The United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA), situated in Kings Point, New York, is recognised by many as the biggest maritime academy in the United States, in terms of student enrollment numbers, academic excellence and career opportunities provided. It is one of the five federal service academies, almost a century old, and is operated by the Maritime Administration (MARAD). It trains officers for the U.S. Merchant Marine, branches of the U.S. Armed Forces, and the marine transportation industry. Image Credits: Wikipedia It is known for its rigorous academic programs, which require more credit hours for a baccalaureate degree than any other federal service academy. This is accompanied by the academy’s ‘Sea Year’ experience, which allows the trainees to acquire real-world experience by working onboard commercial or military vessels. Those who pass this unique combination of challenging curriculum are awarded several credentials mentioned below. A highly sought-after Bachelor of Science degree A U.S. Coast Guard license An officer’s commission in the U.S. Armed Forces This is why the graduates of this academy are highly sought after as officers in the merchant marine and the military. All students have a service obligation once they graduate, and the institution offers the most career options compared to other federal academies. The graduates of the biggest U.S. maritime academy can choose to work 5 years in the U.S maritime industry with 8 years of service as an officer in any reserve unit of the armed forces or 5 years on active duty in any of the country’s armed forces. Lying on an 82-acre campus in Kings Point, New York, the institution has waterfront facilities and over 100 vessels and small craft for training purposes. The United States Merchant Marine Academy’s 4-year program focuses on instilling traits like leadership, discipline and dedication in its students, numbering around 950 young men and women. The student-to-faculty ratio is 13:1, there are 40+ Registered Student Organisations, 135 Faculty Members, and the average size of a class is 24. The academy also prepares students for a maritime career onshore and to serve as commissioned officers in the U.S. Armed Forces. Academic Departments at the Biggest Maritime Academy in the U.S The Marine Engineering Department offers 3 majors, including Marine Engineering, Marine Engineering Systems and Marine Engineering and Shipyard Management. The Marine Transportation department offers 2 courses- Marine Transportation and Maritime Logistics & Security. These programs share a common core of both Nautical Science and Maritime Business courses. The Naval Science Department’s curriculum focuses on skills and knowledge students would need to serve as officers in the United States Navy Reserve. All midshipmen take courses on the Strategic Sealift Officer Program as well as Leadership and Ethics. There are other departments too, including Humanities, Mathematics and Science, Physical Education and Athletics, Professional Development & Career Services, and the Academic Center for Excellence. Curriculum The curriculum is challenging physically and mentally. Freshman ( fourth class or plebe) year is especially difficult as students go from being high school graduates to Academy midshipmen. In the first months, they learn endurance, performing under pressure while being calm and how to manage their time properly. In the sophomore ( 3rd class) year, and during Junior ( 2nd class) year, mids