USMMA Academics

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Ohioclass

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Apr 18, 2018
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Hi all,

So I just got back from a recruiting visit to Kings Point, and I really loved it. All the guys there are honestly so cool and the environment is awesome, however, I have one problem: the academics. I want to study either Nuclear Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Computer Science, but USMMA has none of these. The cadet I was touring with told me Marine Engineering Systems is basically Mechanical-Nuclear-Electrical engineering combined into one, my question is, is this true? I have also visited the Naval Academy and West Point and I didn't like the atmosphere as much, but their academics seem like they are definitely a better fit for me since they actually have these majors. Anyways, does anybody have any insight on the Marine Engineering Systems major and how much of the aforementioned majors it consists of and what it actually teaches you?
 
Presumably you have reviewed this:
https://www.usmma.edu/academics/curriculum/marine-engineering

Much depends if you are planning to go to sea post-USMMA, go to another approved career field or try for an active duty commission in one of the armed services out of USMMA.

I’m sure you’ll get some insightful comments from current midshipmen and grads.
 
I have reviewed that link. Also, I want to be a submarine officer. I guess what I'm really asking is, after the military what jobs opportunities will I have with a degree in Marine Engineering Systems and 5 years experience as a submarine officer?
 
Ohioclass said:
I have reviewed that link. Also, I want to be a submarine officer. I guess what I'm really asking is, after the military what jobs opportunities will I have with a degree in Marine Engineering Systems and 5 years experience as a submarine officer?
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Nearly limitless.
There are SA grads with all kinds of majors in all sectors of business, non-profits, entrepreneurial endeavors, Federal Service (including the “ABC Agencies”) at the highest executive levels. You can continue to do engineering stuff, engineering management or go other paths.

You don’t need to be an engineering major at USNA to go subs, but you do have to be excellent in your required STEM courses for the B.S. that all grads get. Sub officers get their nuke and sub-specific training in their two years of nuclear power pipeline training following commissioning out of any source. Naval officers use their engineering training to inform their leadership, not to be routinely hands-on technical engineers.

Post-AD, junior military officers are highly sought after for their leadership experience, resource management, security clearances, understanding of accountability and responsibility, military work ethic and proven performance in stressful conditions, far beyond what civilian peers have.
As an example of the competitive market to hire separating JOs:
https://sacc-jobfair.com/
https://militarymojo.org/
https://www.lucasgroup.com/

As for USMMA, please be sure you understand its mission and that it’s a good fit for you, and you are ready to execute their demanding and unique schedule for 4 years. I assure you, the quality of the engineering education you receive there, and doing well in it, would make you competitive for service selection in the nuclear power pipeline. Out of our household of USNA sponsor mids, of those that have gone subs, there have been mech e, systems e, aero e, double e, as well as history, English and Quantitative Econ. The key is performing well in all engineering courses and being a solid STEM performer.

One resource for you would be the Naval Science department at USMMA. They can talk with you about service selection to Navy AD.
https://www.usmma.edu/academics/departments/dept-naval-science-usmma-brochure

Lastly, have you explored NUPOC?
Regular college, then go Nuke via OCS, scholarship. Scroll down to the NUPOC option.
https://www.navy.com/what-to-expect/education-opportunities/college-options-and-scholarships
 
There used to be a Nuclear engineering Minor that was offered here at Kings Point. From what I understand it kind of died off because not that many people signed up for it anymore, but the nuclear courses are still in the 2017-2018 Course catalog. (https://www.usmma.edu/sites/usmma.e...c-dean/9241/2017-18-usmma-catalog-details.pdf)

And to further echo what @Capt MJ said about not only engineers go into the sub program, my Naval Science instructor last tri is a successful sub officer and she was and English major at USNA. So if you want it, go for it.
 
Well, there you go, and from someone who can speak to the questions very directly.
 
Systems engineering is going to focus heavily on the design of systems + how / why the system works. You will learn how to find weaknesses in systems and strengthen them.

As far as going subs, we have people interested every year. We (4th class) got briefed on the application process in last tri, and nobody that has gone for an interview (from USMMA) witching the last 4 Years has been turned down a submarine billet. It goes to prove the type of education you get here and the reputation of Kings Pointers in both the civilian work force and military.

Post military job possibilities are plenty: design work (nuclear / maritime), instructing / teaching, power plant operations, ETC... the list goes on.
 
Ohioclass said:
The cadet I was touring with told me Marine Engineering Systems is basically Mechanical-Nuclear-Electrical engineering combined into one
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I don't know if I would agree with that entirely, but if your intention is to go NUC the Systems program will definitely set you up for success. However, I also had a sweathog classmate who has been nuclear stuff for 20+ years since graduation so theres that. Also keep in mind that the Navy is going to teach you the Navy way no matter what education and credentials you come in with.
 
I have classmates of mine (81) that survived the Rickhover interview (and more that did not) to sail in nuke submarines. He recently retired, and was captain of a boomer for awhile. One of my old roommates worked shoreside R&D for US Navy nuclear plant contractors. I also have another fellow alumni friend from the class of 82 that works as a nuclear engineer at a power plant in the UK. Neither of these individuals majored in nuclear engineering at school. Hell, back then, even the Systems track was in its infancy. There are opportunities aplenty from KP in the nuclear engineering field.
 
One of our USNA alumni sponsor sons, submariner, got out after 8 and worked for the TVA, then shifted gears to become a financial adviser. Two others got their M.S. in Eng Mgmt, used GI Bill to get PMP, landed excellent jobs as PMs with defense contractors. One went to an “ABC” agency as a field operator.
 
to be a recruited athlete did you make an account with NCAA on the website and pay the fee? Or how did you become a recruited athlete? Currently trying to find where the coach told me to find the recruiting questionnaire he is referring too?
 
Zacharyheller said:
cc.cg said:
to be a recruited athlete did you make an account with NCAA on the website and pay the fee? Or how did you become a recruited athlete? Currently trying to find where the coach told me to find the recruiting questionnaire he is referring too?
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http://www.usmmasports.com
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Yes but I'm currently in a financial block, did you pay the fee for NCAA? Or is there a different recruiting questionnaire?
 
Go to usmmasports.com, click on sports and then select your sport. Each sport has a recruiting link either directly on that page or under the "more" tab. Fill it out and submit it. If they are interested in initiating a discussion with you for the team, they may contact you. You should also consider emailing or calling the coach. The NCAA link you are referring to is the eligibility center. To my knowledge that is only required for D1 and D2 schools. You do not need to be registered with the clearinghouse to play D3 sports.
 
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