List of Top 10 Maritime Colleges in United States
Earning a degree from a reputable maritime university/college and taking quality online college courses will give you a great start to your maritime career. Many universities in the US offer excellent maritime programs, and you can choose one based on your interests and career needs. In this article, we introduce you to the top 10 maritime colleges in the US.
1. Florida Institute of Technology
Florida Institute of Technology offers bachelor’s degrees in environmental science, general biology, oceanography, sustainability studies, and marine engineering. It offers doctoral and bachelor’s degree programs and master’s degrees in conservation technology, ecology, and environmental resource management.
The college also offers the Auxiliary University Program (AUP) in partnership with the United States Coast Guard. The AUP program provides training and certification that allows students to participate in activities aboard Coast Guard vessels and the Coast Guard Auxiliary.
The experience gained in the AUP program can be used as a qualification to join the Coast Guard, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and other maritime organizations.
2. Maine Maritime Academy
Maine Maritime Academy is a small maritime institution that offers valuable opportunities. As a member of the International Association of Maritime Universities, the school’s students participate in student exchange programs with universities in Japan, China, Australia, Turkey, and other countries every year.
Maine Maritime Academy is a highly respected university that offers courses such as Marine Engineering Technology, Marine Engineering Operations, and Marine Transportation Operations.
The academy enrolls approximately 950 students, providing them with the practical skills and knowledge needed to begin a successful career in the maritime field after completing an associate’s, bachelor’s, or master’s degree.
Students also enjoy the benefits of international maritime training conducted on training ships, the USS Maine or the USS Bowdoin, and cadets on merchant ships. This training is designed to make them outstanding sailors, engineers, logistics professionals, scientists, and more.
3. State University of New York Maritime Academy (SUNY)
The State University of New York Maritime Academy is ranked as one of the best maritime academies in the United States. It has received high ratings in recent years.
One of the academy’s most notable features is its 565-foot training ship, Empire VI, which allows students to travel around the world and gain hands-on experience. The academy also prides itself on attracting top talent in the maritime field.
4. Massachusetts Maritime Academy
Massachusetts Maritime Academy offers degrees in marine engineering, maritime safety, environmental protection, maritime transportation, and more.
Founded in 1891, the academy is the second oldest state naval academy in the United States. It was originally opened to train candidates to become deck officers and engineers for the United States Merchant Marine, but has since expanded.
Most of its graduates become officers in the United States Armed Forces. The academy owns a training ship called USTS Kennedy. Some of the oldest and best maritime professionals serving the maritime industry come from the Massachusetts Maritime Academy.
5. United States Naval Academy
The United States Naval Academy is one of the best academies in the United States for naval and marine engineering degrees.
This is a collegiate academy dedicated to training young men and women to become officers in the United States Navy and Marine Corps. Naval Academy cadets are active-duty naval officers in the United States Navy.
They study at the academy for four years, earn a Bachelor of Science degree, and are then commissioned as second lieutenants in the Marine Corps. Graduates serve in the Navy or Marine Corps for at least five years. The academy has state-of-the-art technology, high-quality technical support systems, and research facilities.
6. University of New Orleans
The University of New Orleans Boise Bollinger School of Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering (NAME) offers a Bachelor of Science in Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering, a Master of Science in Engineering (with a major in NAME), and a Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering and Applied Sciences.
It is one of the few schools in the country that teaches students how to build ships and marine structures. The school features a model project workshop, UNO hull testing system, computer-aided ship design lab, and ship engineering lab. Their graduates find jobs in prestigious organizations even before graduation, becoming ship and yacht builders, engineers, design consultants, offshore company employees, and more.
7. United States Merchant Marine Academy
The United States Merchant Marine Academy also has a history of nearly a hundred years. Located near the famous New York City skyline, it offers degrees in naval engineering, marine transportation, ship engineering systems, ship operations and technology, shipyard management, and more.
It offers a variety of courses on commercial ships. After completing their studies at the academy, all graduates enjoy a wide range of career opportunities. They can serve in the U.S. Navy for 5 years and as officers in any reserve component of the armed forces for 8 years.
8. Texas A&M University-Galveston
Texas A&M University is one of the best universities in the country for marine engineering and marine engineering technology. The academy offers a multidisciplinary education in marine propulsion and marine engineering.
Founded in 1962, the academy is the only academy on the Gulf Coast that offers students the opportunity to learn how to operate and maintain ships. In addition to training, students sail on training ships for three summer semesters to gain hands-on experience in navigation, engineering, and marine science. Upon completion of the program, eligible cadets take exams to obtain a deck officer or engineer license in the U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Marine.
9. United States Coast Guard Academy
The United States Coast Guard Academy offers a course in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering. The course is designed to provide a solid educational foundation for Coast Guard students and those who want to study marine engineering and marine architecture. This academy challenges both the mind and the body. It involves rigorous training and character building.
10. Weber College of Engineering
Weber College of Engineering offers the best programs in marine engineering and marine technology. The academy’s well-designed four-year engineering curriculum enables students to master the concepts effectively. If you are planning to study marine engineering, this is a college you should not miss.
