector is around $90,000 per year. However, this number can undoubtedly vary depending on experience and location. The U.S. Government Pay Scale for a Marine Engineer ranges from $90,892 – $103,974 per year, with a median income of approximately $92,650. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that employment for marine engineers is expected to grow by 13 percent from 2014 through 2024, which is faster than average for all occupations.
Will I enjoy my job?
The Marine Engineers Association of the United States reports that 89 percent of those who have graduated from a 2-year marine engineering program or two-year college program have found a position working as a marine engineer. As you would expect, there are a lot of factors that can contribute to this statistic. Most importantly, however, is that engineers know the importance of safety, and they’re always thinking about how to make their job safer. Marine Engineers are also very familiar with oil spills and any other type of spill. They’re also very good at managing large vessels and helping fleets with their environmental regulations.
If you’re interested in a career that’s sure to offer a lot of opportunities and it involves the sea, then you should consider a career as a marine engineer. The marine engineers association reports that if you have an associate’s degree in Marine Engineering Technology, your salary potential over your lifetime could be $229,000 per year. That’s enough to keep you afloat any day of the week.
What should you consider in a marine engineering school?
The best online marine engineering school will have some key components. First, the school should have some reputation for teaching marine engineering. Second, they should be accredited by an organization like the Distance Education Accreditation Commission. It’s also essential to see if the American Society approves the schools of Mechanical Engineers or ASEE. You can also check if they are on the U.S. News Best Online Colleges for Marine Engineering, which is an excellent resource for comparing schools around the country that offer online degree programs in marine engineering technology.
Not all marine engineering schools are the same. Some may be better for you than others. If you can look at a school’s website and see that they have a variety of scholarship programs, flexible schedule options, and excellent student support, then it’s probably the right place for you. Be sure to look at taking no more than 15 credits each semester so that you can have plenty of free time to work or volunteer on projects outside of your courses. You should also be able to complete your degree program in less time by taking some weekend classes.
Which top schools offer a marine engineering degree or courses for undergraduates?
There are quite a few excellent marine engineering schools across the world:
- University of Tasmania (Australia)
- South Tyneside College (United Kingdom)
- Escuela Superior Politecnica del Litoral (Ecuador)
- Istanbul Technical University. (Turkey)
Our Final Thoughts
Choosing a college is a big decision. Although you think you know where you want to go, college may be the final thing standing between you and your dreams. After reading this blog post, we hope that you feel more informed about choosing a school that fits nicely into your plans.