Maine Maritime Academy

What is the history of Maine Maritime Academy?

Maine Maritime Academy (MMA) was founded in 1941 by the 90th Maine Legislature to address the need for trained deck and engineering officers during World War II. The first class, consisting of 29 students, reported to Rear Admiral Douglas Dismukes, USN, on October 9, 1941. Initially, classes were held on the campus of the Eastern State Normal School, and students were accommodated at Castine's Pentagöet Inn. The Mattie, a schooner from Camden, Maine, served as the academy's first training ship.

During World War II, the U.S. Merchant Marine required a rapid expansion, with a critical demand for trained deck and engineering officers. Maine Maritime Academy met this challenge by graduating its first class in 1943 and producing over 300 officers who served at sea during the war. Three of these officers lost their lives in service to the nation, and many others were wounded in action.

In the post-war era, Maine Maritime Academy expanded its program from the original concept to offer undergraduate bachelor's degrees with a choice of 11 different majors. These majors include Marine Engineering Operations (MEO), Marine Engineering Technology (MET), Marine Systems Engineering (MSE), 4-Year Design Track, 5-Year License Track, Marine Transportation Operations (MTO), Power Engineering Technology (PET), Power Engineering Operations (PEO), and Small Vessel Operations. Additionally, the academy offers interdisciplinary bachelor's degree programs and associate degrees. Graduate-level programs are also available through the Loeb-Sullivan School of International Business and Logistics.

Maine Maritime Academy is one of six maritime training colleges in the United States and one of only two that fields a Navy Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) unit. The college is affiliated with the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. Unlike federal service academies, a congressional recommendation is not required to attend this state school. Students are not obligated to go to sea or join the military after graduation, and many choose shore-side employment, often in maritime-related fields or the power generation industry.

Over the years, Maine Maritime Academy has provided hands-on training and instruction opportunities for cadets at sea using various vessels, typically former U.S. Navy ships. Each of the academy's training ships bears the same name, TS State of Maine, during their respective time in service as the academy training ship. The current training ship, TS State of Maine, was formerly USNS Tanner (T-AGS-40) and has been in service since June 1997.

Maine Maritime Academy has robust co-op and internship programs in place. Students from all engineering majors and the Marine Transportation program are required to complete at least one co-op or internship before graduation. The academy has a fleet of training vessels, including the TS State of Maine, the TS Maine Maritime Academy, and the TS Alert.

What are the faculties and departments at Maine Maritime Academy?

Maine Maritime Academy boasts a diverse range of faculties and departments to cater to various academic interests. With over 60 full-time professors and visiting professors from industry and domestic and foreign universities, the faculty members come from diverse academic backgrounds and industrial positions in engineering, ship operations, marine science, maritime management, and small vessel design and operation. These professors work closely with students in classrooms, laboratories, and aboard ships, emphasizing the connections between theory and real-world applications.

The academic departments at Maine Maritime Academy consist of Arts & Sciences, Harold Alfond School of Engineering, Thompson School of Marine Transportation, and Corning School of Ocean Studies. The Arts & Sciences department offers majors in Humanities, Mathematics, and Science. In the Harold Alfond School of Engineering, students can major in Marine Engineering Technology, Marine Systems Engineering, and Power Engineering Technology. The Thompson School of Marine Transportation provides majors in Marine Transportation Operations and Marine Engineering Operations. Lastly, the Corning School of Ocean Studies offers majors in Marine Biology, Marine Science, and Oceanography.

With a student-faculty ratio of 9:1, Maine Maritime Academy ensures personalized attention for its students, as 59.2% of its classes have fewer than 20 students. Faculty members not only serve as academic advisors but also engage in research, consulting, and other academic pursuits. The part-time faculty includes visiting professors from industry and from domestic and foreign universities. The full-time faculty percentage at Maine Maritime Academy is 77%, which is significantly higher than the national average of 47%. This high percentage of full-time faculty, combined with their expertise and experience in their respective fields, equips students with a comprehensive and practical education that prepares them for successful careers in the maritime industry.

What is the location of Maine Maritime Academy?

Maine Maritime Academy is situated in the charming village of Castine, a coastal town in the Northeast region of the United States. The academy's address is 1 Pleasant Street, Castine, with a ZIP Code of 04420. This picturesque location overlooks the harbor and nearby islands, providing a scenic environment for prospective students.

The institution is approximately an hour's drive from Bangor and Belfast, and 40 minutes from Ellsworth. There are two driving routes to reach Maine Maritime Academy from the south and west. One option is to take Interstate 95 to Exit 113 in Augusta, then follow Route 3 East to Belfast. Alternatively, you can take Interstate 95 to Bangor and then Route 15 South to Bucksport.

What is the mission and vision of Maine Maritime Academy?

Maine Maritime Academy (MMA) is a public institution with a specialized program of study in engineering, management, science, and transportation, aiming to develop future leaders of industry and society. The academy's mission focuses on preparing students for careers in the maritime industry by providing mental, physical, emotional, and financial support. This is achieved through a competency-based demonstration of knowledge, where students must showcase their abilities in-person to obtain the US Coast Guard licenses they seek.

The vision of Maine Maritime Academy is to be a leading institution in the maritime industry, equipping students with the knowledge and skills necessary for success in their chosen careers. MMA's core values include honor, loyalty, and devotion to duty, which are considered essential qualities for achieving success in the maritime sector. The academy is unique as it is one of only six state-supported colleges in the United States offering this specialized program of study.

Despite facing financial challenges due to the impacts of COVID-19 on its budget, Maine Maritime Academy remains committed to its mission and vision. The academy offers undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields, such as marine engineering, marine transportation, and marine science. In addition to academics, MMA encourages students to participate in community service activities and fosters respect, dedication, and togetherness through athletics and community building.

Overall, the mission and vision of Maine Maritime Academy center around cultivating leaders who are well-prepared to excel in the maritime industry and beyond. Prospective students can expect a supportive environment that emphasizes both personal and professional growth, as well as a strong commitment to community engagement and the development of essential qualities for success in their future careers.

What is the accreditation of Maine Maritime Academy?

Maine Maritime Academy holds regional accreditation from the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education. This type of accreditation is crucial for students who may wish to transfer credits or pursue post-graduate programs. Additionally, the academy has program-specific accreditation from ABET for its Marine Engineering Technology, Marine Systems Engineering, and Power Engineering Technology programs.

The accreditation status of Maine Maritime Academy has been extended on multiple occasions, with the most recent extension occurring in 2014. This extension included the addition of the online M.S. degree program in International Logistics Management. In order to maintain its accreditation, the school underwent a self-study in 2016.