THE MISSION OF THE UNITED STATES MERCHANT MARINE ACADEMY "Educate and graduate merchant marine officers and leaders of honor and integrity who serve the maritime industry and armed forces and contribute to the economic, defense, and homeland security interests of the United States."

The Academic Program
The Academy is located in Kings Point, New York. Its 82-acre waterside campus lies on Long Island's north shore, about 20 miles east of New York City.

The Academy is a national institution, operated by the Federal Government's Maritime Administration, an agency of the U.S. Department of Transportation. The Academy's four-year program centers on a regimental system that instills its students - called midshipmen (a term used for both men and women) - with the traits of leadership, discipline and dedication required for a career that typically may include service at sea, maritime employment ashore, and serving as a commissioned officer in a reserve component of the U.S. Armed Forces.

The Academy's Regiment of Midshipmen numbers approximately 950 young men and women who represent every state of the Union as well as U.S. Trust Territories and Possessions. The size of the student body contributes to a true sense of camaraderie among the members of the Regiment and permits the Academy to maintain an excellent student-teacher ratio.

A sound college education is the foundation for every profession in our society and the mariner’s profession is no exception. The academic curriculum at the Academy is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and provides each midshipman with the broad college education required for a bachelor of science degree, with the specialized training for licensing as a merchant marine officer, and with the military knowledge for commissioning in a reserve component of the Armed Forces. Few colleges can offer such a full range of credentials at graduation.

The Academy challenges its midshipmen intellectually and physically. The academic program is demanding, the regimental system rigorous. Freshman (fourth class or plebe) year is particularly strenuous as students make the transition from high school graduate to Academy midshipman. In their first few months, they learn many new terms, the quality of endurance, how to perform under pressure, and most importantly, how to successfully manage time.

During sophomore (third class) year, and again during junior (second class) year, midshipmen are sent to sea for practical shipboard training. Aboard ship, sailing the trade routes of the world, they learn the value of self-reliance and initiative as they gain firsthand experience in the mariner's environment.

In senior (first class) year, they fine tune the skills learned in the classroom and at sea as they prepare to enter the Professional world.

Enrollment at the Academy requires many personal sacrifices, but the goal is worthwhile. Students must be prepared for numerous demands on their time, a degree of stress, and some limitations on their personal freedom. In return, the Academy develops leaders and prepares its graduates for careers that are bounded only by their talents and desire.