Marine Engineering Technology

The Marine Engineering Technology (MET) major provides an undergraduate education for marine engineers employed aboard commercial and military vessels. The curriculum provides a foundation in the engineering fundamentals of shipboard mechanical and electrical systems, as well as practical training in the operation and maintenance of steam, motor and gas turbine propulsion plants.

MET graduates of the California State University Maritime Academy working in the engineering profession will meet the following program educational objectives:

1. Graduates will have the knowledge and ability to perform analysis, applications engineering, and system or process development in the maritime industry.

2. Graduates will have the knowledge and ability to operate and maintain systems or processes in the maritime industry.

3. Graduates will have the knowledge and ability to function effectively as leaders on professional teams.

4. Graduates will have the knowledge and ability to communicate effectively with speaking, writing and presentation skills including the ability to put together a compelling argument.

5. Graduates will demonstrate for professional, ethical and social issues as well as a commitment to safety, quality and productivity

Student Outcomes

Graduates of the Marine Engineering Technology program will have:

a. Mastery of the knowledge, techniques, skills and modern tools of marine engineering technology. 

b. An ability to knowledge, techniques, skills and modern tools of mathematics, science, engineering, and technology to solve broadly- defined engineering problems associated with marine equipment, systems and vehicles.

c. An ability to conduct standard tests, measurements, and experiments and to analyze and interpret the results to improve processes and design.

d. An ability to function effectively as a member or leader on a technical team.

e. An ability to design systems, components, or processes meeting specific needs for broadly-defined engineering problems appropriate to marine equipment, systems and vehicles.

f. An ability to apply written, oral, and graphical communication in broadly-defined technical and non-technical environments; and an ability to identify and use appropriate technical literature.

g. Ability to understand and apply concepts of professional, ethical and social responsibilities.

h. Respect for diversity and a knowledge of contemporary professional, societal and global issues.

i. Ability to receive a USCG License as a Third Assistant Engineer.

j.Ability to engage in the operation, maintenance, analysis and management of modern marine power plants, associated equipment and systems. 

The MET curriculum includes three 60-day practical training experiences: two sea training periods aboard the Training Ship GOLDEN BEAR and one sea training period aboard a commercial vessel. The MET program also requires satisfactory completion of a qualifying examination administered by the U.S. Coast Guard to become a Third Assistant Engineer, Steam, Motor and Gas Turbine Vessels, Unlimited Horsepower. Information on the USCG licensing process and USCG exams can be found on the USCG Licensing page.