UPDATED 6/15/2009

Degree Requirements

To be eligible for the Bachelor of Science or Associate in Science Degree from Maine Maritime Academy, a candidate must complete all courses of the major program, including specified elective courses, with a cumulative grade point average of not less than 2.0. Specific major programs may additionally require a grade point average of 2.25 in designated core courses in each program. In addition, candidates in the four majors leading to a US Coast Guard (USCG) unlimited license are required to successfully complete the professional USCG examination and satisfactorily participate in the Regiment of Midshipmen.

The various major programs have differing credit requirements, which are described in detail in the Curricula section of this catalog. It is the responsibility of the student to demonstrate completion of all requirements and to enroll in the prescribed courses. All degrees will be awarded through action of the Board of Trustees.

The graduation date appearing on the student transcript and diploma will be one of the following as applicable:

1. The scheduled commencement date for students who have completed all degree requirements by the end of the spring semester;

2. The day following the submission of a passing grade in the Junior Cruise (Cr-303) or other required summer co-op experience in the case of those seniors who have completed all other requirements;

3. The end of the fall semester for all other students. Students who graduate at this time will have their class standing based on and be considered part of the class graduating in the next scheduled spring commencement. This will not, however, preclude license-program students obtaining Coast Guard licenses upon completion of all degree requirements even if the graduation date occurs at a later time.

Degree Honors

Significant scholastic achievement in the undergraduate programs will be recognized by appropriate endorsement of the degree diploma in the following categories:

Summa Cum Laude:	3.75 - 4.00 GPA
Magna Cum Laude:	3.50 - 3.74 GPA
Cum Laude:	3.30 - 3.49 GPA

Credit for Life Experience

“Life Experience Credit” is credit for learning that individuals have acquired that has not been transcribed as a result of completed coursework in a college or university. The experience is evaluated at MMA to determine whether or not it is comparable in rigor, content and outcomes with coursework taught at MMA. If such learning is deemed comparable, the student may receive credit for the experience.

Assessment of life experience is a process accomplished by assessment of a portfolio prepared by the student. Students who wish to make a case for life experience begin initially by contacting the Academic Dean’s office. It is there that the screening process begins. If it is determined that the student is a candidate for life experience, the student is advised how to describe, organize and document his/her materials to create a case for life experience. Subsequently, the student makes an appointment with the appropriate Department Chair to discuss these materials. The Department Chair decides whether the student’s prior learning experience warrants referral and further consideration by a faculty evaluator.

For four-year students, a maximum of 16 credits may be earned in the life experience program; for two-year students a total of 8 credit hours may be earned for life experience. Credits may be applied toward an undergraduate degree or licensure. Upon approval of the Academic Dean, the applicant's transcript will be marked to show credit hours earned, with a notation that the credit hours were earned for life experience. A fee equivalent to one-half the regular charge per credit hour will be assessed for life experience credits. Note: These credits do not fill the residency requirements for the degree.

Study Abroad

The Academy has agreements with several other colleges and universities for study abroad. Students may inquire into this possibility from their respective Department Chairs through their advisors. Program possibilities vary from major to major. All such arrangements must be approved by the student’s major department and the Academic Dean.

Transfer Credits

To transfer academic credits to an undergraduate program, students who are applying for admission to the Academy, or those who are already enrolled at the Academy, must provide a copy of a student transcript or equivalent official record. They may be asked to provide a copy of the college catalog where the course(s) were taken and the name of the course textbook(s).

In accordance with federal regulations, Third Officer U.S. Coast Guard license students must be in training for a minimum of three years. Accordingly, except in unusual circumstances, transfer students or those expecting advanced placement in those majors must spend a minimum of this time in training.

All transfer students must complete all of their respective departmental degree requirements, and, spend at least their last scheduled academic year at the Academy as full-time students in residence. This does not apply to students in the Maine Maritime Academy/Bath Iron Works apprentice program and the Small Craft Design and Small Vessel Systems programs. In addition, candidates for the USCG Third Officer licenses must complete Cr-303 (Junior Cruise) while enrolled at the Academy, unless this requirement is waived in writing by the appropriate Senior Training Officer and the Academic Dean. A minimum of 50 percent of Business and Logistics credit hours required for the International Business and Logistics academic major must be earned at Maine Maritime Academy.

The following criteria must be met before credits can be transferred:

1. The course(s) must be relevant to the student's major or elective program at Maine Maritime Academy and preferably equivalent to a specific undergraduate course.

2. For a course to be accepted for transfer credit, student performance must be equivalent to a grade of "C" or better from an accredited college or university, or from an approved military program (submit form DD-295, "Application for the Evaluation of Educational Experiences During Military Service").

3. Transfer credits submitted from foreign colleges and universities will only be considered after they have been evaluated by a professional analyst. An Admissions Officer will provide assistance in identifying an analyst, but the student is responsible for all arrangements and related costs.

Credit for any course(s) taken at an accredited college or university may be transferred subject to items 1 and 2. However, these credits are not used in calculating the student's GPA at the Academy, nor can these credits be used to by-pass the minimum residency requirement established by the Academy.

Any transfer of credit situations not covered in this policy will be determined by the Academic Dean in consultation with the appropriate Department Chair.

Minor Programs and Concentrations

All Academic Departments at Maine Maritime Academy offer opportunities for specialization in one or more areas of study. Students wishing to receive credit for a specialized program of study should consult with the designated minor or concentration coordinator(s) to receive advice.

     Minor Guidelines

A minor program generally consists of 18 credit hours of courses related to a specialized field of study and included on the official list of courses acceptable for that minor. A minimum of 12 of the 18 credit hours must be taken at Maine Maritime Academy. Courses identified for one minor cannot be counted for another minor.

     Concentration Guidelines

A concentration generally consists of 18 hours of courses related to a specific field of study within, or extending the student's major program, and included on the official list of courses acceptable for that concentration. A minimum of 12 of the 18 credit hours must be taken at Maine Maritime Academy. Courses identified for one concentration may not be counted toward any other concentration or minor.

Grade Requirements

To qualify for a minor or a concentration, a student must meet all requirements for graduation from Maine Maritime Academy. Students are required to obtain a GPA of at least a 2.0 in the minor or concentration with no more than one grade below a "C". 

More Than One Minor or Concentration

Students desiring approval to pursue more than one minor and/or concentration must have approval from advisors in each of the sequences. To receive more than one minor and/or concentration, a student must satisfy all the requirements listed above for each sequence.

See the Academic Policy section on Maximum Credit Hour Loads for the course overload policy.

Also refer to each Department's Catalog or web page regarding specialization opportunities within their respective programs of study.

Minor/Concentration Requirements

Business Minors

    Management Track
Required Courses: Ma-101, Ma-211, Ma-222, Lo-301, and Ma-342 and Any 1 of the following: Ec-102, Ec-201, Lo-313, Lo-334, Lo-411, Lo-422, Lo-432, Ma-242, Ma-303, Ma-312, Ma-332, Ma-403, Ma-421, Ma-422, Ma-470, Ma-498, Et-377, Ms-253, Hc-232, Ns-122, Ns-131, Ns-210, Ns-301, Ns-420, Nv-401, Nv-402, Ym-222, Yo-222.

Logistics Track

Required Courses: Ma-101, Ma-211, Ma-222, Lo-301, and Lo-313 or Lo-334 and Any 1 of the following: Ec-102, Ec-201, Lo-313 or Lo-334, Lo-411, Lo-422, Lo-432, Ma-242, Ma-303, Ma-312, Ma-332, Ma-342, Ma-403, Ma-421, Ma-422, Ma-470, Ma-498, Et-377, Ms-253, Hc-232, Ns-122, Ns-131, Ns-210, Ns-301, Ns-420, Nv-401, Nv-402, Ym-222, Yo-222.

Humanities & Social Science
Required Courses: Hc-112 or 211, any Hc course except Hc-111 & Hc-232, and any Hy, Py, Ge, or Po course. *IBL majors: no courses required of your major may be used for this minor.

Industrial Powerplant Technology
Required Courses: Et-211 or Es-251, Et-212 or Es-352, Et-498, Et-499 and
Any 1 of the following: Et-201, Et-377, Et-202, Et-301, Eg-491, Et-378, Ms-251, Ns-421.
Optional for a Concentration: Et-401, Et-432, Eg-422; Others with the approval of the advisor.

Marine Biology

Required Courses: Bi-102, Bi-210, Bi-220 and Any 2 of the following: Bi-201, Bi-218, Bi-301, Bi-306, Bi-308, Bi-312, Bi-320, Bi-322.

Marine Engineering Operations
Required Courses: Eg-101, Cr-103, Eg-261, Eg-292, Et-371 and
5 credits from the following: Et-101, Et-201, Eg-252, Eg-321, Eg-372, Eg-392, Et-211, Eg-243.

Marine Transportation Operations
Required Courses: Ns-101 & Ns-241 and 15 credits of Ns-designated courses.

Mathematics
Required Courses: Ms-252 and Ms-260, plus
At least one of the following: Ms-251, Ms-253, Ms-420, Ms-451 and
Up to two courses from: computer programming, physics, engineering, math (except calculus courses) approved by minor advisor.

Naval Architecture
Required Courses: Na-152 or Ns-102 and Ns-301, Et-202 or Es-205, Et-230 or Es-235, Et-201 or Es-245, Na-372, Na-430.

Naval Science
Required Courses: Pe-100, Nv-101(or Nv-212), Nv-102 (or Eg-101), Nv-211, Nv-301 (or Ns-271 & Ns-272), Nv-302, Nv-401, Nv-402, Ms-150, Ms-160, Ps-162, Ps-261, Hc-111 and Hc-232 (or Et-452), plus
1 of the following: Nv-202, Hy-200, Nv-310, Po-230 or Po-330 and
Also 1 of the following: Ge-200, Ge-210, Hy-210, Hy-220, Po-230 or Po-330.

Oceanography
Required Courses: Oc-101 or Os-101, plus
At least two of the following: Oc-210 or Os-309, Os-212, Os-221, Bi-210, Bi-220, or Os-499 and any of the following: Os-204, Os-307, Ch-401, Bi-306, Bi-322, or Os-325.

Physical Science
Required Courses: 18 credit hours from the following fields: chemistry, meteorology, ocean studies, or physics. At least 2 courses must be of a sequential nature and the minor advisor must approve inclusion of any course towards this minor.

Sail Training Concentration

Required Courses: At least 12 credit hours in the following courses: Pe-200, Ns-344, Cr-214, Ns-341, Ns-321, Pe-401 and Ns-432. Students not enrolled in the SVO major must take at least 6 credit hours in the following courses: Pe-100, Pe-114, Ns-241, Yt-102, Yt-105, Yt-210 and Ns-310.

Small Vessel Operations
Required Courses: Ns-101, Ns-262, Ns-271 & Ns-272 plus any three Y- or Ns-designated courses to total not less than 18 credit hours.

Technical Science
Required Courses: Et-211 or Es-251 plus
Any 3 to 5 of the following: Et-202 or Es-205, Et-212 or Es-352, Et-220 or Es-420, Et-230 or Es-235, Es-245.
Up to 2 of the following: Ms-120, Ms-160, Ms-251, Ms-252, Cs-150, Cs-220.
The minor advisor may approve other courses.

Academic Year

The Academy's academic year comprises three sessions: the fall semester extends from September through December, approximately; the spring semester January through April, approximately; and the summer session, May through August, approximately. For exact dates of the Academy's annual calendar, contact the Office of the Registrar or visit www.mma.edu.