What Majors Can You Study at the US Merchant Marine Academy?

I'm looking into the majors offered by the Merchant Marine Academy and want to know what kind of academic programs are available there. Are there specific programs that are highly regarded or are considered unique to the academy?

The United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA), often known as Kings Point, offers a unique blend of programs centered around merchant marine and maritime industries. It aims to groom midshipmen into cooperative, responsible, and professional marine transportation and logistics personnel, as well as military officers in the armed forces. These officers play a crucial role in maintaining the health and effectiveness of America's transportation and defense systems.

Here's a brief overview of the Bachelor's degree programs offered:

1. Marine Engineering: This encompasses subjects like fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, marine power plants, and machinery control systems.

2. Marine Engineering Systems: This is an innovative program that focuses on the engineering of marine systems and machinery used on modern ships.

3. Marine Engineering and Shipyard Management: This helps students understand how to design, build, and repair ships, which is vital for both commercial and combat vessels.

4. Maritime Logistics and Security: As a student in this program, you would study commerce, operations research, and security as they relate to the maritime industry.

5. Marine Transportation: If you're interested in navigation, ship handling, and cargo management, this program would be a good fit.

These programs are rigorous and in-depth, providing both in-class theoretical knowledge and hands-on practical experience, which is a defining feature of USMMA's curriculum.

USMMA is also unique because it provides a license program in conjunction with each major to prepare midshipmen for a career at sea. Besides this, the Academy offers students the opportunity to commit to any branch of the armed forces after graduation, a feature that is not as prevalent in other service academies.

Keep in mind, all graduates are also required to fulfill a service obligation to ensure that the maritime industry and armed forces continue to have well-trained personnel. So be prepared for this commitment if you're considering USMMA.