Marine Science and Merchant Marine Officer: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Designed for aspiring maritime professionals, this program equips students with the technical expertise, leadership abilities, and regulatory knowledge required to assume key command and engineering roles aboard commercially licensed vessels operating across inland waterways, coastal regions, and open oceans. Graduates are prepared to navigate complex operational environments with confidence, combining practical seamanship with strategic management skills essential in modern marine transportation.
- Maritime Law and Regulations: Explores national and international legal frameworks governing vessel operations, safety standards, and compliance requirements, including conventions set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
- Maritime Policy and Governance: Examines the development and implementation of policies affecting shipping, environmental protection, port security, and global trade logistics.
- Marine Operations Management: Focuses on the strategic coordination of vessel scheduling, cargo handling, route planning, and cost-efficiency in commercial shipping enterprises.
- Naval Architecture and Ship Design: Provides foundational understanding of hull structure, stability, hydrodynamics, and design principles influencing vessel performance and safety.
- Shipboard Power Systems Engineering: Covers the design, operation, and maintenance of electrical and propulsion systems critical to vessel functionality and reliability.
- Crew Leadership and Supervision: Develops interpersonal and managerial competencies necessary for commanding diverse teams, ensuring safety, morale, and operational effectiveness.
- Administrative and Operational Procedures: Trains students in documentation, logkeeping, emergency protocols, and regulatory reporting essential for safe and compliant maritime operations.
Marine Science and Merchant Marine Officer Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Marine Science and Merchant Marine Officer Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Marine Science and Merchant Marine Officer degrees, including Ship Engineers, Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels and Motorboat Operators. 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 46,350 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ship Engineers 53-5031 | $101,320 | $56,620 - $162,370 | 8,580 | $48.71 |
| Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels 53-5021 | $85,540 | $46,260 - $164,230 | 35,390 | $41.13 |
| Motorboat Operators 53-5022 | $51,880 | $31,970 - $82,330 | 2,380 | $24.94 |
Marine Science and Merchant Marine Officer Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $49,120 in Utah to $102,410 in Mississippi—a 108% difference. The highest-paying states include Mississippi, Maryland, and California. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 46,350 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 Marine Science and Merchant Marine Officer by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 9 institutions offering Marine Science and Merchant Marine Officer 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 Marine Science and Merchant Marine Officer is found at SUNY Maritime College (139 graduates), California State University Maritime Academy (94 graduates), United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) (94 graduates), Massachusetts Maritime Academy (MMA) (56 graduates), and Maine Maritime Academy (MMA) (54 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 561 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SUNY Maritime College |
Associate's
Bachelor's
|
139 | Throggs Neck, New York | Public | sunymaritime.edu |
| California State University Maritime Academy |
Bachelor's
|
94 | Vallejo, California | Public | csum.edu |
| United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) |
Bachelor's
|
94 | Kings Point, New York | Public | usmma.edu |
| Massachusetts Maritime Academy (MMA) |
Bachelor's
|
56 | Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts | Public | maritime.edu |
| Maine Maritime Academy (MMA) |
Associate's
Bachelor's
|
54 | Castine, Maine | Public | mainemaritime.edu |
| Texas A & M University |
Bachelor's
|
53 | College Station, Texas | Public | tamu.edu |
| Northwestern Michigan College (NMC) |
Bachelor's
|
41 | Traverse City, Michigan | Public | nmc.edu |
| San Jacinto Community College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
18 | Pasadena, Texas | Public | sanjac.edu |
| Seattle Central College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
12 | Seattle, Washington | Public | seattlecentral.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Marine Science and Merchant Marine Officer programs
How much can I earn with a Marine Science and Merchant Marine Officer degree?
Salaries for Marine Science and Merchant Marine Officer graduates vary by role and location. Ship Engineers earn a median of $101,320 annually, while Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels earn around $85,540. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Mississippi average $102,410 compared to $49,120 in Utah. Approximately 46,350 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 Marine Science and Merchant Marine Officer programs?
Currently 9 accredited institutions offer Marine Science and Merchant Marine Officer degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include SUNY Maritime College (139 graduates), California State University Maritime Academy (94 graduates), and United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) (94 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 Marine Science and Merchant Marine Officer growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 3,691 in 2010 to 561 in 2023-24. This represents a 85% decrease overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with consistent demand, 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 Marine Science and Merchant Marine Officer degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Ship Engineers, Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels, and Motorboat Operators. Related occupations employ approximately 46,350 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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