Schools in San Diego area?

Hello;

I'm Matt, a newly minted civilian! I was a Navy Pilot for the last 9 years, 3 months (last tour was a real blast), and tried a brief stint in the airlines, but that wasn't for me (lots of family sep.). I have a degree in Marine Engineering from Maine Maritime (10 years ago), and I want to get back into the ocean side of things, after flying since age 11.

I have a strong interest in Naval Arch. that just won't die. I was going to minor in it at MMA, but they didn't offer the course when I was a freshman, so I ended up minoring in naval science (ROTC). So now I am in San Diego, and wanted to see if my best bet is Westlawn/YDS, or some other NA (degree?) program that I don't know about down here in SOCAL.
I have a strong interest to work at a boatyard to get experience in the methods of building boats/ships (I would really like to do hands-on work at a boatyard--to get some experience, and update my vocabulary), gain sailing experience with the navy yacht club (enhance knowledge of sail boats--get back into sailing), and do school at the same time (pretty flexible--lots of motivation to get going and start learning).
I understand that YDS/Westlawn are not degree programs, but want to know if there are degree programs/other ways of getting into the industry from San Diego.

I am admittedly stupid about the naval arch/yacht design business, but I'm certianly open to discuss this wonderful occupation with anyone and everyone!

Respectfully;

Matt

 

Move to the Bay Area and go to UC Berkeley

 

No can do, my friend, stuck in San Diego. Moving is not an option. That's why I'm looking at Westlawn. Any other ideas?

 

Get an MS in mechanical or aero from UCSD or CSUSD.

Also, go look up Doug Sharp and Morrelli and Melvin and talk to them about the field for guidance.

Finally, go to local SNAME meetings, www.sname.org, local sections.