Maritime Studies: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Maritime Studies is an interdisciplinary field dedicated to understanding the complex interplay between human activity and the world’s oceans. This program explores the historical, scientific, legal, and geopolitical dimensions of maritime environments, preparing students to engage with global challenges and opportunities at sea.
- Maritime History: Examines the evolution of seafaring, trade routes, naval conflicts, and cultural exchanges across centuries, highlighting the ocean’s role in shaping civilizations.
- Maritime Law: Focuses on international and national legal frameworks governing navigation, territorial waters, maritime boundaries, and rights over ocean resources.
- Maritime Literature: Analyzes literary works that reflect maritime experiences, from classic sea voyages to contemporary narratives exploring identity, isolation, and environmental themes.
- Oceanography: Investigates the physical, chemical, biological, and geological processes of the oceans, providing a scientific foundation for understanding marine systems.
- Maritime Security: Addresses threats to maritime safety, including piracy, smuggling, illegal fishing, and the strategic importance of sea lanes in global defense and stability.
- Maritime Politics: Explores how nations and international organizations negotiate power, policy, and cooperation in ocean governance, environmental protection, and resource management.
Maritime Studies Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Maritime Studies Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Maritime Studies degrees, including Postsecondary Teachers, All Other and Historians. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 154,670 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Postsecondary Teachers, All Other 25-1199 | $78,490 | $39,720 - $172,850 | 151,530 | N/A |
| Historians 19-3093 | $74,050 | $38,630 - $128,500 | 3,140 | $35.60 |
Maritime Studies Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $43,140 in Utah to $134,170 in Nebraska—a 211% difference. The highest-paying states include Nebraska, Hawaii, and District of Columbia. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 154,670 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Maritime Studies by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 7 institutions offering Maritime Studies programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Maritime Studies is found at Texas A & M University, College Station (18 graduates), University of New England (UNE) (14 graduates), East Carolina University (ECU) (14 graduates), SUNY Maritime College (9 graduates), and Oregon State University (OSU) (9 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 71 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Texas A & M University |
Bachelor's
|
18 | College Station, Texas | Public | tamu.edu |
| University of New England (UNE) |
Bachelor's
|
14 | Biddeford, Maine | Private | une.edu |
| East Carolina University (ECU) |
Master's
|
14 | Greenville, North Carolina | Public | ecu.edu |
| SUNY Maritime College |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
9 | Throggs Neck, New York | Public | sunymaritime.edu |
| Oregon State University (OSU) |
Bachelor's
|
9 | Corvallis, Oregon | Public | oregonstate.edu |
| University of West Florida (UWF) |
Bachelor's
|
5 | Pensacola, Florida | Public | uwf.edu |
| University of Maine (UMaine) |
Master's
|
2 | Orono, Maine | Public | umaine.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Maritime Studies programs
How much can I earn with a Maritime Studies degree?
Salaries for Maritime Studies graduates vary by role and location. Postsecondary Teachers, All Other earn a median of $78,490 annually, while Historians earn around $74,050. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Nebraska average $134,170 compared to $43,140 in Utah. Approximately 154,670 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Maritime Studies programs?
Currently 7 accredited institutions offer Maritime Studies degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Texas A & M University, College Station (18 graduates), University of New England (UNE) (14 graduates), and East Carolina University (ECU) (14 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Maritime Studies growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 16 in 2010 to 71 in 2023-24. This represents a 344% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Maritime Studies degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Postsecondary Teachers, All Other, Historians, . Related occupations employ approximately 154,670 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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