Program Overview

Cal Poly Maritime Academy is a public maritime academy within California Polytechnic State University, located at the Cal Poly Solano Campus in Vallejo, California. The academy, formerly known as Cal Maritime, prepares students for careers aboard commercial vessels and throughout the shoreside maritime, engineering, logistics, and ocean industries.

Students combine college academics with Cal Poly’s Learn by Doing approach, leadership development, laboratories, simulators, internships, and practical training at sea. Students in U.S. Coast Guard license-track majors participate in the Corps of Cadets, where they develop discipline, teamwork, professional responsibility, and experience standing watch on campus and aboard training vessels.

Education and Career Pathways

The Marine Transportation program prepares students for the U.S. Coast Guard Third Mate Unlimited License examination and careers involving navigation, shiphandling, cargo operations, vessel safety, and management of a vessel’s deck department. Graduates also complete training connected to international STCW requirements.

Marine Engineering Technology prepares students to operate and maintain shipboard mechanical, electrical, steam, motor, and gas-turbine propulsion systems. Students in this program may qualify to sit for the U.S. Coast Guard Third Assistant Engineer examination. A Coast Guard license option is also available through the Mechanical Engineering program.

Cadets gain practical sea experience aboard the 500-foot Training Ship Golden Bear and through commercial or military vessel assignments. Summer Sea Terms allow students to stand watch, operate vessel systems, complete maintenance and safety exercises, and gain the sea service required for professional licensing. 

Program Information

Program Format

Four-year public maritime academy with academic instruction, Corps of Cadets leadership training, laboratories, simulators, internships, commercial sea experience, and Summer Sea Terms aboard the Training Ship Golden Bear.

Credentials

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

Who It Serves

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

Admissions

Applicants complete Cal Poly’s undergraduate admissions process. Students entering Coast Guard license-track programs must also meet applicable academic, medical, physical, credentialing, and sea-training requirements. Cal Poly’s central Admissions Office handles applications for fall 2026 and beyond.

200 Maritime Academy Drive, Vallejo, CA 94590

Campus Phone: 707-654-1000
Admissions Phone: 805-756-2311

Admissions@calpoly.edu

Explore CMA Academics

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.