Maine Maritime Academy > Graduate Catalog > Online Learning and Academic Resources

Online Learning

Maine Maritime Academy’s graduate program combines the flexibility of online learning with the academic quality and faculty engagement expected of a graduate education. All graduate-level courses are offered online, allowing students to complete their coursework from virtually anywhere.

How Online Courses Work

Graduate courses are delivered through Canvas by Instructure, the Academy’s Learning Management System (LMS). Faculty use Canvas and MMA email to communicate with students and provide:

  • Course materials and lectures
  • Assignments and assessments
  • Discussion boards and other interactive activities
  • Grades and feedback
  • Course announcements

Online courses are structured and require active participation. Students are expected to complete coursework and assessments by established deadlines and maintain regular communication with faculty throughout each nine-week session.

Getting Started

Students should have:

  • Reliable internet access
  • A computer capable of supporting the technology required for their courses
  • An active MMA email account
  • An up-to-date web browser

Additional technology or software requirements may vary by course.

Online Student Resources

Online graduate students have access to the same academic resources and support services available to other graduate students. Nutting Memorial Library provides extensive electronic collections, most of which can be accessed remotely using an MMA login and password.

Technical Support

For assistance with Canvas, MMA email, or other technology used for online coursework, contact the IT Help Desk:
Phone: (207) 326-2240
Email: helpdesk@mma.edu

Current Canvas access instructions and additional resources are available through the Academy’s website.

Library and Research Support

Nutting Memorial Library supports the teaching, learning, and research needs of the Maine Maritime Academy community. Graduate students have access to a variety of study spaces, reservable meeting rooms, and the library’s computer lab and study lounge, which are available 24 hours a day with an MMA ID.

The library provides access to extensive print and electronic resources, including more than 79,000 books, approximately 2,000 videos, more than 100,000 academic ebooks, and thousands of scholarly and professional journals and newspapers. Most electronic resources are available remotely using an MMA login and password. The collections are particularly strong in maritime studies, marine technology, international business, and nautical history.

Students have free access to interlibrary loan services, including MaineCat, which provides access to more than 2.5 million books from libraries throughout Maine. Many required and recommended course materials are also available through Course Reserves.

Computers, printing, scanning, and other technology services are available in the library. The library also provides access to government information and research resources and offers educational programs and events throughout the year.

For more information, visit the library website or contact library@mma.edu.

Computer Requirements and FAQ

All students are required to have access to a computer. The campus IT Department offers an optional laptop purchase program. Learn more about computer options and requirements at: https://mainemaritime.edu/it-department/laptop-requirements-and-faq/.

Distance Education Photo ID Requirement

All students enrolled in distance education courses or programs at Maine Maritime Academy are required to obtain an MMA photo ID. This ID is necessary to access certain campus services and to participate in tests, exams, and quizzes through the MMA Learning Management System. There is no fee for the ID.

The purpose of this requirement is to verify the identity of distance education students, ensuring that the individual who registers for a course is the same student who participates, completes the coursework, and receives academic credit. This process also helps protect student privacy.

To obtain your MMA photo ID:

  1. Upload a recent digital photograph of yourself (chest-up, solid background, no hats, hoods, or sunglasses). Submit the image as a .JPG file.
  2. Include your mailing address in the email.

Upload your photo here

Instructions for using the photo ID in courses will be provided on the respective course homepage. Students must submit their photos at least three weeks before the start of the academic year.

For questions or concerns, please contact the Graduate School Coordinator.

Accessibility Services

Maine Maritime Academy provides reasonable accommodations to qualified students with disabilities to support access to academic programs and services. The Academy’s Accommodation Policy applies to all students, including those enrolled in online courses and programs.

Accommodations may include extended test time, use of the Testing Center, assistive technology, note-taking support, dietary accommodations, tutoring, and other reasonable adjustments based on a student’s documented needs. Students enrolled in online courses or programs who are unable to travel to campus may request a remote meeting with the Accessibility Services Coordinator by telephone or video conference.

Learn more about accessibility services at Maine Maritime Academy, including the Academy’s Accommodation Policy at: https://mainemaritime.edu/support-services/accessibility-services/.

Once accommodations are approved, students are responsible for providing their accommodation letter to their instructors. Accommodations are not retroactive and apply only after the instructor has been notified. Accommodations provide access to the instructional process but do not change academic standards, essential course or program requirements, or learning outcomes. Students are expected to meet the same academic standards as all other students.