The Academic Division

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 research and consulting.

Arts and Sciences

Professors Bixel (Chair), Loomis, Pilot; Associate Professors Anderson, Batt, Gilbert, Hudson, Lorenz, L. Raikes, Schaab, Stone, Willmann; Assistant Professors Ciampa, Lapham, Meadows, Simmons, Taub; Adjunct Faculty Audette, Avery, Blackwood, Bourne, G. Herrick, Himeles, Mihalco, Olivari, K. Raikes, Reese, Turok, Walker, Woehr, Wyman; Emeritus Professors Biggie, Fricke, Mayhew, Merfeld, Mottola.

The mission of the Arts and Sciences Department is to provide the liberal arts component of the students’ baccalaureate education while guiding them 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 Academic Dean 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 Collins, Coté, Fleck, Haghkerdar, Libby (Chair), Reed, Skaves, Wlodkowski; Associate Professors Flood, Kimball, Sarnacki; Assistant Professors Allen, Burton, Darnell, Read, Schoof, Trundy; Instructor Mazerall; Teaching Assistants/Technical Support Markley, Stefanski, Varney; Adjunct Faculty Harmon, Howard, Lowell, Moody, Saltsman, Wallace, R. Wood, S. Wood, Young; Bath Satellite Campus adjunct faculty Carter; Emeritus Professors Alexander, Giffin, C. Herrick, G. Herrick, Small, Spinazola.

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.

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.

**This major requires first-year students to participate in the Regiment of Midshipmen and the first-year cruise.

     A.S. Majors

• Ship Design
• Ship Production

Maine Maritime Academy, in conjunction with Bath Iron Works (BIW), offers an Associate in 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. Within the Ship Design major are five areas of concentration: Electrical, Hull Outfit, Heat, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC), Piping, and Structural. Within the Ship Production major are 12 areas of concentration: Laboratory Technician, Machinist, Maintenance, Maintenance Electrician, Marine Electrician, Nondestructive Test Technician, Outside Machinist, Pipefitter, Ship Carpenter, Structural Fitter, Tinsmith, and Welder. 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)

Professors DeWitt (Associate Dean), Potoker; Associate Professors Maier, Schatz; Assistant Professors Jain, Shaughnessy.

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, social responsibility in areas such as ethics and environmental, and hands-on experience. Specialized courses that deal with the challenges of logistics in domestic and global supply chains constitute the uniqueness of the program. Experiential learning, or hands-on opportunity, is a significant component of the program and includes voluntary internships and a mandatory cooperative education program.

The Loeb-Sullivan School of International Business and Logistics undergraduate program has as its foundation a broad education in basic business functions. Built on that foundation, and a strong liberal arts requirement, is a curriculum that blends a critical evaluation of the challenges of domestic and international business with an in-depth knowledge of logistics concepts and processes. Students of this program will have developed a strong professionalism, competence, and confidence through knowledge and the skills to effectively gather, analyze, and communicate complex data and information. Graduates will be able to conduct themselves professionally and in a socially responsible and ethical manner in their lives and diverse business environment.

The department offers minor programs in the areas of Business. Also available is an attractive 4+1 option whereby alumni from any Maine Maritime Academy undergraduate major may pursue the one-year master's degree in Global Logistics and Maritime Management.

Marine Transportation

Professors Chase, Eley (Chair), Parrott, Teel; Associate Professors Brandon, Pundt; Assistant Professors Carson, Cole, Eadie, Miller, Slazas; Adjunct Faculty Allard, Gross, Tarrant, Walsh; Staff/Teaching Assistant Foster; Emeritus Professor Weeks.

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’s degree level and three majors at the Associate’s 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.

Marine Transportation Operations and Vessel Operations and Technology Program Outcomes 

MTO and VOT graduates will have the ability to:

1. Understand traditional and modern seamanship skills
2. Safely and correctly apply seamanship skills
3. Understand the topic of terrestrial and celestial navigation
4. Correctly calculate terrestrial and celestial navigation problems
5. Recognize and demonstrate the skills associated with leadership and command
6. Write and speak effectively
7. Demonstrate effective and appropriate problem solving and critical thinking

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 Hegarty (Chair), CDR Stewart, LCDR Johnson, LT Hallett, Capt. Christian, QMC(SW) Bobier.

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 Officer Program (SSOP). NROTC program graduates continue on to assignments in Naval Aviation, Surface Warfare, Submarine Warfare, Special Warfare, or the U.S. Marine Corps. The SSOP 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 Barlow (Academic Dean), Boucher (Associate Dean), Cleveland (Chair), Sahl; Associate Professors McKenna, Verde; Assistant Professors Harakas, Muhlin; Teaching Assistant/Technical Support O’Malley; Adjunct Faculty Weatherbee.

The Corning School of Ocean Studies provides skills essential to pursuing science-related careers. Our programs of study instill intellectual curiosity, develop critical thinking, inform over multiple scientific disciplines, enhance individual communication abilities, and give direct, meaningful experiences with a range of scientific instruments including those devoted to oceanographic and marine biological research. Our programs integrate scientific instruction with shipboard experiences and training. The department maintains faculty with expertise in the essential areas of marine science and the facilities that enable students to benefit from faculty experience.

The Department of Ocean Studies offers two majors leading to a Bachelor of Science degree: Marine Biology and Marine Science. A minor program in Oceanography and a concentration in Marine Biology are offered by this department. The department also offers a joint degree program where students earn a Bachelor of Science degree in either Marine Biology or Marine Science combined with an Associate's degree in Small Vessel Operations. This joint degree program is designed to be completed in a five-year academic plan.

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, and public education.

The Marine Science 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.

Both Marine Biology and Marine Science majors may elect to participate in the Teaching Certification Program, which is offered in collaboration with the College of Education at the University of Maine. This program prepares students to teach science in secondary school.  By selecting appropriate electives, students may be certified to teach life or physical sciences.

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

Adjunct Instructors: Biggie, C. Dagan, Evans, G. Hassett, C. McKenney, Murphy, Peed, Schroder, Watson, Wentworth.

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 Lacrosse, Men's and Women's Soccer, Softball, and Women's Volleyball.

All full-time undergraduate students who are candidates for the Bachelor of Science degree are required to register for a minimum of two credit hours of physical education, normally during their first year at the Academy. This requirement should be met by taking courses that provide for one credit hour in both the fall and spring semesters. All baccalaureate candidates are required to take at least one swimming-related course. Associate in Science degree candidates are required to register for a sailing and a swimming course. Varsity athletes may satisfy up to 1.5 credit hour in Physical Education for participating in their sport. They will receive .5 credits for successfully completing a full season of competition. In addition, members of the NROTC program may satisfy up to 1.5 credit hours for their participation in that program.

The physical education curriculum consists of a variety 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. Significant emphasis is placed on water activities such as sailing, swimming, skin and scuba diving, and ocean survival.