No single school or degree leads to a maritime career.
Some students attend a maritime academy and prepare to become licensed officers aboard commercial ships. Others study engineering, logistics, ocean science, environmental science, cybersecurity or another field at a traditional college. Still others begin at a community college or technical school and enter the workforce sooner.
The right choice depends on what interests you and what kind of work you want to do.
Maritime Academies
For students interested in working at sea, a maritime academy can provide one of the most direct paths into the industry.
The U.S. Maritime Administration recognizes the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and six state maritime academies. These schools combine college-level academics with specialized maritime education and, for students in qualifying programs, the training and sea time required to pursue a U.S. Coast Guard officer license.
Cal Poly Maritime Academy — Vallejo, California
For students in California, Cal Poly Maritime Academy is an important place to start.
Located in Vallejo, it is the West Coast's state maritime academy and offers programs connected to careers both at sea and ashore.
- Marine Transportation
- Marine Engineering Technology
- Mechanical Engineering
- Facilities Engineering Technology
- Oceanography
- Business
- International Strategy and Security
A student interested in navigating and operating commercial ships might pursue Marine Transportation and work toward becoming a licensed deck officer. Someone more interested in machinery, propulsion, electrical systems or engineering can pursue an engineering track. Others may use their maritime education to work in ports, vessel operations, logistics, ocean science or shoreside industries.
Explore Cal Poly Maritime Academy
U.S. Merchant Marine Academy — Kings Point, New York
The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, commonly called Kings Point, is the federal academy dedicated to developing officers for the U.S. Merchant Marine and other national maritime needs.
Students combine demanding academics with extensive time at sea.
- Marine Transportation
- Maritime Logistics and Security
- Marine Engineering
- Marine Engineering Systems
- Marine Engineering and Shipyard Management
Kings Point is not simply another four-year college. Admissions, service obligations, and career expectations are different from a typical university, so students considering USMMA should understand those requirements early.
Explore the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy
U.S. Naval Academy — Annapolis, Maryland
The U.S. Naval Academy prepares midshipmen to become commissioned officers in the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. Unlike the merchant maritime academies above, USNA is a military service academy, and graduates enter active-duty service.
Students can pursue maritime and technology-related majors including:
- Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering
- Ocean Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Nuclear Engineering
- Robotics and Control Engineering
- Cyber Operations
- Computer Science
- Data Science
The Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering program includes hands-on ship design, structures, hydrodynamics and marine systems, with opportunities for internships at shipyards, design offices and research facilities.
The Navy covers tuition, room and board, medical and dental care. In return, graduates generally serve at least five years on active duty after commissioning, with some career fields requiring longer commitments.
Explore the U.S. Naval Academy
SUNY Maritime College — New York
SUNY Maritime College offers one of the broadest ranges of maritime-related undergraduate programs in the country.
- Marine Transportation
- Marine Operations
- International Transportation and Trade
- Marine Environmental Science
- Marine Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Naval Architecture
- Maritime Technology
- Data and technology-related fields
Its Naval Architecture program is particularly relevant to students interested in designing ships and marine systems rather than operating them. Naval architects work with areas such as hull design, stability, structures, hydrodynamics and integration of the many systems that make a vessel work.
Explore SUNY Maritime College undergraduate programs
Maine Maritime Academy — Castine, Maine
Maine Maritime Academy offers programs in marine transportation, engineering, vessel operations, logistics and related fields. Engineering programs can prepare students for shipboard careers while also providing skills that transfer to power generation, industrial facilities, field engineering and other shoreside industries.
Explore Maine Maritime Academy
Massachusetts Maritime Academy — Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts
Massachusetts Maritime Academy combines academics with maritime training, simulation and hands-on experience. Its Marine Transportation pathway includes navigation, seamanship, cargo operations, ship handling, emergency response and vessel management and can prepare qualified students for a Coast Guard Third Mate license.
Explore Massachusetts Maritime Academy
Texas A&M Maritime Academy — Galveston, Texas
Located on the Gulf Coast, Texas A&M Maritime Academy places students close to one of America's largest concentrations of ports, shipping, offshore energy and marine industry. Students can pursue maritime education and, in qualifying programs, work toward Coast Guard credentials while earning a university degree.
Explore Texas A&M Maritime Academy
Great Lakes Maritime Academy — Traverse City, Michigan
Great Lakes Maritime Academy is part of Northwestern Michigan College and provides another path into licensed commercial maritime careers. Its location gives students exposure to the enormous shipping industry operating across the Great Lakes as well as preparation for broader commercial vessel operations.
Explore Great Lakes Maritime Academy
Find More Maritime Schools
The U.S. Maritime Administration maintains information about the federal and state maritime academies and broader maritime education pathways.
Explore America's Maritime Academies
U.S. Maritime Administration - Maritime Education
MARAD also designates Centers of Excellence for Domestic Maritime Workforce Training and Education, including community colleges, technical institutions and workforce programs around the country.
Explore Maritime Workforce Training Centers
MARAD Centers of Excellence
Before Choosing a School
Do more than compare campuses and degree names. Start with the career.
- Identify two or three jobs that interest you.
- Look at current job postings for those careers.
- Write down the education, licenses and skills employers require.
- Find programs that teach those skills.
- Ask schools where their graduates actually work.
- Ask whether internships, sea time, cooperative education or employer partnerships are included.
- Compare total cost, financial aid and the time required to complete the program.
The goal isn't simply to go to college. It is to find the education and experience that can take you where you want to go.
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