A College Education with a Unique Experience    

The Texas A&M Maritime Academy is a highly specialized maritime training and education program embedded within Texas A&M University at Galveston. It is one of seven maritime academies in the United States and the only one located on the Gulf of Mexico. The mission of the Texas A&M Maritime Academy is to provide the maritime industries of the State of Texas and the United States with highly trained and professional U.S. Coast Guard licensed Merchant Officers (deck/engine) to serve on ocean-going and inland waterways vessels. To meet this mission, the Texas A&M Maritime Academy includes a Corps of Cadets.

Academic Programs

  • Cadets seeking the Texas A&M Maritime Academy U.S. Merchant Marine License Option (LO) may choose to major in Marine Transportation, Marine Engineering Technology, Marine Biology License Option, Marine Sciences License Option, and the Masters of Maritime Administration and Logistics. 
  • Navy ROTC Cadets may choose any major offered at Texas A&M University at Galveston.
  • For those students who already have a Bachelor's degree, we also offer all graduate programs with the License Option.

Military Obligations

  • Cadets who are  seeking the U.S. Merchant Marine Licensing Option (LO) do not have a military obligation.
  • LO Cadets may apply for the Strategic Sealift Midshipman Program (SSMP) which provides financial benefits in college and an obligation to commission into the U.S. Navy Reserve after graduation.
  • NROTC Cadets compete for scholarships and enter a contractual agreement to serve active duty in the U.S. Navy upon graduation.

Cadet Programs    

Cadets at Texas A&M Maritime Academy participate in one of three programs: License Option, NROTC, and Drill & Ceremonies.

License Option (LO)
License Option (LO)

License Option cadets fall under one of two categories: Deck or Engine.

Deck Cadets are majors in Marine Transportation, Marine Sciences, Marine Biology, or any of the graduate programs. Deck Cadets take courses in Navigation and Seamanship. Upon graduation, deck cadets will have earned their Third Mate Unlimited Tonnage license signifying their ability to work on the bridge of any size ship as a Third Mate.

Engine Cadets are majors in Marine Engineering Technology. Engine Cadets take courses in naval architecture, marine applications of electrical engineering, and thermodynamics. Upon graduation, engine cadets will have earned their Third Assistant Engineer Unlimited Horsepower license signifying their ability to work in the engine room of any size ship as a Third Assistant Engineer.

All license option cadets complete three sea terms. These sea terms are normally completed in the summers. The first and third sea terms are completed on board a training ship operated by Texas A&M Maritime Academy. The second may be either on a training ship or a commercial vessel.

License Option cadets also have the option to join the Strategic Sealift Midshipman Program (SSMP) and seek a commission in the Naval Reserves upon graduation. This program operates alongside the NROTC unit and is expected to participate in NROTC events. More information regarding SSMP can be found under the NROTC header.

Strategic Sealift Midshipman Program (SSMP)
Strategic Sealift Midshipman Program (SSMP)

The Strategic Sealift Officer Force provides warfare qualified Navy Reserve Restricted Line Officers with Unlimited Licenses and military training to activate, operate, and sustain strategic sealift to support Joint Force and Fleet requirements in contested maritime environments.

Todays SSOs are under the sponsorship of the Military Sealift Command bridging the gap between the military and the merchant marine during peace and war. SSOs are civilians being employed 96% of the year in the maritime industry and working only 4% of the year as Naval Officers during peace time.

The Strategic Sealift Midshipman Program (SSMP) is designed to train and educate highly qualified students to become commissioned officers in the SSOF component of the U.S. Navy Reserve (USNR) while having a civilian maritime career.

Students enrolled in SSMP may be eligible for a semesterly stipend totaling up to $32,000 in exchange for a minimum 8-year commitment in the Navy Reserves.

Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC)
Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC)

As a member of the NROTC/SSMP program, students learn firsthand the roles and missions of the Navy team. In addition, the focus on academics, leadership development, and personal fitness prepares students for success in a very dynamic and highly competitive work environment.

For those pursuing an Active Duty commission in the Navy, students participate in rewarding training opportunities with Navy units in both the U.S. and overseas. NROTC students fly with Navy pilots, embark on ships and submarines, and work with Special Operations units.

For those pursuing a Reserve commission in the Navy via the SSMP program, students work to earn their U.S. Merchant Marine License and complete training at sea through the Maritime Academy during Summer Sea Terms. For those looking for a challenging and rewarding experience join NROTC or SSMP at Texas Maritime Academy.

Drill & Ceremonies (D&C)
Drill & Ceremonies (D&C)

Drill & Ceremonies cadets choose to join the Corps of Cadets. They elect to participate in the regimented lifestyle of the Corps to build comradery and grow through leadership experience. Cadets in the Drill & Ceremonies program participate without seeking a Coast Guard license or obligation of military service. These cadets may study any non-license option major.

Students who are looking to transfer or change campuses to College Station, may participate in the Galveston Corps of Cadets through this program.