An Undergraduate Naval Science & Technology Certificate

Although the University of Iowa has a long history of Navy-sponsored graduate research, it has only recently introduced a similar undergraduate curriculum. The new curriculum is in the form of an 18-credit Naval Science & Technology certificate, which students can earn by completing topical electives as part of their undergraduate degrees. Because the certificate is offered by a small mechanical engineering program at a midwestern university, there are numerous challenges associated with establishing both the program and its brand recognition, which will be discussed. The curriculum focuses primarily upon the areas of experimental and computational naval hydrodynamics, control, and autonomous marine systems to draw upon existing departmental areas of strength. In addition to the curriculum, a student organization within the College of Engineering has been established, which participates in international competitions through the design and construction of an autonomous boat. The curriculum and student organization are therefore very well aligned in their technical foci, and have the potential for a highly synergistic relationship. This relationship, as well as general interest in and impact of the program are assessed using surveys and instructor evaluations.