Colleges with strong Naval Architecture programs?

Hey guys, I'm a high school junior really interested in studying naval architecture in college. I'm having a difficult time finding schools that offer strong programs in this field. Any suggestions for colleges with well-regarded naval architecture programs? Thanks for your help!

You're right that naval architecture can be a bit tougher to find as a major compared to more common engineering fields. However, there are some excellent schools known for their naval architecture programs:

1. United States Naval Academy (USNA) - This institution offers the Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering major, which provides students with a strong foundation in ship design and construction. Keep in mind that attending the USNA comes with a service commitment to the U.S. Navy after graduation.

2. Webb Institute - This small private institution is renowned in the field of naval architecture and marine engineering. They only offer one degree, a dual Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering, and all students receive full-tuition scholarships.

3. University of Michigan - Their Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering program is one of the oldest and most prestigious in the United States. They offer both undergraduate and graduate studies in this field.

4. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) - While MIT does not offer an undergraduate degree specifically in naval architecture, their Department of Mechanical Engineering allows undergraduate students to focus on naval architecture as a part of their Mechanical Engineering degree. For graduate studies, their Department of Mechanical Engineering offers a Master of Science (M.S.) in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering.

5. Florida Institute of Technology (FIT) - FIT provides a unique Ocean Engineering program with an emphasis on naval architecture and marine engineering. They offer both undergraduate and graduate programs in this field.

These programs provide the opportunity to study naval architecture and marine engineering at a high level. When making your decision, consider factors such as location, campus culture, and the other academic and extracurricular offerings at each institution, to ensure you end up at a school where you'll thrive as a complete person.

Finally, if none of the schools listed above seems like the right overall fit for you, you might want to open up your options to include institutions with strong general mechanical engineering programs, that would still teach you the skills you need to springboard you into graduate studies or a career in naval architecture. Since this is a somewhat niche field, you may need to be flexible to find the college that's the right match all around.

Good luck with your college search!