Beginning September 1994, the Department of Ocean Engineering will offer a new professional Masters of Engineering degree, the Program in Marine Environmental Systems.
Recognizing rapidly growing needs in the marine field for environmentally trained engineers, the department has created a program to reflect the multidisciplinary nature of ocean-related environmental problems, and to develop the applied thinking and skills essential for innovation in design and implementation strategies.
The program's content and structure pull together the key ingredients of marine systems: marine management, ocean engineering/technology and marine science, according to Professor Judith T. Kildow, who guided its development.
It is structured to appeal to college graduates who are looking for a fifth year to finish a professional degree or to graduate students seeking a second degree. It may also attract mid-career government and industry people who want to update their education or change careers, Professor Kildow said.
Most students who enter the program will have completed a required minimum level of fundamental subjects in science and engineering. Some will also have the necessary background in policy or management studies. Students lacking a solid background in all three areas will get it as part of the program.
Each student will choose a field of concentration composed of a coherent set of four courses. Sample concentrations include: monitoring, measurement and instrumentation in the oceans; management of marine resources; marine safety; acoustic oceanography, and green ships, ports and offshore structures.
In addition, program requirements include field experience, an interdisciplinary project course and a thesis based on the area of concentration and field experience. MIT's cross-registration arrangement with the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution will offer students additional opportunities.
The program has been approved by the department and by the Committee on Graduate School Policy.
The Program in Marine Environmental Systems is expected to take from 12 to 18 months depending on the preparation before entering. More information on this program can be obtained from Ocean Engineering headquarters, Rm 5-228, x3-4330.
A version of this article appeared in the May 11, 1994 issue of MIT Tech Talk (Volume 38, Number 32).
