UPDATED 6/25/2007

 

A Proud Heritage

FOR GENERATIONS, Maine has been known worldwide for the skills of its shipbuilders and sea captains, and for leadership in every phase of maritime affairs. It was in Maine that the first English ship built in America, the Virginia, was launched in 1607, and, in this new century, Mainers continue to build and sail vessels ranging from custom yachts to mighty warships. Windjammers, fishing fleets, and defenders of the America’s Cup have all been part of Maine’s seafaring tradition.

Today this proud heritage thrives at Maine Maritime Academy, an institution of higher learning providing undergraduate and graduate instruction in engineering, transportation, marine science, maritime management, international business and logistics, and small vessel operations. In addition, the college prepares a portion of its students as officers for the U.S. Merchant Marine and for the armed forces of the United States.

Proposals for an institution devoted to nautical training began in Maine in the 1930s. Educational and civic leaders throughout the state -- led by Senator Ralph Leavitt of Portland -- prompted the creation of Maine Maritime Academy by an act of the 90th Maine Legislature on March 21, 1941.

The original class of 29 students reported on October 9 of that year to Rear Admiral Douglas Dismukes, USN, a veteran of World War I who came out of retirement to head the fledgling school. Classes met on the campus of the Eastern State Normal School, with students lodged at Castine’s Pentagoet Inn. The Mattie, a coastal schooner out of Camden, Maine, served as the first training ship.

World War II required a rapid build-up of the U.S. Merchant Marine, with a critical need for new deck and engineering officers. The Academy met that challenge, producing more than 300 officers who served at sea during the war in every theater of operations. Three gave their lives in service to the nation, and many others were wounded in action. By war’s end, Maine Maritime had graduated 384 men.

In the post-war era, the program was expanded to the original concept of a three-year course leading to a Bachelor of Science degree. In the 1960s and 70s, Rear Admiral Edward Rodgers, USMS, led a multi-million dollar development program, culminating in full membership in the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.

In recent years, the college has grown steadily and now offers three degrees and 20 undergraduate and graduate academic majors:

Associate in Science

  • Small Vessel Operations
  • Ship Design1
  • Ship Production1
  • Small Craft Design2
  • Small Vessel Systems2

1 available only to employees of General Dynamics Corporation's Bath Iron Works Shipyard in Bath, Maine.
2 joint degree program with The Landing School of Boatbuilding and Design in Kennebunkport, Maine

 

Bachelor of Science

  • Interdisciplinary Studies
  • International Business and Logistics
  • Marine Biology
  • Marine Engineering Operations3
  • Marine Engineering Technology3
  • Marine Systems Engineering (Non-License Track)4
  • Marine Systems Engineering (License Track)3
  • Marine Transportation Operations3
  • Marine Science
  • Power Engineering Operations
  • Power Engineering Technology
  • Small Vessel Operations

3 These majors may lead to a U.S. Coast Guard unlimited license and require participation in the Regiment of Midshipmen.  See the catalog section entitled Student Life for information on the Regiment.
4 This major requires first year students to participate in the Regiment and the first-year cruise.

Master of Science

  • Global Supply Chain Management
  • Maritime Management
  • International Business