Maritime Academic Overview

The Great Lakes Maritime Academy prepares future merchant marine officers/business professionals for the challenge of operating ships of unlimited tonnage. The following overview details the delivery and content of our maritime education.

• Calendar
• Deck Officer Curriculum
  • Deck Officer Curriculum Guide
    (for persons entering with a bachelors degree)
  • Deck Officer Curriculum Guide—FSU
    (for persons obtaining a bachelors degree through Ferris State Univ.)
• Engineering Officer Curriculum
  • Engineering Officer Curriculum Guide
    (for persons entering with a bachelors degree)
  • Engineering Officer Curriculum Guide—FSU
    (for persons obtaining a bachelors degree through Ferris State Univ.)
• Course Descriptions
• Scholarships
• Sea Projects
• U.S. Naval Reserve/Merchant Marine Reserve (USNR/MMR)
• Continuing Education

The Academy enjoys a unique relationship with our partner institution, Ferris State University. While classes are held in Traverse City, cadets simultaneously earn their maritime credentials and a Bachelor's in Business Administration. We believe this combination enables graduates to better compete for management level positions in any area of employment. Curricula range from seamanship, navigation and piloting to steam and diesel engineering together with 276 days of commercial sea time.

Individuals who enroll and have already received a Bachelor’s Degree are not required to complete the four-year Business Administration Degree, but may choose to do so. The Maritime Academy Core curriculum in either Deck or Engineering, established on August 1, 2000 will be the minimum required maritime course of study for those enrolling with a Bachelor’s Degree. The design of this core curriculum integrates two academic years and three 90-day semesters at sea, typically completed in three years. The option of a Master's Degree in Business Administration (MBA) through Ferris State University is also available with the core curriculum.

All graduating Deck Cadets write the U.S. Coast Guard examinations for licensing as a Third Mate Great Lakes and Oceans Unlimited Tonnage and First Class Great Lakes Pilot. Engineering cadets write the U.S. Coast Guard examination for licensing as a Third Assistant Engineer, Steam and Motor Vessels of any Horsepower and DDE. Graduates are fully compliant with STCW '95 (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping).

Our college is approved by the U.S. Maritime Administration, the U.S. Coast Guard, and the Michigan Department of Education. A new class begins each year in mid-August (Fall semester).