Maritime Studies
Maritime Studies is the college’s humanities major. Students learn about literature, business, economics and the sciences through the lens of the maritime world.
You can take classes about piracy, the literature and art of the sea, and conservation of marine environments, while gaining hands-on experience through professional internships or by obtaining a commercial shipping license.
Located half an hour from the heart of New York City and one of the nation's busiest ports, one of the strengths of the Maritime Studies program is that you can visit and actively explore the history, arts and culture you learn about. Faculty regularly take their classes on field trips to places like the South Street Seaport, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Broadway and Woodlawn Cemetery.
Academic Program
As a Maritime Studies major, you will be able to tailor much of your coursework to your interests, including courses in cinema, law, art, history and world cultures. You will also focus on developing the research, communication and writing skills that are vital to a wide variety of careers.
If you want to work on dry land, you will pursue the professional internship option. You will be required to complete at least one internship. Your internship will give you insight into career options and the hands-on experience that make you valuable to prospective employers. Our students have interned at:
If you plan to work on a commercial vessel, you may choose to pursue a U.S. Coast Guard third mate, or deck, license. In license classes, you will learn navigation, cargo handling, ship maintenance and operational safety. Earning a license requires you to belong to the college regiment of cadets, a disciplined lifestyle program that is not affiliated with the military.
You may also choose to pursue a master’s degree in Maritime and Naval Studies while you are working on your bachelor’s through the college’s fast-track program. In this program, you may substitute several graduate courses for undergraduate ones your senior year and transfer seamlessly to the master’s degree. As a fast-track student, you can earn both degrees in five years.
Maritime Studies graduates find jobs working for the government, shipping companies, museums or other organizations. Others choose to pursue advanced degrees. Our students have found jobs at: