Degrees Offered at the US Merchant Marine Academy

I'm interested in the types of degrees you can earn at the US Merchant Marine Academy. Are there unique programs compared to other service academies? Any info on majors and academic focus would be awesome!

The United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) is definitely unique among the service academies when it comes to the specifics of their degree offerings. Notably, all cadets who matriculate at USMMA graduate with a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree, a Coast Guard License, and an Officer's Commission in the U.S. Armed Forces.

There are five academic majors at USMMA: Marine Transportation, Maritime Logistics and Security, Marine Engineering, Marine Engineering Systems, Marine Engineering and Shipyard Management.

These five majors are grouped under two-course study tracks: Marine Engineering and Marine Transportation. The breakdown is as follows:

Marine Engineering has 3 major options:

- Marine Engineering

- Marine Engineering Systems

- Marine Engineering and Shipyard Management

Marine Transportation also has 2 major options:

- Maritime Logistics & Security

- Marine Transportation

In addition, all students are required to take certain humanities courses and have a strong foundation in the basic sciences and mathematics. So while the major offerings may appear a bit narrower than civilian colleges, the breadth of the curriculum truly prepares students for a wide range of careers both at sea and ashore.

One more unique aspect of USMMA's program is the Sea Year. Unlike other service academies, USMMA cadets spend one full year at sea, in two separate six-month periods, further preparing them for a career in maritime.

In terms of job placements, it's noteworthy to mention that graduates are offered jobs not only in the Navy but in any branch of the military. Moreover, graduates also find opportunities in maritime and intermodal transportation, manufacturing, energy, construction, and even finance. The academy's rigorous coursework and practical, hands-on approach to maritime education gives their students a unique set of skills applicable in various industries.