Maine Maritime Academy > Graduate Catalog > Graduate Program

M.S. in Maritime Management Program

The Master’s in Maritime Management equips students with vital skills to tackle the complex demands of strategic management and operational challenges across various industries. Students will engage deeply with institutional learning objectives, fostering introspection and personal development alongside honing managerial and leadership abilities. Upon completion, our graduates emerge ready to make impactful contributions to strategic initiatives and organizational excellence.

Overview
Our master’s program in Maritime Management provides students with a thorough business foundation through our core courses. You may then tailor your program to align with your academic and professional goals, by choosing from one of our specialized concentrations: International Logistics Management or Global Logistics and Vessel Operations.

The Maritime Management program, with a concentration in International Logistics Management, is offered fully online, providing flexibility to complete the program in as little as 12 months, with a maximum completion time of four years. The program comprises six core courses and four concentration courses, each carrying three credit hours. Consequently, students must complete ten courses, totaling 30 credit hours, to finish the program.

On the other hand, the Maritime Management program, with a concentration in Global Logistics and Vessel Operations, follows a hybrid model. Students combine the online Maritime Management with International Logistics Management concentration with MMA’s undergraduate in-person Small Vessel Operations program. This program is designed to be completed in 24 months. The program consists of ten graduate level courses (30 credit hours), along with 42 undergraduate credit hours acquired in 21 courses, labs, and coop experiences.

Additional details about the structure of each concentration are provided below.

Applications
Applications are accepted and evaluated continuously. You can enter the program at the beginning of any session.

Prerequisite
A bachelor’s degree (B.A. or B.S) from an accredited institution is required. An undergraduate degree in business is not required.

Online Format
The program is conducted entirely through online delivery. The asynchronous format provides students with the flexibility to tailor their academic schedule to accommodate their work responsibilities and personal obligations. Coursework can be accessed from anywhere in the world; it is a perfect part-time program for full-time working professionals.

Our faculty brings their academic credentials and real-world experience to the program. Each professor’s experience provides students with immediate, practical application in the business environment.

Unique Features of the Program

  • Bringing the in-class experience to an online environment
  • Highly mission-driven and niche-oriented
  • A distinguished and highly supportive faculty
  • Timely and innovative curriculum
  • Courses offered in nine-week sessions, five times per year
  • Anywhere, anytime learning
  • Average class size ranges from 10-20
  • Close student-faculty contact
  • Full support and use of all MMA facilities including the library and IT Help Desk
  • Diverse student experience and backgrounds allow for a more enriching learning environment.

Core Courses
The six core business classes provide a sound foundation for this graduate program by offering a holistic understanding of business operations, interdisciplinary knowledge, critical thinking skills, preparation for diverse career paths, and adaptability to the evolving business landscape. These classes lay the groundwork for students to become versatile, strategic, and successful business leaders in the dynamic global marketplace.

The six core courses, each carrying three credit hours, are offered annually. The courses comprising the core curriculum are as follows:

  1. Accounting for Managers
  2. Finance for Global Managers
  3. Organization Development and Managing Change
  4. Strategic Marketing for Managers
  5. Economics for Management Decision Making
  6. Strategic Management – The Capstone course for the online program. This course, taken as the final class in the program, enables students to demonstrate the comprehensive knowledge they’ve acquired throughout their studies. Students must receive a B- or higher to successfully complete the program.

Incomplete Coursework
Failure to complete any coursework will require that the student repeat the course. If all coursework is not completed in four years, the student’s record will be closed. To complete the program, the student will need to be readmitted in adherence to the current admission requirements.

Concentrations

Core courses are combined with one of the following concentrations to complete the degree program:

  1. International Logistics Management: This option is fully online and can be completed in as little as 12 months.
  2. Global Logistics and Vessel Operations: This concentration includes online graduate courses and an on-campus small vessel operations program. It can be completed in 2 years.

International Logistics Management Concentration, Online

Students will delve into the examination, analysis, and assessment of the entire supply chain, encompassing the movement of goods, customer service processes, financial transactions, and information flow from the supplier’s suppliers to the end consumer. This comprehensive study will also incorporate reverse logistics, covering the processes of returns, recycling, and repairs. The curriculum emphasizes emerging concepts and theories pertinent to global marketing and sourcing, inventory management, distribution logistics, transportation management, as well as the supporting principles of economics and finance/accounting.

Program Structure and Flexibility
The concentration comprises four online classes, totaling 12 credit hours. Each course is offered at least once during the academic year.

Students have the flexibility to take their graduate-level courses at a pace of one or two per session, enabling them to finish the degree within one year. Students may take up to four years to complete the program.

To fulfill the requirements, students must complete 30 credit hours of graduate coursework, which includes:

  • 18 credit hours dedicated to six (6) core courses
  • 12 credit hours focused on the four (4) courses within the International Logistics Management concentration.

International Logistics Management Courses
The ILM courses are as follows:

  1. Fundaments of Logistics
  2. Integrated International Logistics
  3. Port & Transport Terminal Operations
  4. Logistics Information Systems

By completing the four courses in the International Logistics Management (ILM) program, individuals can gain a comprehensive understanding of key concepts and practices essential for success in the field of logistics. “Fundaments of Logistics” provides a solid foundation by covering fundamental principles and strategies in logistics management. “Integrated International Logistics” explores the complexities of global supply chains, emphasizing the coordination and integration of logistics activities across international borders. “Port & Transport Terminal Operations” delves into the operational aspects of ports and transport terminals, including planning, management, and optimization of terminal operations. Lastly, “Logistics Information Systems” equips students with the necessary skills to utilize information technology and systems to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in logistics operations. Together, these courses offer valuable knowledge and skills that can prepare individuals for various roles and opportunities in the dynamic field of logistics management.

Career Opportunities in Logistics
Logistics professionals have a wide range of career options available to them, including:

  1. Logistics Manager: Responsible for overseeing the entire logistics process, including transportation, warehousing, inventory management, and distribution.
  2. Supply Chain Manager: Manages the entire supply chain, from procurement of raw materials to distribution of finished products, to ensure efficient and cost-effective operations.
  3. Transportation Manager: Coordinates the movement of goods, managing routes, carriers, and transportation costs to ensure timely delivery.
  4. Warehouse Manager: Manages the storage and distribution of goods within a warehouse, ensuring efficient use of space and accurate inventory management.
  5. Procurement Manager: Responsible for sourcing goods and services from suppliers, negotiating contracts, and managing supplier relationships to ensure cost-effective procurement processes.
  6. Inventory Manager: Manages inventory levels to ensure adequate stock levels while minimizing carrying costs and stockouts.
  7. Operations Manager: Oversees the day-to-day operations of a logistics or manufacturing facility, ensuring efficient and smooth operations.
  8. Import/Export Specialist: Manages the import and export of goods, ensuring compliance with customs regulations and optimizing international trade processes.
  9. Distribution Center Manager: Manages the operations of a distribution center, overseeing receiving, storage, and shipping processes to ensure efficient distribution of goods.
  10. Freight Forwarder: Coordinates the transportation of goods internationally, arranging shipping, customs clearance, and delivery to the end user.

These are just a few examples of the many career paths available to individuals with expertise in logistics. With the increasing complexity of global supply chains, the demand for skilled logistics professionals continues to grow, offering diverse and rewarding career opportunities.

Global Logistics and Vessel Operations Concentration, Online and On Campus

The M.S. in Maritime Management program combines two exceptional programs to offer a career path with wide-ranging possibilities. Students are equipped to tackle the complexities of global supply chain logistics from strategic and operational standpoints. Additionally, successful completion of the Small Vessel Operations (SVO) program provides students with the opportunity, if qualified, to sit for the U.S. Coast Guard Mate Less Than 200 Gross Tons license for Near Coastal or Inland waters, depending upon the type of sea service the student accrues.

Program Structure and Flexibility
Candidates in this concentration will take the graduate core courses, the International Logistics Management concentration courses, and the undergraduate Small Vessel Operations (SVO) program on MMA’s campus.

To fulfill the requirements, students must complete 78 credit hours spanning two years of combined graduate and undergraduate coursework are necessary:

  • 30 credit hours in graduate courses, completed online:
    • 18 credit hours, consisting of six (6) core courses.
    • 12 credit hours, comprising four (4) courses in International Logistics Management concentration.
  • 42 credit hours in the Small Vessel Operations undergraduate program, conducted on campus.

The online graduate courses consist of 10 courses; you may take 1 or 2 classes per semester to complete the degree within two calendar years. Classes do not have to be completed in any order except for BA660, the program’s capstone course, which is the last class taken.

It’s important to note that SVO undergraduate classes often need to be taken in a specific sequence since they may be available only in the spring or fall and may act as prerequisites for other coop-required classes.

Small Vessel Operations
The small vessel operations curriculum includes courses in nautical science, vessel operations, small craft technology and construction, terrestrial navigation, meteorology, and more. You’ll further develop communication and other skills valued in the maritime industry through courses in the arts and sciences.

The undergraduate Small Vessel Operations coursework is completed on campus. After Year 1 an off-site field experience aboard a vessel is required. Students seeking the Mate 200 Ton license are required to complete 120 underway sea days on appropriate vessels. Sea service is acquired through underway labs, simulator time, and field experiences. To qualify for the Near Coastal license, at least half the sea service must be accrued aboard vessels operating on Near Coastal waters. Otherwise, the student will be issued an Inland Waters license.

Failure to complete any coursework will require that the student repeat the course. If all coursework is not completed in four years, the student’s record will be closed. To complete the program, the student will need to be readmitted in adherence to the current admission requirements.

Auxiliary Sail Concentration
For those looking for traditional sail training opportunities, we offer an Auxiliary Sail concentration. With sufficient qualifying sea time under sail, and upon successful completion of a sail addendum examination, VOT and SVO licenses can be endorsed for Auxiliary Sail.

Career Opportunities for Global Logistics and Vessel Operations
Graduates of this program are equipped for a wide range of career paths. You can pursue managerial or directorial roles in logistics or supply chain management, as emphasized in the International Logistics Management concentration. Alternatively, you may opt for maritime roles such as operating tugboats, ferries, excursion craft, or research vessels. You even have the option to own or operate marine businesses.

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