The Academic Division

The mission of the Academic Division is to provide career-oriented educational programs that foster professional success.

The Academic Division is made up of six academic departments which function as administrative units for the organization of faculty and curriculum, and four departments providing academic support services. Academic programs are designed and managed by a faculty from diverse academic backgrounds and from industrial positions in engineering, ship operations, marine sciences, maritime management, and small vessel design and operation. The faculty is augmented by part-time personnel plus visiting professors from industry and from domestic and foreign universities. In addition to their teaching assignments, faculty members serve as academic advisors and participate in a variety of academic pursuits such as scholarship and consulting.

Arts and Sciences

Professors Avery (Chair), Batt, Ciampa, Lapham, Polojärvi, Simmons, Skwiot; Associate Professors Boal, Kingsbury, Moser, Nyberg, Taub, VanSpronsen; Assistant Professors Feeley, Kingston, Rice, Stwertka, Torre; Instructor Pease; Adjunct Faculty Audette, Baker, Boman, Bonaminio, Coe, Delicata, Jensen, E. Quinby, Ravan, Turok; Emeritus Professors Forbes (Dean Emeritus), Fricke, Loomis (Dean of Faculty Emerita), Lorenz, L. Raikes, Schaab.

Mission and Program Outcomes:

The mission of the Arts and Sciences Department is to provide the liberal arts component of the students’ baccalaureate education while guiding them with these program outcomes to:

• think critically and analytically
• write and speak effectively
• understand the global and environmental context of human actions
• develop and apply knowledge of mathematical and scientific reasoning
• develop and communicate sound, informed opinions among conflicting perspectives
• identify problems and to propose solutions
• solve problems as members of a team
• appreciate and respect diversity
• reason and act ethically

The Department of Arts and Sciences offers one major in Interdisciplinary Studies which leads to a Bachelor of Science degree.

Minor programs are offered in the areas of humanities and social science, mathematics, and physical science.

The Department of Arts and Sciences offers courses required of all students and elective courses in various academic disciplines, and oversees the general education requirements. Courses are offered in the fields of mathematics, computer science, physics, political science, psychology, English composition, literature, management communications, geography, history, humanities, physical education, and ship’s medicine.

General Education Program

General Education Overview:

General Education (GenEd) enriches the lives of students, prepares them for lifelong learning in their professional and personal lives, and enables them to become engaged, informed citizens in an increasingly diverse and interconnected world. With attention to breadth, GenEd courses provide students with the opportunity to learn to think critically, enhance their oral and written communication skills, develop their quantitative and scientific skills, stimulate their capacities for creative and interdisciplinary thinking, and enrich their knowledge of the wider ethical, social, cultural, and natural worlds in which they will live and work.

During their coursework in General Education, students will learn to:

1. Prepare for lifelong learning in their professional and personal lives
2. Be engaged, informed citizens in a diverse and interconnected world
3. Think critically and creatively
4. Communicate effectively
5. Use quantitative skills
6. Use scientific skills
7. Work and think across disciplines
8. Engage with the ethical, social, cultural, and natural worlds in which they live and work

Overview of GenEd Area Requirements for B.S. Degree:

A.      Digital Literacy	3 credits, minimum
B.      Humanities	6 credits, minimum
C.      Natural & Physical Sciences	6 credits, minimum, including a lab
D.     Quantitative Reasoning	7 credits, minimum
E.      Social Sciences	6 credits, minimum
F.       Writing	6 credits, minimum
G.     Humanities / Social Science elective	3 credits, minimum
H.     Total Credits	37 credits, minimum

Note that it is possible for courses to count toward both GenEd and Major requirements simultaneously. 

Details of GenEd Area Requirements:

A. Digital Literacy

Digital literacy general education requirements focus on enabling students to use digital technologies to effectively find, evaluate, create, and communicate information, while also fostering critical thinking, collaboration, problem solving, and digital citizenship.

Digital Literacy Courses

CS150 – Structured Problem Solving with Computer
CS151 – Introduction to Engineering Programming
OS203 – Design and Applied Statistics in the Sciences

B. Humanities

Humanities is the study of humans in the individual, cultural, societal, and experiential dimensions. During their humanities education, students learn to problem solve, deal with ambiguity and complexity, research, analyze, form evidence-based conclusions, and communicate their findings persuasively.

Students fulfill the Humanities requirement in GenEd by taking a minimum of 2 courses: HC220 Humanities I and HC230 Humanities II (6 credits minimum).

Humanities Courses

HC220 Humanities I
HC230 Humanities II

Humanities Electives Courses

HC160 Spanish I
HC161 Spanish II
HC171 German I
HC260 Sustainable Energy and Society
HC311 Technology and Society I
HC321 Film Appreciation
HC325 War, Cloning, Drugs and Other Moral Issues
HC331 Special Topics: Humanities
HC333 Basic Drawing
HC339 Digital Photography
HC360 Honors Seminar
HY260 American History, 1500-1877
HY270 American History, 1877-present
HY331 Special Topics: History

C. Natural & Physical Sciences

Courses in this category focus on describing, explaining, and predicting natural phenomena using the scientific method. Courses involve the understanding of interactions among natural phenomena and the implications of scientific principles on the physical world and on human experiences.

Students fulfill the Natural & Physical Sciences requirement in GenEd by taking a minimum of 2 courses (6 credits minimum). At least 1 course must include a lab.

Natural & Physical Science Courses

BI101 General Biology I*
BI102 General Biology II*
CH101 Chemical Principles*
CH152 Engineering Chemistry*
CH210 Chemistry I*
CH220 Chemistry II*
OC101 Introduction to Ocean Science*
OS101 Introduction to Oceanography and Environmental Science*
OS210 Physical Oceanography*
PS100 Conceptual Physics*
PS102 Technical Physics I*
PS201 Technical Physics II*
PS301 Technical Physics III*
PS162 Physics I*
PS261 Physics II*
*Denotes course includes a lab

D. Quantitative Reasoning

The required courses in this area enhance the ability to think quantitatively, critically, and logically, and illustrate how problems of a quantitative nature are solved through algorithms and logical thought.

Students fulfill the Quantitative Reasoning requirement in GenEd by taking a minimum of 2 courses (7 credits minimum).

Quantitative Reasoning Courses

MS101 Precalculus Mathematics (Or equivalently MS102 AND MS103)
MS110 Technical Calculus I
MS120 Technical Calculus II
MS141 Finite Mathematics
MS150 Calculus I
MS151 Calculus for Business
MS160 Calculus II
MS253 Statistics for Business & Management
MS*** Data Science (pending approval of course creation and planned implementation in Spring 2026 or later)

GenEd credit may not be earned for more than one course in each of the following sets of brackets:
[MS101, MS102/103, MS141]
[MS110, MS150, MS151]
[MS120, MS160]

E. Social Sciences

Social science is the scientific study of human beings, and social science classes share a fascination with human behavior and organizations. From the beginning of recorded history, humans have organized their societies using myriad systems – political, religious, economic, and social. Those organizational systems and our understanding of human behavior evolve as we learn from the past and study the present. Courses in this area focus on understanding these dynamics.

Students fulfill the Social Sciences requirement in GenEd by taking a minimum of 2 courses (6 credits minimum).

Social Science Courses

EC101 Business Economics
EC102 Microeconomics
EC103 Macroeconomics
GE200 Human Geography I
GE210 Human Geography II
GE221 Geographic Information Science
GE331 Special Topics: Geography
NV401 Leadership and Management
NV402 Leadership and Ethics
PO200 American Government
PO230 Contemporary World Politics I
PO330 Contemporary World Politics II
PY200 Intro to Psychology
PY210 Human Relations and Group Dynamics
PY331 Special Topics: Psychology
SS331 Special Topics: Social Sciences

F. Writing

The ability to write well is highly valued in everyday life and virtually every profession. Writing is a unique mode of thinking, helping us clarify our ideas, communicate effectively, and understand the world around us. In writing-intensive courses at MMA, students learn the skills, habits, and abilities to respond to a wide variety of rhetorical situations.

Students fulfill the Writing requirement in GenEd by taking a minimum of 2 courses: HC111 Composition and 1 writing-intensive course (6 credits minimum).

Writing-intensive Course required of all students

HC111 Composition

Writing-intensive Courses

HC260 Sustainable Energy and Society
HC321 Film Appreciation
HC325 War, Cloning Drugs and Other Moral Issues
HC331 Special Topics: Humanities (3-4 offered each term)
HC338 Advanced Writing
BI220 Marine Botany
OS230 Global and Environment Change
HC232 Management Communications
ET452 Technical Communications
MA422 International Business Law
OS400/OS401 Prep for Marine Science in Research

Note that all courses except HC111 have at least 1 prerequisite.

G. Humanities / Social Sciences Elective

Students fulfill the Humanities / Social Sciences Elective requirement by taking 1 course from either the list of Humanities electives in Section B or the list of Social Science courses in Section E. This course is in addition to the courses used to fulfill the General Education requirements for A – F.

Transfer Credit and GenEd Requirements:

Transfer credit may be applied toward MMA’s GenEd requirements provided it meets the criteria state in MMA’s Transfer Credit Policy. This applies even when the specific course being transferred is not offered by MMA or listed in the above Sections A – F, provided the course is determined to fall within one of the general education disciplines (Digital Literacy, Humanities, Natural & Physical Sciences, Social Science, Quantitative Reasoning, or Writing).

Read the full Policy on https://mymma.mma.edu/Pages/MMA-Policies.aspx Chapter 3 Academic Policies, 305-Transfer Credits Policy.

Interdisciplinary Studies Major

The Interdisciplinary Studies Major offers students the opportunity to earn a Bachelor of Science degree by integrating substantive course material selected from two or three existing majors. This baccalaureate option is designed to attract highly motivated students who wish to coordinate offerings from multiple departments. Potential students selecting this path may be those interested in maritime studies, but who do not intend to be licensed professional mariners, ocean scientists, practicing engineers, or logisticians. Students are likely to be interested in changing careers or enhancing credentials for an existing career. To ensure acceptable standards within the major, students are required to work with an assigned faculty committee from the departments of the selected areas of study.

1. A student electing this major will be required to:
   1. Apply to MMA and, if accepted, be assigned to the major’s coordinator.
   2. Submit a proposal statement that outlines the academic/career oriented goal and courses of interest that will form the foundation of the curriculum plan.
   3. Develop a curriculum plan with the faculty advisor who will outline the proposed sequence of courses and prerequisites to meet the degree requirements.
2. Approval of application and admittance to this major will be conducted by a committee consisting of:
   1. At least two faculty members representing the curriculum areas in the proposed plan.
   2. A faculty member recommended by the program coordinator and appointed by the Dean of Faculty to serve as that student’s academic advisor.
3. Curriculum requirements include:
   1. Minimum credit hours for BS degree – 120 credit hours
   2. General Education, BS minimum requirements (41 credit hours)
      1. Humanities
      2. Social Sciences
      3. Math and Natural Sciences
   3. Curriculum plan that integrates choices from TWO existing majors consisting of introductory to advanced level courses (approximately 34 credit hours in each of two areas, 68 total) OR
   4. Curriculum plan that integrates choices from THREE existing majors consisting of introductory to advanced level courses (approximately 24 credit hours in each of three areas – 72 total).

Physical Education

The Department of Arts & Sciences offers a variety of courses in physical education.

The Department of Athletics coaches varsity athletic teams in Men’s and Women’s Basketball, Men’s and Women’s Cross Country, Men’s Golf, Football, Men’s and Women’s Lacrosse, Sailing (co-ed), Men’s and Women’s Soccer, Men’s and Women’s Swimming and Diving, and Women’s Volleyball.

The physical education curriculum consists of courses focused on developing an understanding of physical activity and its contribution to the individual and society. Developing a positive attitude toward leading a healthy lifestyle and increased wellness will be a priority for all courses. Varsity athletes may satisfy up to a total of 1.5 credit hour in Physical Education for participating in their sport. Athletes will receive 0.5 credits for successfully completing a full season of competition. In addition, members of the NROTC program may earn 0.5 credit per year for successfully completing each year in the NROTC program. Students who participate in the Regiment will earn one credit of PE after the completion of the first year of their program and passing the mandatory fitness examination. The programs which lead to an unlimited license require students to participate in the Regiment. Those program academic plans have been adjusted to reflect one less credit of PE in their academic plans. Any physical education requirement will be established and managed by each individual academic department.

Engineering

Professors Flood (Dean of Faculty), McCann (Chair), D. Read, R. Reed (Dean of Graduate, Continuing and Online Education), Wlodkowski, Young; Associate Professors Christian, Hersom, Hubbard, Kokkulunk, Lewis, L. Read, Rigas, Sarnacki, Swalec; Assistant Professors Barman, Boidi, Davis, Markley, Patten, K. Pilotte, M. Pilotte, J. Reed, Settles, T. Whitney; Assistant Professors of Practice Bradshaw, Tefft, Valles, Walker; Visiting Professor Ferden, Underwood, Williamson; Adjunct Faculty Anderson, Carlson, Coy, O’Garra, Plummer, Wardell; Emeritus Professors Alexander, Coté, Fleck, Giffin, Haghkerdar, C. Herrick, Kimball, Libby, Skaves, Small.

A technical person in the early 21st century can expect to work in several distinct careers over the course of a 40-year working life. To prepare our graduates for these careers, engineering programs at Maine Maritime are designed to promote versatility and life-long learning.

The mission of the Department of Engineering is to provide the technical content of a range of broad-based majors relating to engineering of marine/mechanical and/or industrial power systems, as well as elective courses open to all Academy students. The Department of Engineering offers coordinated curricula at the Bachelor’s degree level in engineering design, engineering technology, and engineering operations on our Castine campus. Classroom studies are closely coordinated with laboratories and practical experience. To view programmatic objectives, please go to your desired major in Curricula.

The Department of Engineering offers four majors leading to a Bachelor of Science degree. Minor programs are offered by this department in the areas of Environmental Sustainability, Industrial Powerplant Technology, Marine Engineering Operations, Naval Architecture, Nuclear Engineering, and Technical Science.

Each of the baccalaureate programs includes a core program of humanities, mathematics, natural and social sciences, and written and oral communications, providing the student with the broad background necessary for a professional career and future professional growth. Each program includes co-op segments, and some majors, as listed below, require students to be members of the Regiment of Midshipmen. Departmental electives include welding, machine tool operations, electronics, and electrical power, marine and shore-based steam and diesel powerplants, gas turbines, technical and engineering sciences, and technical communications.

B.S. Majors

• Marine Engineering Operations*
• Marine Engineering Technology*
• Marine Systems Engineering (License Track)* and (Non-License Track)
• Power Engineering Technology

*These three majors lead to a U.S. Coast Guard unlimited license and require participation in the Regiment of Midshipmen. See the catalog section entitled Student Life for information on the Regiment. Students successfully completing any of the four on-campus major programs receive the Bachelor of Science degree and, if physically qualified, may test for a federal or state license.

International Business and Logistics (IBL)

Associate Professor Simpson, Sorich (Chair); Assistant Professors Bernard, Drach, Jumbeck, Kana; Adjunct Professors Columber, Langford.

By graduation, students in the Loeb-Sullivan School of International Business & Logistics should:

• demonstrate competence, confidence, and professionalism, and in core business-functional areas;
• develop competence, confidence, and professionalism through in-depth knowledge of logistics concepts and processes;
• effectively gather, analyze and communicate complex data and information;
• conduct themselves in a professional, socially responsible and ethical manner in life and diverse business environments;
• be able to critically evaluate the challenges of domestic and international business and logistics and apply hands-on solutions that contribute to the future.

The Loeb-Sullivan School of International Business and Logistics offers a Bachelor of Science degree in International Business and Logistics (IBL). The unique IBL undergraduate program focuses on global logistics while delivering a solid business education in core business functional areas. Graduates of the program develop leadership skills through education and training that develops knowledge and competence, instills confidence, and creates professionalism for business. The program encourages and supports innovative thinking, corporate social responsibility, and hands-on experience. Specialized courses that deal with the challenges of logistics in domestic and global supply chains constitute the unique program. Experiential learning is a significant component of the program and includes voluntary internships and a mandatory cooperative education program.

The foundation of the Loeb-Sullivan School of International Business and Logistics is a broad education in basic business functions. Foundational coursework includes accounting, economics, business law, international business law, marketing, and organizational behavior. Built on that foundation is a curriculum that blends a critical evaluation and in-depth knowledge of logistics operations. For example, specific logistics coursework may include freight transportation, production & operations management, logistics information systems, logistics strategy, and international logistics. We develop our students to see patterns and trends, identify opportunities, and effectively communicate a plan to achieve success.

The Loeb-Sullivan School also offers an undergraduate minor in business and a Master of Science degree. The online graduate program is ideal for any professional who is working full-time and is able to complete courses in a part-time format. For additional information, please visit the Graduate School at http://ibl.mainemaritime.edu.

Marine Transportation

Professors Asyali, Leach, Parrott, Slazas, Tarrant; Associate Professors Griffin, Haddock, Jergenson, Parker, Rappaport, Torrey, Walsh (Chair); Assistant Professors Carter, Griffith, Lindey, T. Quinby, Stephens, Tunick, Welch; Adjunct Faculty Burton, Cottrell; Emeritus Professors Chase, Eley, Miller, Teel, Weeks.

In the Marine Transportation Department students will be able to, by graduation:

• Understand traditional and modern seamanship skills
• Safely and correctly apply seamanship skills
• Understand the topic of terrestrial and celestial navigation
• Correctly calculate terrestrial and celestial navigation problems
• Recognize and demonstrate the skills associated with leadership and command
• Write and speak effectively
• Function well on teams within a diverse environment
• Demonstrate effective and appropriate problem solving and critical thinking

The mission of the Marine Transportation Department is to teach, mentor, train, assess, and nurture the natural curiosity of our students in their quest to become successful professionals in the maritime industry; to provide them with the desire and the skill to improve their knowledge in their chosen field; to help them to be leaders in their field, through academic study, technical knowledge, strong ethics, and hands on hard work so that they leave every vessel, job, company or institution a better place for those who follow; to foster an appreciation of family and community and encourage involvement in each.

The Marine Transportation Department offers two majors at the Bachelor degree level and one major at the Associate degree level:

1. Marine Transportation Operation, BS*. Normally a four year course of study leading to a Bachelor’s degree and a Merchant Marine License as Third Mate, Unlimited Tonnage. Participation in the Regiment is a requirement of this degree.
2. Vessel Operations and Technology, BS*. Normally a four year course of study leading to a Bachelor’s degree and prepares students for a Mate less than 500 GRT or 1600 GRT Near Coastal or Ocean Merchant Marine License. Regimental participation is not required.
3. Small Vessel Operation, AS*. Normally a two year course of study leading to an Associate’s degree and prepares for a Mate less than 200 GRT Near Coastal Merchant Marine License. Regimental participation is not required.

Marine Transportation Operations Program Student Learning Outcomes:

• Obtain STCW-endorsed USCG Third Mate Unlimited License
• Execute compliant and safe deck operations on vessels of any tonnage
• Perform unlimited licensed deck officer duties ensuring vessel safety and efficiency
• Demonstrate effective leadership and ethical decision-making in diverse maritime settings
• Apply critical thinking and communication skills to effectively address complex maritime challenges
• Pursue continuous learning and adapt to evolving maritime technologies and practices

Vessel Operations and Technology Program Student Learning Outcomes:

• Obtain STCW-endorsed USCG Mate less than 500 or 1600 GRT license on Near Coastal or Ocean water
• Execute compliant and safe deck operations on vessels less than 500 or 1600 GRT
• Perform limited licensed deck officer duties ensuring vessel safety and efficiency
• Demonstrate effective leadership and ethical decision-making in diverse maritime settings
• Apply critical thinking and communication skills to effectively address complex maritime challenges
• Pursue continuous learning and adapt to evolving maritime technologies and practices

Small Vessel Operations Program Student Learning Outcomes:

• Obtain STCW-endorsed USCG mate less than 200 GRT near coastal license
• Execute compliant and safe deck operations on vessels less than 200 GRT
• Perform limited licensed deck officer duties ensuring vessel safety and efficiency
• Exhibit foundational leadership skills and ethical decision-making in maritime environments
• Utilize problem-solving skills and clear communication in routine maritime situations
• Engage in continuous learning and adapt to new maritime technologies and practices

*Various other certifications as required by national and international regulations are covered in these degrees as well. These majors meet the applicable International Standards for Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW).

Summer sessions are required for all majors in this department. Training cruises and cooperative work experiences are an integral part of a student’s education. The college organizes the various summer sessions and assists in all aspects of planning to ensure a successful summer learning experience.

Minor programs in Marine Transportation Operations and Small Vessel Operations are also offered by this department, as well as a Concentration in Sail Training.

Naval Science

Faculty: CAPT Chase (Chair), CDR Short, LT Acker, LT Dunphy, LT Miller, Capt Evans, QMC Tate, GySgt Baskerville.

Naval and Marine Corps officers are commissioned from Maine Maritime Academy in two categories — active duty through the Naval Service Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) program and inactive duty reservists through the Strategic Sealift Midshipman Program (SSMP). NROTC program graduates continue on to assignments in Naval Aviation, Surface Warfare, Submarine Warfare, Special Warfare, or the U.S. Marine Corps. The SSMP program is designed to ensure the United States has a strong Merchant Marine to serve as a naval auxiliary in time of national emergency. Each of the two commissioning programs has its own academic and military service requirements commensurate with the amount of support and training received. Both programs require completion of certain Naval Science courses which are taught by the active duty officers assigned to the Department of Naval Science. A minor program in Naval Science is offered by this department.

Ocean Studies

Professors Cleveland, Friedman, Muhlin (Chair), Verde; Associate Professor Baer, L. Whitney, Whittaker; Assistant Professors Merritt, O’Malley; Emeritus Professors Barlow, Boucher, Sahl.

In the Corning School of Ocean Studies students will be able to, by graduation:

1. Demonstrate a functional understanding of the nature of science and the scientific methods
2. Demonstrate quantitative reasoning in a scientific context
3. Communicate science effectively to diverse audiences and in different modes
4. Demonstrate career readiness in the sciences
5. Demonstrate the ability to work in a team to accomplish scientific outcomes

The Department of Ocean Studies offers two majors leading to a Bachelor of Science degree: Coastal and Marine Environmental Science, and Marine Biology. A minor program in Marine Electronics and Oceanography and a concentration in Marine Biology are offered by this department. The department also offers two dual major programs in which students earn a Bachelor of Science degree in either Coastal and Marine Environmental Science, or Marine Biology combined with the Small Vessel Operations curriculum. This five-year dual major meets the applicable USCG requirements, for a USCG license as mate of vessels not more than 200 tons.

The Coastal and Marine Environmental Science major will train students to work in the interdisciplinary field of coastal and marine environmental science. Students will learn and have experiences in the physical, chemical, geological, and life sciences, with a focus on the coastal and marine environment, and the role of humans within these environments. Graduates may pursue graduate education, as well as careers in environmental consulting, fisheries, aquaculture, policy, and public education.

The Marine Biology major focuses its training and experiences on the biological component of Ocean Studies. This major provides instruction in essential biology courses (biology, ecology, physiology, cell biology, and genetics) as well as more specialized topics relevant to marine organisms. Graduates of this program may pursue graduate education as well as careers in fisheries, aquaculture, environmental management, consulting, medicine, and public education.

Participation in the Regiment is optional when enrolled in these programs. Students in non-license majors may elect to participate in First Year Cruise as long as they meet the prerequisites listed in the course description for First Year Cruise, and are subject to the Priority for Registration Policies. A passport and TWIC (transportation worker identification credential) card are required to go on cruises.