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; MMA is an institution of higher learning providing undergraduate and graduate instruction in engineering, transportation, marine science, international business and logistics, and small vessel operations. In addition, the college prepares the Regiment and Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) students as officers for the U.S. Merchant Marine and for the armed forces of the United States.

The Thompson School of Marine Transportation offers three majors. The Marine Transportation Operations major leads to a Bachelor of Science degree. The Small Vessel Operations major offers both an Associate in Science degree and a Bachelor of Science degree. The Small Craft Design and Small Vessel Systems majors offer an Associate in Science degree, and require students to spend one year at the Castine campus of Maine Maritime Academy and one year in residence at The Landing School of Boat Building and Design in Kennebunkport, Maine.

See a list of the faculty here. To read brief descriptions of the courses offered, click this course description link. A popular new program called Masters & Commander has emerged that allows students to earn within two years both an M.S. degree from the Loeb-Sullivan School of International Business & Logistics and, upon completion of 42 credits within the SVO program, the opportunity to sit for the 200-ton USCG license exam.