Marine Engineering

The Marine Engineering program at MMA requires 152.5 credits for graduation - significantly more than the standard 128 credits typically required by most engineering programs. This expanded curriculum reflects the program's rigorous academic and technical requirements, combining traditional engineering coursework with specialized marine systems training, U.S. Coast Guard licensure preparation, and intensive shipboard experience. As a result, graduates are uniquely qualified for careers as licensed engineering officers in the U.S. Merchant Marine as well as in a wide range of shoreside engineering and energy industries.

Curriculum for marine engineering 

Academic Requirements

To be considered for admission to Massachusetts Maritime Academy, candidates must be capable of college-level study and meet the minimum requirements below:

• 4 years of English
• 4 years of Mathematics: Including Algebra I, Geometry,  Algebra II, and Precalculus/Trigonometry (strongly encouraged).  At least one course must be completed during senior year. *
• 3 years of Science: At least three of these courses must include labs. Technology/Engineering courses must be designated as science courses (taken for science credit) by the high school. Courses in Chemistry and Physics are strongly recommended.
• 2 years of Social Science: Including one course in United States History
• 2 Elective Courses

• 2 years of Foreign Language: Two sequential, one-year courses in either a classical or modern language 

  • A foreign language waiver may be given to students attending a vocational technical high school or those who have received a waiver from their high school.

Test Requirements

The submission of SAT or ACT scores is optional. For more information, please review our Test Optional Policy.

If you choose to submit your standardized test scores, you must submit official test scores from either The College Board (SAT) or The ACT (ACT). When taking the exam, have your scores sent directly to Massachusetts Maritime Academy. Please note, score requests can take between 2-4 weeks to be delivered and added to a student's application. 

• Average SAT Score: 1050-1100* (SAT Code: 3515)
• Average ACT Score: 22-23 (ACT Code: 1856)
• *We will superscore your SAT scores.

How to prepare for this major:

• Four years of college prep math. Pre-calculus is strongly encouraged.
• 3-4 years of lab science, including Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
• An overall GPA of 3.0 or above.
• Final grade of B or better in all math, science, engineering related courses.

NOTE:  Obtaining a license as a 3rd engineer is a Coast Guard requirement for graduation from the Marine Engineering major. There are some medical conditions that prevent the Coast Guard from granting a medical certificate, which is needed to obtain a license. More information regarding disqualifying medical conditions can be found in the Merchant Mariner Medical Manual or by calling MMA Health Services or MMA Mariner Credentialing.)

Marine Engineering graduates from MMA are exceptionally well-prepared for a wide range of rewarding career paths, both at sea and ashore. Many cadets begin their professional journey as Third Assistant Engineers in the U.S. Merchant Marine, sailing on commercial vessels such as tankers, container ships, LNG carriers, oil rigs, or government-operated ships.

With their U.S. Coast Guard license and hands-on shipboard experience gained through MMA's Sea Terms and commercial shipping assignments, graduates are equipped to rise through the engineering ranks to senior positions such as Chief Engineer. These roles involve critical responsibilities in propulsion systems, power generation, automation, and environmental compliance aboard globally operating vessels.

Beyond shipboard careers, MMA's strong technical curriculum and leadership training open doors to diverse shoreside opportunities. Graduates find success in shipbuilding, marine system design, power and utility management, and engineering consulting firms. Government agencies employ many, while others work for energy companies, port authorities, or classification societies.

The Academy's focus on practical training, regulatory knowledge, and professional readiness ensures that marine engineering graduates are in high demand across the maritime industry and beyond.

The overarching goal of the ME program is to produce a competent and conscientious Marine Engineering Officer in accordance with the Standards for Training and Certification of Watchstanders (STCW) and United States Coast Guard (USCG) regulations.

At the end of the ME Program, graduates should be able to:

1. Apply general education knowledge to appreciate the impact of engineering solutions on society as a whole.
2. Apply mathematics, science and engineering knowledge to solve engineering problems.
3. Gather, analyze and interpret engineering data.
4. Communicate effectively in English using written, oral and graphic formats.
5. Function effectively as a member of a multidisciplinary team.
6. Satisfactorily meet all STCW Competencies (listed separately) required to be licensed as a Marine Engineering Officer on board a ship in accordance with USCG regulations.
7. Apply for, be examined for, and receive a Merchant Marine Officer License issued by the USCG for a Third Assistant Engineer of Steam, Motor, and Gas Turbine vessels with unlimited horsepower.

The U.S. Maritime Administration requires that all senior MENG students complete all their academic program requirements and earn their USCG license for a Third Assistant Engineer of Steam, Motor, and Gas Turbine vessels with unlimited horsepower before receiving their ME degree.

Hands-on learning is a cornerstone of the Marine Engineering program, providing cadets with the practical experience essential for success as engineering professionals. Through immersive training in fully equipped laboratories, machine shops, and shipboard environments, cadets apply theoretical knowledge to real-world systems and operations.

Whether maintaining propulsion systems, troubleshooting electrical circuits, or participating in watchstanding aboard a vessel, cadets develop critical problem-solving skills, technical proficiency, and confidence. This experiential approach not only prepares them for the U.S. Coast Guard licensure examination but also ensures they graduate with the readiness to perform in dynamic maritime and shoreside engineering roles.