What's naval engineering like at Massachusetts Maritime Academy?

I'm looking into naval engineering programs and came across the Massachusetts Maritime Academy. Does anyone have experience with this program? How hands-on is the training, and what are the job prospects afterward?

Certainly, Massachusetts Maritime Academy (MMA) has a highly regarded Marine Engineering (sometimes referred to as Naval Engineering) program. The academy utilizes a hands-on approach to complement theoretical studies. Students get to work with actual ship machinery in laboratories and spend a good portion of their studies aboard the Training Ship Kennedy. This approach ensures that they acquire practical skills to prepare them for their careers.

In the engineering program at MMA, cadets spend their first year learning the basics of marine engineering systems through hands-on activities. As they progress in their studies, they delve deeper into areas such as thermodynamics, marine electronics, propulsion systems, steam and gas turbine operations, amongst a host of others. This covers a broad spectrum of skills necessary to excel in naval engineering.

Furthermore, all students at the academy are required to participate in the Cooperative Education Program, which allows them to apply the technical skills they've learned during a professional internship. This professional experience not only enables students to treat their assignments with a real-world perspective but also assists in securing a job after graduation.

Speaking of job prospects, the Massachusetts Maritime Academy has a strong reputation in the maritime industry, which notably improves the employment prospects of graduates. In fact, the academy boasts a very high employment rate for graduates within 90 days of graduation. Graduates often find work aboard merchant ships, but many also move on to roles in the energy sector, naval architecture firms, or government agencies like the U.S. Navy or Coast Guard.

Please remember, this program's intensity requires a strong commitment, as it combines rigorous engineering coursework with professional mariner training. However, for those committed to a career in marine engineering, the Massachusetts Maritime Academy offers a unique and rewarding education.