Program Details

The program is slated to earn accreditation through the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). ABET is a non-governmental organization that accredits post-secondary education programs in applied and natural science, computing, engineering and engineering technology. ABET accreditation assures confidence that a collegiate program has met standards essential to prepare graduates to enter critical STEM fields in the global workforce. UNCW is on track to earn accreditation soon and accreditation is retroactive for all past graduates of the program.

A good use-case is for a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs). The best way to prepare to start a degree in Coastal Engineering is to develop a strong foundation in math in high school. Students should be ready to take calculus when arriving at UNCW to maintain a 4-year degree path. Interested students should contact Nile McKibben. 

Students completing the Associates in Engineering degree at a North Carolina Community College can transfer to UNCW and complete two years of coursework to earn the B.S. Coastal Engineering degree. All interested transfer students should contact Nanci Boldizar for more information.

Prospective students interested in visiting campus can schedule a visit online with the admissions office. While the Coastal Engineering Building is not a specific stop on the campus tour, it is located at 5236 Randall Drive and accessible during weekday hours to see after the completion of your tour. 

The Coastal Engineering curriculum is designed to be a 4-year program provided students enter with a strong math foundation and ready to take MAT 161 the fall semester of their freshman year. The best path to a 4-year degree is to make sure you meet each semester with your academic advisor and use the campus resources provided. It is also important to remember that the curriculum is sequential, and classes are only offered once per academic year. Hence, poor performance in one of the engineering classes would extend graduation to a 5th year.  

First-year students may be eligible for scholarships through the admissions office. Declared Coastal Engineering students are also eligible for program scholarships that are made possible by generous donations from industry partnerships with the program.  

Many of our Coastal Engineering students engage in internships over the summer. These internships have been with private engineering firms, government agencies, dredging companies, and through research at other universities. Some of these internships continue part-time into the fall semester. Students are responsible for applying for these internships directly with the employer, but the program often advertises available internships and the UNCW Career Center can assist with interview preparation. Internships are typically paid, and students can earn credits for the internships if they enroll and pay for the summer session.