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 Batt, Lapham, Polojärvi, Simmons, Skwiot; Associate Professors Avery (Chair), Boal, Ciampa, Kingsbury, Taub, VanSpronsen; Assistant Professors Feeley, Kingston, Lancaster, Moser, Nyberg, Pratt, Stwertka; Adjunct Faculty Albon, Audette, Case, Delicata, Gumpp, Gurney, Kelly, Payne, Randall, Rankin, Ravan, Renshaw, 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. Courses are offered in the fields of mathematics, computer science, physics, political science, psychology, English composition, literature, management communications, geography, history, humanities, and ship’s medicine.

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).

Engineering

Professors Fleck, Flood (Dean of Faculty), McCann, D. Read, Reed (Chair), Wlodkowski, Young; Associate Professors Alley-Ferreira, Burton, Harman, Lewis, Sarnacki, Stewart; Assistant Professors Allen, Christian, Davis, Gourmelon, Hersom, Hubbard, Markley, L. Read, Settles, Swalec; Instructor Valles, Walker; Lecturer Tefft; Visiting Professor Boidi, Rigas, Whitney; Adjunct Faculty Bradshaw, Cameron, Ferden, Oelschlegel, Pilotte; Emeritus Professors Alexander, Coté, Giffin, Haghkerdar, C. Herrick, G. 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 five majors leading to a Bachelor of Science degree and two leading to an Associate of Science degree (available only to employees of General Dynamics Corporation’s Bath Iron Works Shipyard in Bath, Maine). Minor programs are offered by this department in the areas of Industrial Powerplant Technology, Marine Engineering Operations, Naval Architecture, 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)*
  • Marine Systems Engineering (Non-License Track)
  • Power Engineering Operations
  • 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 five on-campus major programs receive the Bachelor of Science degree and, if physically qualified, may test for a federal or state license.

A.S. Majors

  • Ship Design
  • Ship Production

Maine Maritime Academy, in conjunction with Bath Iron Works (BIW), offers an Associate of Science degree via a satellite program in Bath, Maine, for apprentices of General Dynamics Corporation’s BIW Shipyard. The Engineering Department administers this degree program, with majors in either Ship Design or Ship Production. Both academic programs are four years in length and are offered only at our Bath location. Students enrolling in these programs must be employed by Bath Iron Works and meet Maine Maritime Academy entrance requirements; it is possible for a student, once in one of the programs, to continue as an MMA student after terminating employment with the company.

International Business and Logistics (IBL)

Associate Professor Jain, Langford, Simpson, Sorich (Chair); Assistant Professors Scheuchzer.

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 Master of Science degrees in two different majors. 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. The Online, asynchronous program can be completed in as few as 18-months yet no more than four years. Students in the Online graduate degree program earn a Master of Science in International Logistics Management. The Online ILM program is also used for the two-year Master’s & Commander program (M&C), which bestows an MS in Maritime Management major. The M&C student will also complete undergraduate work on campus to enable testing for the USCG 200-ton near-coastal mate’s license.

Furthermore, each program offers unique tuition discounts to MMA alumni. The online Master of Science degree in International Logistics Management Alumni Advantage allows MMA alums to complete the MS-ILM at a discounted per credit hour rate. Please refer to the Graduate Program Financial Information for the discounted rate. Additionally, students in any of the Master degree programs are eligible to receive the International Association of Maritime and Port Executives (IAMPE) Marine Port Manager Certification. For additional information, please visit the Graduate School at http://ibl.mainemaritime.edu.

Marine Transportation

Professors Asyali (Chair), Parrott, Teel; Associate Professors Cole, Jergenson, Rappaport, Slazas, Tarrant; Assistant Professors Carter, Griffin, Haddock, Hofer, Leach, Monroe, Parker, Quinby, Torrey, Tunick, Walsh; Emeritus Professors Chase, Eley, Miller, Weeks.

Marine Transportation Operations and Vessel Operations and Technology Program Outcomes

MTO and VOT graduates will have the ability to:

  • 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 three majors 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 a Merchant Marine License as Mate, 500 Ton or 1600 Ton. Regimental participation is not required.
  3. Small Vessel Operation, AS**. Normally a two year course of study leading to an Associate’s degree and a Merchant Marine License as Mate, 200 Ton, Near Coastal. Regimental participation is not required.
  4. Small Craft Design, AS. A two year collaborative program offered between Maine Maritime Academy and The Landing School of Boatbuilding and Design. Students in the Small Craft Design program must apply and be accepted to both Maine Maritime Academy and The Landing School*. Students are required to complete one full year in residence at Maine Maritime Academy and a full-immersion 10 month course at The Landing School. The Landing School is located in Kennebunkport, Maine.
  5. Small Craft Systems, AS. A two year collaborative program offered between Maine Maritime Academy and The Landing School of Boatbuilding and Design. Students in the Small Craft Systems program must apply and be accepted to both Maine Maritime Academy and The Landing School*. Students are required to complete one full year in residence at Maine Maritime Academy and a full-immersion 10 month course at The Landing School. The Landing School is located in Kennebunkport, Maine.

*The Landing School of Boatbuilding and Design is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools & Colleges of Technology (ACCSCT). The Associate’s degree is granted by Maine Maritime Academy.

**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 Armstrong, LT Grant, Capt Hendron, GySgt Armstrong, QMC King, QM1 Espinosa.

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, Muhlin (Chair), Verde; Associate Professor Baer, Friedman, Whitney; Assistant Professors Merritt, O’Malley, Whittaker; Adjunct Faculty D’Auria, Newell; 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 three majors leading to a Bachelor of Science degree: Coastal and Marine Environmental Science, Marine Biology and Oceanography. A minor program in Oceanography and a concentration in Marine Biology are offered by this department. The department also offers three dual major programs in which students earn a Bachelor of Science degree in either Coastal and Marine Environmental Science, Marine Biology or Oceanography 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.

The Oceanography major prepares students in the field of marine science, with an emphasis on problem solving and decision making in an ocean setting. This broad-based marine science curriculum encompasses the study of chemistry, biology, physics, geology, writing and communications, computer science, mathematics, humanities, and social sciences. Graduates of the program may pursue employment in the various fields of ocean sciences (resource management, aquaculture, research, environmental protection, science education, or oceanography) or graduate 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.

Physical Education Requirement

The Department of Athletics offers a variety of courses in physical education and 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.