Program Overview

Texas A&M Maritime Academy is a state maritime academy within Texas A&M University at Galveston. As the only state maritime academy located on the Gulf Coast, it prepares students for licensed careers aboard commercial vessels and for professional roles throughout the marine and maritime industries.

Students in the Merchant Mariner License Option participate in the Corps of Cadets, where they develop leadership, discipline, teamwork, and familiarity with shipboard responsibilities. Military commissioning is optional through programs such as Naval ROTC and the Strategic Sealift Midshipman Program.

Education and Career Pathways

Deck cadets can pursue degree programs including Marine Transportation, Marine Biology, Marine Science, and eligible graduate studies while preparing for a Third Mate Unlimited Tonnage license. Engine cadets study Marine Engineering Technology and prepare for a Third Assistant Engineer Unlimited Horsepower license.

License-option cadets complete three sea terms, normally during the summer. Training includes navigation or engine-room watchstanding, vessel maintenance, classroom instruction, and practical shipboard operations. One sea term may be completed aboard an operating commercial vessel through a competitive placement process. 

Program Information

Program Format

Four-year public university experience with academic instruction, Corps of Cadets leadership training, laboratories, simulators, and three required sea terms for license-option students.

Credentials

 Bachelor’s degree and eligibility for a U.S. Coast Guard Third Mate or Third Assistant Engineer license, depending on the selected degree and successful completion of all licensing requirements.

Who It Serves

Students seeking careers as licensed deck officers, marine engineers, maritime professionals, vessel operators, or shoreside industry leaders.

Admissions

Applicants must apply to Texas A&M University at Galveston and submit a separate application to the Texas A&M Maritime Academy. License-option students must also meet applicable academic, medical, physical, citizenship, credentialing, and sea-training requirements.

1001 Texas Clipper Road, Gavleston, Texas 77554

409-740-4400

tamma@tamug.edu

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Program information is provided as an educational resource and may change. Please contact the Academy directly for current admissions requirements, service obligations, academic options, costs, and program details.