Texas A&M Maritime Academy Life and Education

The Texas A&M Maritime Academy is a unique and prestigious institution that offers students a one-of-a-kind educational experience. Located in Galveston, Texas, the academy is situated on a 1,200-acre campus with access to the Gulf of Mexico.

The academy's curriculum is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in maritime fields, including navigation, engineering, and marine science. Students can choose from a variety of degree programs, including a Bachelor of Science in Maritime Transportation, a Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering, and a Master of Science in Maritime Administration.

The academy's state-of-the-art facilities include a ship simulator, a marine engineering lab, and a maritime museum, all of which provide students with hands-on learning experiences. The academy's fleet of training vessels, including the 499-foot training ship, Texas A&M Galveston, offer students the opportunity to gain practical experience at sea.

The academy's faculty and staff are comprised of experienced professionals in the maritime industry, providing students with valuable insights and mentorship throughout their academic journey.

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The Texas A&M Maritime Academy is embedded within Texas A&M University at Galveston, making it the only US maritime academy located on the Gulf of Mexico.

It's one of the six maritime academies in the United States, providing highly specialized maritime training and education to students.

The academy's mission is to produce top-notch, professional U.S. Coast Guard licensed Merchant Marine officers, with a focus on deck and engine operations.

Cadets pursuing a US Merchant Marine Licensing Option do not have a military obligation, but they do have the option to pursue a commission in the US Navy through the Navy ROTC.

The Texas A&M Maritime Academy includes a Corps of Cadets, which plays a crucial role in meeting the academy's mission.

It's located on a 100-acre campus, which was expanded in 1968 with a donation from George P. Mitchell on Pelican Island.

The academy has a strong focus on the ocean, with academics in fields like marine biology, marine sciences, and oceanography.

In 1971, enrollment at the academy consisted of 91 students, marking a significant milestone in its history.

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Texas A&M University at Galveston is a dedicated college of Texas A&M University, offering unique degree programs like Marine Engineering Technology.

The university has a distinct organizational structure, with some programs like Ocean Engineering being offered on the Galveston Campus but administered by the College of Engineering.

President M. Katherine Banks initiated a "Path Forward" plan in 2021 to reorganize the university, which includes renaming the academic college on the Galveston Campus to avoid confusion.

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Cadet life at the Texas A&M Maritime Academy is a unique and rewarding experience. Cadets participate in the Corps of Cadets, which is a paramilitary unit that provides leadership, management, and self-discipline training.

Cadets must participate in three summer cruises aboard the Maritime Academy's training ship, where they'll gain hands-on experience in seamanship, navigation, and ship handling. They'll also have the opportunity to work with experienced officers and gain valuable insights into the maritime industry.

Cadets can choose from various programs, including the Deck Program, Engineering Program, and the Maritime License Option Program. These programs prepare students for careers as officers aboard seagoing vessels, as well as careers in shipyards, building, inspecting, and repairing vessels.

Here are some of the programs offered to cadets:

As a cadet at Texas A&M University at Galveston, you're part of a community that's resilient and resourceful. We've seen that firsthand during Hurricane Ike in 2008, when the campus closed and students were relocated to College Station.

In fact, the campus was not severely damaged, but the infrastructure of Galveston Island as a whole was affected. This meant that we had to get creative with our relocation efforts, with most students moving to College Station.

One thing that's impressive is how we bounce back from challenges like this. Take, for example, our third annual Shell Leadership Weekend, which was a huge success. It's events like these that remind us of the strong bonds within our community.

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We're also proud of our graduates, like Captain Jay Rivera, who have gone on to achieve great things. Captain Rivera was the pilot on the first Very Large Crude Carrier to dock at the Texas A&M Maritime Academy. It's inspiring to see our cadets make a real impact in the world.

As a cadet, you're part of the Corps of Cadets, which is like a big team that works together to achieve common goals. You'll participate in activities like muster, watch standing, and shoreside training.

One of the unique aspects of the Corps of Cadets is the drill and ceremonies program. These cadets choose to join the Corps of Cadets to build camaraderie and gain leadership experience, and they don't have to seek a Coast Guard license or military service obligation.

The Corps of Cadets is also home to the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC), which offers cadets the opportunity to become Naval Officers. To qualify, you'll need to meet certain requirements and be commissioned while attending TAMUG.

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Drill & Ceremonies cadets participate in a regimented lifestyle to build comradery and grow through leadership experience. They can study any non-license option major.

Here are some of the programs you can be a part of in the Corps of Cadets:

Located in Galveston, Texas, the Texas A&M Maritime Academy is a world-class institution that offers students the best possible training and facilities to succeed in the maritime industry. The academy is situated on a 100-acre campus.

The academy has a state-of-the-art simulation center where students can practice and hone their skills in a realistic and safe environment. This cutting-edge facility includes a full-scale bridge simulator, an engine room simulator, and a navigation simulator.

The academy's facilities also include a fleet of training vessels, including the 224-foot training ship, the Texas A&M Maritime Academy's largest vessel. These vessels provide students with hands-on experience and real-world training.

Students at the academy have access to top-notch facilities and equipment, including a machine shop, a welding lab, and a navigation lab. These facilities provide students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the maritime industry.

The academy's facilities are designed to mimic real-world maritime environments, giving students the best possible training and preparation for their future careers.

The Texas A&M Maritime Academy offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including majors in marine biology, marine science, and maritime studies. These programs provide students with a solid foundation in the maritime industry.

The College of Engineering is also present on the Galveston Campus, offering programs in marine engineering technology and offshore coastal and systems engineering. Many freshmen participate in the Engineering at Galveston program, which allows them to complete their required coursework at TAMUG.

The Texas A&M Maritime Academy offers a unique Merchant Marine Licensing Program, which includes both "deck cadets" pursuing a major in marine transportation or a master of maritime administration and logistics, and "engine cadets" pursuing a major in marine engineering technology. These cadets participate in various training activities, including summer training cruises, weekly maintenance, and in-port watch-standing activities.

Here are some of the programs offered by the Department of Maritime Transportation:

The Department of Maritime Transportation at Texas A&M University at Galveston offers a solid academic foundation for students to build their careers in the maritime industry. The department provides students with a Bachelor of Science degree and qualifies them to take the U.S. Coast Guard license examination for licensing as a Third Mate for any gross tonnage upon oceans, steam or motor vessels.

The department's program includes a focus on business topics related to the maritime industry, both ashore and at sea. Cadets are also provided with solid fundamentals in business topics related to the maritime industry.

The Department of Maritime Transportation requires participation in the Corps of Cadets through Texas A&M Maritime Academy for students in the Maritime Transportation program. This is a unique program that trains licensed United States mariners as either third mates or third assistant engineers through the maritime transportation, marine engineering technology, or master of maritime administration and logistics license options.

Cadets in the Maritime Transportation program participate in all functions of the Corps of Midshipman, along with various training activities, three summer training cruises, weekly maintenance, and in-port watch-standing activities during the semesters.

Here are the different programs offered by the Department of Maritime Transportation:

Graduate programs at Texas A&M University at Galveston (TAMUG) are administered by departments like Marine Biology, Marine Sciences, and Maritime Administration. These programs offer PhD or master's degrees, with options for thesis or non-thesis.

You can earn a PhD or master's degree in residence on the Galveston campus with the right faculty advisor. This is possible due to joint appointments held by faculty members in other departments at Texas A&M University at College Station (TAMU).

The Texas Maritime Features of the Texas A&M Maritime Academy are truly impressive. The campus location on Galveston Bay and near the open ocean is a unique advantage for ocean-oriented academic programs. The academy is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) and the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).

The academy offers a wide range of undergraduate major areas, including Marine Biology, Marine Sciences, Marine Engineering Technology, and many more. Graduate major areas include Maritime Administration and Logistics, and Marine Biology and Marine Resources Management. Internships are available in many areas of marine science, including marine biology, geology, and oceanography.

The Shipboard Training Program is a highlight of the academy's offerings. Students sail aboard the Training Ship TEXAS CLIPPER during three required summer cruises to gain practical experience in seamanship, navigation, and operations. This hands-on experience is invaluable for students looking to pursue a career in the maritime industry.

The academy also offers the NROTC program, which allows cadets to compete for Navy scholarships and serve in the U.S. Navy after graduation. The academy's facilities are top-notch, with a training ship, bridge simulation facility, and radar training facility, among others. The campus also features a student center, residence halls, library, and recreational facilities.

Here are some of the major areas of study offered by the academy: