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Maine Maritime Academy (MMA) - Merchant Marine, Engineering and Logistics Programs

Marine Engineering, Marine Transportation, Ocean Studies & International Business Logistics Education & USCG License Programs in Maine

maine mariitme academy mma

Established in 1941, Maine Maritime Academy (MMA) is a public, co-educational college located in the coastal town of Castine, Maine. The student population numbers approximately 950 in courses of study in engineering, management, science, and transportation. Maine Maritime Academy is a career-oriented college and globally recognized leader in providing rigorous and practical maritime, engineering, engineering technology, marine science, and logistics education with facilities and laboratories that are at the leading edge of technological innovation.

MMA students benefit from hands-on education, international sea-time aboard the Training Ship State of Maine or the Schooner Bowdoin, cadet shipping aboard commercial vessels, and cooperative education assignments.

The students become world-class mariners and engineers, supply chain managers, logistics professionals, and scientists in Maine and beyond.

Maine Maritime Academy was ranked the #1 Best Public College on Money magazine’s Best Colleges list in 2014 and 2015. Departments are schools at MMA include - Department of Arts and Sciences, Department of Engineering, the Loeb-Sullivan School of International Business & Logistics, the Thompson School of Marine Transportation, and the Corning School of Ocean Studies.

The school also offers STCW compliant and USCG approved courses for professional mariners, company contract courses, International Safety Management, ISO Quality Managent and Other programs and courses under its continuing education division.

maine maritime academy campus

Maine Maritime Programs

AS Degree Programs

  • AS Degree - Ship Design Apprentice Program: The Bath Iron Works Apprentice Program in Ship Design - The objective of the BIW apprenticeship is to train highly skilled, versatile, and educated mechanics and designers through both classroom instruction and hands-on experience. Successful completion of this program leads to the Associate of Science degree.
  • AS Degree - Ship Production Apprentice Program: The Bath Iron Works (BIW) Apprentice Program in Ship Production - The objective of the BIW apprenticeship is to train highly skilled, versatile, and educated mechanics and designers through both classroom instruction and hands-on experience. Successful completion of this program leads to the Associate of Science degree.
  • AS Degree in Small Vessel Operations: A student completing the A.S. degree requirements and the appropriate cooperative work experience, and meeting the applicable USCG requirements, will receive a USCG License as mate of vessels not more than 200 tons, operating in near-coastal waters, up to 200 miles offshore, and an Able Seaman Limited certification.
  • AS Degree in Small Craft Design: The Small Craft Design program leads to an Associate of Science degree that is offered jointly by MMA and The Landing School of Boatbuilding and Design in Kennebunkport, Maine. The objectives of the Small Craft Design major are to provide students with a structured learning environment in which they can become knowledgeable and proficient in the practical application of the fundamental principles of small craft design, and develop the skills to communicate effectively with other industry professionals by graphical and other methods as appropriate.
  • AS Degree in Small Craft Systems: The Small Craft Systems program emphasizes the interface of marine systems with boat design and construction while practicing the actual installation of these systems in a real-world setting. The program is offered jointly by Maine Maritime Academy in Castine and with The Landing School of Boatbuilding and Design in Kennebunkport, Maine.

UG Deck Operations Programs

  • BS in Vessel Operations and Technology: A student completing the B.S. degree requisites, two additional cooperative work experiences on appropriately-sized vessels, and a training cruise, and meeting the USCG requirements, may be eligible to sit for the USCG Examination for a license as mate of vessels not more than 500 tons or 1600 tons (depending on their sea service), near coastal or oceans.
  • BS in Marine Transportation Operations: The Marine Transportation Operations curriculum is organized to develop those skills and abilities that are necessary in pursuing a professional career at sea. Students majoring in this program also may participate in any minor/concentration programs. Successful completion of this program leads to a Bachelor of Science degree and the opportunity to sit for a federal examination for the U.S. Coast Guard Third Mate’s unlimited license.

UG Engineering Programs

  • BS in Marine Engineering Operations (4 years): The Marine Engineering Operations program is concerned primarily with the operation and maintenance of marine and industrial steam and diesel power plants and with related Electrical and refrigeration plants. Classroom studies are closely coordinated with practical experience aboard ship and in laboratories. Successful completion of the program leads to the Bachelor of Science degree and, after passing a federal examination, a Third Assistant Engineer’s license. Graduates of this program are eligible to apply for a Maine Third Class Stationary Power Plant Operator’s license. Graduates are employed by shipping firms throughout the world, and by power generation and energy production companies.
  • BS in Marine Engineering Technology (4 years): The Marine Engineering Technology program includes all of the practical shipboard work and most of the required courses of the Marine Engineering Operations program with additional required courses in mathematics, writing and communications, and technical sciences. The program provides the graduate with a background for work in many areas of the maritime industry, both at sea and ashore, as well as in non-maritime industries such as public utilities and manufacturing. Successful completion of this major leads to the same degree and licenses as the Operations program, with additional eligibility to sit for the Fundamentals of Engineering Examination. Graduates are employed at sea and ashore throughout the world.
  • BS in Marine Systems Engineering (USCG License Track - 5 years): The Marine Systems Engineering – License Track program combines many of the technical courses of the Engineering Operations and the Engineering Technology programs with a 10- course calculus-based design and analysis sequence. In addition to the 180 days of industrial practice at sea offered by the other programs, and the program also includes a three-to-four month coop term in a shoreside industrial or government engineering facility.
  • BS in Marine Systems Engineering (Non-License Track - 4 years): The MSE Non-License Track program is one of the more academically rigorous courses of study at Maine Maritime Academy. Comparable to the mechanical engineering curricula of other institutions, MSE Non-License Track is distinguished by its grounding in marine applications and naval architecture. Successful completion of this program prepares the graduate for careers in engineering design, consulting, or management in maritime, industrial power, or general engineering fields.
  • BS in Power Engineering Operations (4 years): The Power Engineering Operations program is concerned primarily with the operation and maintenance of industrial steam and gas turbine power plants and with related electrical systems. Classroom studies are closely coordinated with practical experience in laboratories. Successful completion of the program leads to the Bachelor of Science degree and, after passing a State of Maine examination, a 4th-Class Stationary Engineer’s license.
  • BS in Power Engineering Technology (4 years): The Power Engineering Technology major is based on the body of knowledge inherent in Marine Engineering Operations, but it is oriented toward the shore-side power industry rather than marine power plants. Successful completion of this major leads to the Bachelor of Science degree. Graduates are eligible to sit for the State of Maine Third Class Engineer (stationary plant engineer) license, and the Fundamentals of Engineering Examination. Graduates are employed in power generation and related industries throughout the United States of America.

UG Business & Logistics Program

  • BS in International Business & Logistics: The Loeb-Sullivan School of International Business and Logistics undergraduate program blends international business education with contemporary business logistics management skills. Courses in core functional areas of business provide a solid foundation for upper-level courses dealing with the complexities of doing business internationally. Specialized courses that deal with the challenges of domestic and global supply chain management constitute the unique program.

Other UG Programs

  • Maritime Technology: This major is only available to alumni who can demonstrate they are no longer eligible to sit for the U.S. Coast Guard exam due to expiration of sea-time. This degree is not available to students on matriculation.
  • BS in Coastal and Marine Environmental Science/Small Vessel Operations (Dual Major - 5 years): The Coastal and Marine Environmental Science/Small Vessel Operations dual major allows the student to complete all of the requirements for the Bachelor of Science degree in Coastal and Marine Environmental Science and Small Vessel Operations, as well as a USCG license as mate of vessels not more than 200 gross tons, Near Coastal (200 miles offshore)
  • BS in Marine Biology / Small Vessel Operations (Dual Major - 5 years): The Marine Biology/Small Vessel Operations dual major allows the student to complete all of the requirements for the Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Biology and Small Vessel Operations, as well as a USCG license as mate of vessels not more than 200 gross tons, Near Coastal (200 miles offshore).
  • BS in Oceanography / Small Vessel Operations (Dual Major - 5 years): The Oceanography/Small Vessel Operations dual major allows the student to complete all of the requirements for the Bachelor of Science degree in Oceanography and Small Vessel Operations, as well as a USCG license as mate of vessels not more than 200 gross tons, Near Coastal (200 miles offshore).

Graduate Programs

  • MS in Maritime Management & 200 Ton Limited License: A 30 month program is available at the graduate level for qualified applicants intending to pursue the 200 Ton Limited License simultaneously with the M.S. degree in Maritime Management
  • MS in International Logistics Management (19 months, online): The emphasis is on emerging concepts for global marketing, sourcing, inventory, distribution, and transportation management. Students also receive a strong business foundation in economics and financial accounting. Graduates complete the program with the ability to competently and confidently represent their company and contribute to their strategic effectiveness. All courses are taught by industry-experienced faculty and can be completed anywhere, anytime.

STCW/ USCG Approved Courses

Non- STCW Courses

  • Safety Management Systems Auditor (Maritime) Training Courses - ISO 9000 & 9001 Quality Management Systems; ISM, International Safety Management; DPA, Designated Person Ashore
  • Subchapter M Auditing
  • Charging Into The Future - Hazards of Lithium Batteries
  • Confined Space
  • Diving First Aid for Professional Divers (DFA Pro)
  • Environmental Regulations & Ethical Industrial Compliance, Online
  • Fall Protection
  • Fishing Vessel Drill Conductor
  • Helicopter Underwater Egress Training
  • Oil Tanker Cargo & Ballast Handling Simulators
  • Section 608 Certification Exam

Maine Maritime Features

  • Campus Location: 35-acre MMA campus is located in Penobscot Bay, Castine. The city is 40 miles from Bangor, and close to Acadia National Park, Baxter State Park, Appalachian Trail and other prime locations.
  • Accreditation & Memberships: New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET, American Association of State Colleges and Universities, International Association of Maritime Universities.
  • Student and Faculty Exchanges: Admiral Makarov State University (Russia); California Maritime Academy (USA); Dalian Maritime University (China); Dokuz Eylül University (Turkey); Kobe University of Mercantile Marine (Japan); Mokpo National Maritime Academy (S. Korea); Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico (Puerto Rico); Shanghai Maritime University (China); The Landing School of Boatbuilding and Design (USA); University of Costa Rica (Costa Rica) ; and, Vestfold University College (Norway) .
  • ROTC Programs: Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) trains qualified young men and women to become officers in these services upon graduation
  • Co-ops/Internships: Cooperative Courses are part of the training and a graduation requirement and for most majors. Some sponsors are large national and multinational companies. Co-op courses earn academic credits towards obtaining a degree and experience may create employment opportunities with sponsoring companies.
  • Cadet Shipping: During the summer after sophomore year, students (unlimited USCG license students) are assigned to merchant ships as cadets to deepen the understanding of shipboard procedures.
  • Training: extensive hands-on training is an important part of all majors. Sea experience; Oceanographic research vessel cruises; Auxillary sail and small vessel training; Simulator training on power generation, ship handling and navigation exercises; Experience in business / marketing / logistics through Enactus; Boat preparation; Leadership and management training through Regiment, campus organizations.
  • Student Residence: 300 rooms (double occupancy) with regimental and traditional housing, all modern amenities, round the clock Security, campus book store, computer center, dining hall, game/recreation center, health services.