Florida Atlantic: America’s First Undergraduate Degree in Ocean Engineering

In 1965, Florida Atlantic University launched the nation’s first undergraduate degree in ocean engineering — an audacious step that helped chart America’s course as a global maritime leader.

Today, FAU continues to propel that legacy forward through millions of dollars in sponsored research annually, much of it in partnership with the U.S. Navy.

From advancing coastal defense technologies and harnessing the Gulf Stream’s renewable energy to deploying autonomous underwater vehicles and cutting-edge sensor systems for exploration, FAU is strengthening national security and expanding humanity’s understanding of the oceans.

As America marks 250 years of innovation and independence, FAU stands at the forefront — where discovery meets defense and science serves the nation.