University of Michigan launches naval architecture and sustainable systems program

The University of Michigan is launching a new dual master’s degree program that combines naval architecture and marine engineering with sustainable systems, preparing graduates to tackle the maritime industry’s transition to cleaner technologies.

Available from Fall 2026, the integrated program allows students to earn both a Master of Science in Environment and Sustainability and a Master of Science in Engineering in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering in less time and at a lower cost than pursuing the degrees separately.

The program comes as the global maritime sector faces mounting pressure to decarbonise. Earlier this year, the International Maritime Organization approved new regulations requiring large ocean-going vessels to meet mandatory fuel standards and emissions pricing as part of its goal to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

At the same time, offshore renewable energy projects, including wind and floating solar, are expanding rapidly, creating new opportunities for engineers with expertise in both sustainable systems and marine design.

“The status quo for the last two and a half decades where we use heavy fuel oil and diesel engines is now changing,” said Thomas McKenney, associate professor of practice in naval architecture and marine engineering and co-director of the Great Lakes Maritime Initiative. “Because of that, we need a closer connection between ship design and sustainable systems.”

The program was jointly developed by the Department of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering and the School for Environment and Sustainability. Students will be able to count selected courses toward both degrees, reducing the overall credit requirements while maintaining a multidisciplinary curriculum.

Greg Keoleian, the Peter M. Wege Endowed Professor of Sustainable Systems, said the new structure responds to growing student demand for sustainability-focused engineering education.

“We have seen a lot of interest from students seeking to apply engineering skills to solve sustainability challenges. This is especially true at the intersection of ship design and sustainability,” Keoleian said.

Students can choose between two curriculum pathways, one featuring a capstone project and another with additional coursework, and specialise in either sustainable energy systems or sustainable design and manufacturing.

The university said all students admitted to the dual degree program will automatically receive fellowship support, subject to successful completion of the program, helping further reduce the cost of study.

The initiative makes naval architecture and marine engineering the fourth engineering department at the University of Michigan to offer a formal dual degree with the School for Environment and Sustainability, joining chemical, mechanical, and civil and environmental engineering.

University officials say the program aims to equip graduates with the systems-level thinking needed to support the future of low-emissions shipping, offshore renewable energy, and other emerging sectors within the blue economy.