The schools that offer naval design programs are run by the United States Navy, so the requirements you have to meet to apply are slightly different than if you were applying to a civilian college or university. The basic requirements are that you are a United States citizen, that you have good moral character, that you are unmarried, not pregnant and have no dependents. In some cases you will also have pass an admission test, a medical examination, a fitness assessment and an interview. Most naval academies will ask that you take one physics, one chemistry, four mathematics, four English and two history or social studies courses in high school.
Naval design programs try to provide students with a solid background in the engineering methods used to operate marine vessels. Although most of the graduates will continue to work with the Navy, they may also choose to design and build civilian watercraft. Thus, the naval design schools in the U.S. also try to teach design principles that will help students succeed in the civilian ship-building industry. Because naval design changes rapidly, these programs instill within students a lifelong desire to continue to learn about naval architecture and marine engineering.
Naval design programs typically take four years to complete, and in each year the courses become progressively more specialized. For example, in your first year you might take basic courses in calculus, general chemistry and introductory marine engineering, but in your last year you might take courses in ships systems maintenance management, marine propulsion and internal combustion engines.
Most programs will also have you complete some educational time on board an actual naval ship and/or complete a research design project near the end of your studies. If you're enrolled with the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, you will spend the majority of your final year at sea, where you will learn about such topics as deck operations, electrical systems and maritime business. A research design project will have you completing scholarly research on a design topic of your choice. You will be assigned a faculty adviser, who will help you choose your topic and guide you through the process, but you will have to complete the research and the written requirements on your own.