U.S. Merchant Marine Academy

The USMMA is a Federal Service Academy and an accredited institution of higher education to provide instruction to individuals to prepare them for service in the Merchant Marine of the Unites States. USMMA provides undergraduate educational programs

USMMA provides undergraduate educational programs for men and women (Midshipmen) to become shipboard officers and leaders in the maritime transportation field. Midshipmen, nominated by members of Congress, and competitively selected to the Academy receive a Bachelor of Science degree and a U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Merchant Mariner Credential with an officer endorsement, and an active duty or reserve commission as an officer in the U.S. Armed Forces or uniformed services. (NOAA or the Public Health Service Corps). Attendance at USMMA is without charge for tuition room or board. In exchange for a tuition-free education, Academy graduates incur an obligation to serve the Nation: 1) serving for five years as a Merchant Marine officer, or on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces or uniformed services; 2) maintaining a U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) license credential for six years; and 3) serving for eight years as a commissioned officer in a reserve unit of the U. S. Armed Services.

High school graduates who are U.S. citizens and international students in accordance with legislation.

High school graduates who are U.S. citizens and eligible international students.

This program is a federally operated maritime academy providing education, training, subsistence, books, quarters, uniforms, medical care, and program travel to its U.S. citizen students. Appropriations are restricted to the above and the operation and maintenance of the school. International students may attend, at the expense of their sponsoring nation.

The USMMA curriculum provides a four year Maritime focused education that leads to a Bachelor of Science degree.

U.S. citizens desiring appointment to the school apply to Senate or House of Representative members or Maritime Administrator for nomination.

See Credentials/Documentation section of this program.

In addition to a congressional nomination, candidates must have satisfactorily completed their high school education at an accredited secondary school or its equivalent. They must have earned at least 15 units of credit: Three units in English Three units in mathematics (from algebra, geometry and trigonometry); One unit in physics or chemistry with a laboratory. Admittance is competitive and merit based.

Nominations must be submitted by January 31 of the year preceding that in which admission is desired. Applications must be submitted by March 1 of the year in which admission is desired.