What kind of classes do cadets take at the Coast Guard Academy?

I'm considering applying to the Coast Guard Academy and I'm curious about the type of classes offered there. Are there specific courses that everyone has to take, or can cadets choose their own classes? Also, any popular electives?

At the US Coast Guard Academy, cadets receive a well-rounded, diversified education. The curriculum combines science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) courses with humanities and social sciences. This allows cadets to develop strong technical expertise, critical thinking skills, and a global perspective.

As a freshman and sophomore, you would typically take core courses. Everyone has to take classes in areas such as calculus, chemistry, physics, government, leadership and management, nautical science, and English composition. This base of classes helps build your understanding of disciplines that are fundamental to a wide array of careers in the Coast Guard.

Once you become a junior and a senior, you'll start focusing more on courses related to your chosen major. The U.S. Coast Guard Academy offers 9 majors: Management, Government, Mechanical Engineering, Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering, Operations Research and Data Analytics, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Cyber Systems, and Marine and Environmental Sciences.

As for electives, popular choices often include classes in foreign languages, cybersecurity, ocean sciences, and maritime policy. These courses allow cadets to explore interests beyond their major and can be a valuable part of their professional and personal development.

In other words, while there is a strong core curriculum all cadets must undertake, there's also room for individual choice to explore specific interests in greater depth. It provides a comprehensive academic environment for the cadets to prepare them for a variety of roles within the United States Coast Guard.