A naval architect designs all kinds of boats and ships for both civilian and military use. There are not so many jobs in naval architecture, so those interested in this career should go for a high degree of training for this high-salary occupation.
Before getting into the specific training for a naval architect, it is good to know how to start preparing for a college or military education for this architecture specialty. All those considering any engineering or architecture career should be taking as many math and science courses as possible in high school. This will be good initial preparation for college classes or military academies and may also be the difference between getting accepted or rejected for some positions.
Of course, some naval architects start out by attending a military service academy. For example, the U.S. Coast Guard has a major program of study for naval architecture and marine engineering. Training in military academies like the Coast Guard Academy and Naval Academy have a couple of key features to consider. First, they are undergraduate programs. This means that you may not qualify for all naval architect jobs in the civilian world. But more importantly for some cadets, the fact that you can get a guaranteed job after your training is the one thing that will sway some aspiring naval architects into military service. It will also prepare you for graduate degree programs in naval architecture should you decide to further your studies during or after military service.
There are also civilian training options for naval architecture. Schools with relevant programs include U.C. Berkeley, the University of Michigan, MIT, the University of New Orleans, the California Maritime Academy, and the Webb Institute. Undoubtedly, there are other places to become a naval architect. For example, you may wish to major in a more general architecture program at one of hundreds of universities at the undergraduate level and then pursue a graduate degree in naval architecture.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 5,720 combined marine engineers and naval architects in May of 2010. They were earning a handsome average median salary of $79,920. You can get naval architect jobs with the federal government, but architect and engineering firms are the largest employer of these architecture specialists. Other employers are ship and boat manufacturers and related service companies.
Resources:
United States Coast Guard Details for the Naval Architect Training and Degree Program
Bureau of Labor Statistics: Jobs and Salary for Naval Architects and Marine Engineers