Artificial intelligence can enhance decision-making and enable action with less risk and greater precision, making it an important tool for national security. A new program offered jointly by MIT’s Mechanical Engineering (Course 2, MeEi) and Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (Course 6, EECS) departments will provide breadth and depth of technical study for Naval officers, as well as a pathway for non-Naval officers studying at MIT to increase their understanding of AI applied to Naval and military applications.
“The potential of artificial intelligence is just beginning to be fully realized. It is a tool that dramatically improves speed, efficiency and decision making with countless applications,” says Commander Christopher McLean, MIT’s associate professor in mechanical engineering, naval construction and engineering. “AI is a force multiplier that can be used for data processing, decision support, unmanned and autonomous systems, cyber defense, logistics and supply chains, energy management, and many other areas.”
The program, called “2N6: Applied Artificial Intelligence Program for Naval Officers,” consists of a two-year Master of Science degree in mechanical engineering with an AI certificate offered by the MIT Schwarzman College of Computing.
“Officers entering this program will learn from world experts, and conduct cutting-edge relevant research, and will exit the program best prepared for their roles as leaders in the American naval enterprise,” says McLean.
The 2N6 curriculum is application focused, and the content is designed to satisfy the U.S. Navy subspecialty code for Applied Artificial Intelligence. Students will learn core AI concepts as well as applications to specialized topics, such as decision making for computational exercises; AI for manufacturing and design with special emphasis on naval applications; and AI for maritime autonomy of surface and underwater vehicles.
“The growing impact of artificial intelligence is redefining our approach to problem-solving. AI has the potential to address some of the most pressing issues in nearly every field,” says Henry Ellis Warren, dean of the MIT Schwarzman College of Computing and professor of electrical engineering and computer science. “I am honored that the College can contribute to and support such an important program that will equip our nation’s Naval officers with the technical expertise needed for mission-relevant challenges.”
MIT has been a leading center of ship research and design for more than a century, and today the work at the Institute represents significant advances in fluid mechanics and hydrodynamics, acoustics, offshore mechanics, marine robotics and sensors, and ocean sensing and forecasting. The 2N program will celebrate its 125th year at MIT in 2026.
“At Mekai, we are embracing the use of AI to explore new frontiers in research and education with a deep grasp of the fundamentals, design, and scaling of physical systems,” says John Hart, Class of 1922 professor and head of Mekai. “With the 2N6 program, we are proud to lead such an important charge in training the next generation of leaders for the Navy.”
“Advances in artificial intelligence are reshaping society and advancing human decision-making and creativity,” says Asu Ozdağlar, deputy dean of the MIT Schwarzman College of Computing, head of EECS, and MathWorks professor. “We are pleased to partner with the Department of Mechanical Engineering in launching this important collaboration with the U.S. Navy. The program will not only explore the forefront of AI advances, but also its effective application across Naval operations.”
2N6 was created after a tour of the campus by Admiral Samuel Paparo, commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command, with MIT Provost Ananth Chandrakasan, who was dean of engineering and chief innovation and strategy officer at the time.
“[Admiral Paparo] An overview of some of the cutting-edge work and research done and being conducted by MIT in the field of AI is given. [and was introduced to the 2N program],” says McLean. “Admiral made the connection envisioning an applied AI program similar to 2N.”
2N6 will run as a pilot program for at least two years. The first group of the program will include only US Navy officers, with plans to expand more broadly.
“We are thrilled to further the long-standing relationship between MIT and the U.S. Navy with this new program,” says Themis Sapsis, the William I. Koch Professor in Mechanical Engineering and director of the Center for Ocean Engineering at MIT. “It is specifically designed to train Navy officers on the fundamentals and applications of AI, but also engage them in research that has a direct impact on the Navy. We believe 2N6 can create a new paradigm for advanced AI education more broadly focused on supporting national security.”
“The launch of 2N6 builds on more than 125 years of excellence in naval construction and marine engineering at MIT. By combining our long-standing curriculum 2N program with advanced training in artificial intelligence, we are preparing Naval officers to navigate an increasingly complex technological landscape,” says Maria C. Yang, interim dean of engineering and William E. Leonhard (1940) Professor of Mechanical Engineering. “This integrated approach ensures that the next generation of Navy leaders can develop innovative solutions and advance the technologies essential to our national security.”
