Core curriculum at the United States Merchant Marine Academy?

What's the core curriculum like at the United States Merchant Marine Academy? I'm trying to wrap my head around the academic expectations. How does the curriculum balance maritime studies with other academic subjects, and what are some of the key courses that everyone has to take?

The US Merchant Marine Academy follows a curriculum that is slightly different to that of traditional colleges. The curriculum is designed to provide a solid academic foundation with specialized studies in maritime knowledge.

All students, regardless of major, must complete core courses in Math, Science, Humanities, and Social Sciences as well as a set of maritime-focused classes. These maritime-focused classes include Introduction to Maritime Transportation Systems, Maritime Business and Law I and II, and Sea Power and Maritime Affairs among others. These courses are required for students to pass the U.S. Coast Guard license examination, which is a requirement for graduation.

Math and Science courses include subjects like Calculus, Physics, and Chemistry. These are meant to foster technical competence as most of the job prospects for graduates of the Academy are technology-intensive.

Humanities and Social Science courses, on the other hand, aim to develop well-rounded individuals by teaching written and oral communication, leadership, and analytical skills. These might range from subjects like Literature to Macroeconomics.

It's also important to note the Sea Year at USMMA. During their Sea Year, midshipmen serve as cadets aboard various American-flagged merchant vessels and sail to foreign and domestic ports. This hands-on, experiential learning period is intended to give students realistic exposure to the maritime industry while also granting them the opportunity to apply their technical and leadership skills in real-world environments.

Remember, students at the Merchant Marine Academy are also preparing to serve as officers in the U.S. Armed Forces, and so the regimented lifestyle and coursework prepare students not only academically and professionally, but also personally and ethically, for this commitment.

The academic journey at the Merchant Marine Academy is intense, but it aims to fully equip its graduates with the knowledge, skills, and qualifications they need for their professional futures in the maritime industry and the military.