Maritime colleges in the USA

Our lives’ journeys often start with a dream. A mariner’s journey starts with a step towards the sea, and a good stepping stone is a reputable college. The sea has plenty to offer, thus the many courses in maritime studies. Whatever you decide to pursue, you should rest assured that there’s a well-established institution equipped to get you to the finish line. Maritime colleges in the USA have risen in numbers, and over the years, shown an upsurge of performance.

With all the available options, however, offering different courses, how do you make sure that you choose the right and best place for you? In this article, we’re going to look at some of the top maritime colleges that the USA has to offer. While it is not an exact determination that the best is so, our list will feature universities that deliver on courses, space, and skills, among other aspects. Why don’t we have a look at them?

USA Maritime Colleges

United States Merchant Marine Academy

Established in 1943, the USSMA, United States Merchant Academy, is an 82-acre service academy in Kings Point, New York. This institution offers training to officers for service in the United States Merchant Marine, transportation, and even military. The university’s day-to-day is run by a team of 85 staff, and it is home to roughly 1,000 students, also called Midshipmen.

Training is offered in navigation, marine engineering, ship administration, and among many other areas related to running a ship, those regarding law like international law and maritime law.

State University of New York Maritime College

Otherwise known as SUNY Maritime College, the State University of New York Maritime College was established in 1874 and is part of the SUNY system. This public maritime college sits on 55 acres of land and is home to roughly 1,700 students. SUNY Maritime College offers nautical instructions and can grant degrees upon graduation, making it one of the only seven academies that have such privilege.

Texas A&M University at Galveston

Established in 1962, the TAMUG, Texas University at Galveston, is a 135-acre ocean-oriented college in Pelican Island, Galveston, Texas. TAMUG is a branch of Texas A&M University, which awards degrees for both undergraduate and graduate programs offered. The university’s day-to-day is run by at least 350 staff, and it is home to at least 2,300 students, also called Sea Aggies.

TAMUG offers ocean-focused academic programs, and they include but are not limited to marine sciences, marine studies, marine biology, marine engineering technology, marine fisheries, marine administration, and even marine transportation.

Seattle Central College

Established in 1965, the Seattle Central College forms part of the Seattle Colleges District, along with South Seattle College and North Seattle College. This public college sits on 15 acres of land and is home to roughly 16,800 students. The student population comprises international students, facilitated by the International Education Program division and others by the Basic and Transitional Studies division.

Through its Seattle Maritime Academy, this college provides adequate training to students aspiring a place in the US Merchant Marine. Each of the two offered programs, in this case, takes a year to complete.

Great Lakes Maritime Academy

Established in 1969 at Northwestern Michigan University, the Great Lakes Maritime Academy is situated in Traverse City, Michigan. The university trains for licensing on ships of unlimited horsepower or tonnage; cruise ships, tankers, research vessels, among others. Perks that come to students of this academy, also called cadets, are a BSc degree and a Federal sailing license.

Great Lakes Maritime Academy is notably the only fresh-water academy and also the only one that offers a chance for First Class Great Lakes Pilotage to graduates.

Some great colleges that you could also consider are:

• Massachusetts Maritime Academy
• Florida Institute of Technology
• United States Naval Academy
• Webb Institute of Engineering
• United States Coast Guard Academy
• University of New Orleans

Some institutions that offer USCG-approved courses are:

• Chapman School of Seamanship
• Fremont Maritime Services
• Gulf Coast Maritime Academy
• Mid Atlantic Maritime Academy
• Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education

Where to study

So, which of these is the best maritime university in USA? Well, it would depend on what you’re looking for. Your desired course should be your guiding light. Not all of the listed or available institutions offer everything on the table. You will find that some have specialized in areas that they can deliver optimally on. If such areas feature your interest, then don’t wait for anything else; make your move!

You may be wondering, however, what these courses could be. Well, since the major focus has been on finding you a college, it would be just right to list out some of the courses that you should expect to come across, or from which you can choose. Some maritime courses in USA are:

• Old Dominion University, offering BSc Maritime and Supply Chain Management Major, Maritime Ports and Logistics Management, and MSc Maritime Trade and Supply Chain Management
• Florida Institute of Technology, offering BSc Marine Biology, and BSc Marine Conservation
• The University of New Orleans, offering BSc Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering

Final words

Taking maritime studies in USA is a great decision. Having the best institution to study in, however, is not all that you need to achieve your goals, dreams, or aspirations. Effort is required in persistence and volumes. Do not tire trying, because it may not come as easy, even with the best equipment and training. I believe in you and hope that you too hold the same in yourself.

The sea has life that is dependent on every choice you make along the way. When choosing what works for you, remember to have thought for those that are looking up to you. A course that carries most of your marine desires should put you in a good position. A college or institution that offers the course and essentials that you may need along with it will put you in a better position. Happy selection!