SUNY Maritime College

Welcome aboard SUNY Maritime

Founded in 1874, SUNY Maritime College is one of six state maritime academies in the United States focusing on engineering, marine environmental science, marine transportation, maritime studies, and business. On a narrow peninsula bordered by the Long Island Sound and the East River, our 55-acre waterfront campus in New York City is the perfect place to learn about our specialized academic courses and offerings. From here, you will have access to top internships and real-world experience, industry experts, leading faculty, and a dedicated alumni network.

Adventure awaits
Approximately 70% of our students are working toward a joint bachelor’s degree and US Coast Guard license. A license qualifies you to sail aboard a commercial ship, similar to the way a driver’s license allows you to drive a car, and does not require military service. Part of earning a Coast Guard license means you will belong to the regiment of cadets, a disciplined lifestyle program. The regiment is also open to students who are not interested in earning a license.

License students spend their summers sailing on the College’s 565-foot Training Ship, the Empire State VI. Our other students follow a more traditional path, earning bachelor’s degrees and having the opportunity to study abroad and participate in internships and all the other campus-life activities Maritime has to offer.

Beyond our shores
Whichever path you choose, SUNY Maritime will help you set yourself up for success. From here, you can sail on a commercial vessel, operate a power plant, design and build ships, restore ecosystems, or even fly into outer space like our alumnus Captain Scott Kelly ’87.

Our Mission
After more than a century, our mission remains unchanged to provide students with a strong analytical basis in engineering science, reinforced with major courses, and always connected to practical, hands-on experience. The mission of the Engineering department requires that every Engineering student combine their academic studies with a practical, hands-on experience to apply classroom and laboratory knowledge. These experiences come in the form of a structured and demanding summer sea term or an equally demanding industrial internship. These are crucial components in a Maritime College Engineering education. The Department of Engineering offers Bachelor of Engineering degrees in Electrical Engineering, Facilities Engineering, Marine Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Naval Architecture. 

Electrical Engineering
As an Electrical Engineering major, you will gain in-depth classroom and practical knowledge about power generation, control, and use. Electrical Engineering courses focus on electrical science, math, and the sciences and teach students to think abstractly. Learning in Electrical Engineering goes well beyond the classroom. You will spend your time in labs designing, building, and testing ways to generate and deliver power and analyzing the results. Increasingly, courses focus on sources of renewable energy and its impact on the maritime and transportation industries.

Facilities Engineering
Maritime’s Facilities Engineering program equips young professionals to operate, service, and manage the heating, air conditioning, ventilation, and other systems for large facilities like hospitals, schools, corporate buildings, and ships. This program is a good option for students who enjoy math, science, and engineering disciplines combined with economics and management principles. Facilities Engineering courses combine math, thermal/fluid science, and electrical engineering with economics, communication, and management. When you graduate, you will be able to design, maintain, and operate power plants and systems in buildings and other large facilities.

Marine Engineering
If you are fascinated by ships and the way they are powered and controlled, consider majoring in Marine Engineering. In this program, you will learn to design, operate, and maintain marine and industrial power plants. Marine Engineering courses focus on thermal/fluid sciences, math, applied mechanics, electrical engineering, and problem-solving. An integral part of the Marine Engineering program is the US Coast Guard engine license program. The program qualifies students to work onboard marine vessels and does not require military service. As you work toward a US Coast Guard engine license, you will learn to power and control a vessel’s engine and systems.

Mechanical Engineering
Students in the Mechanical Engineering program focus on designing and building innovative mechanical components and systems. Mechanical Engineering is a versatile program. Though many other schools offer it, few can provide the same access and opportunities for hands-on, real-world training. At Maritime, you will complete two professional internships or work toward a US Coast Guard third assistant engineer, or engine, license by sailing and working onboard the College’s Training Ship, the Empire State VI. Mechanical Engineering courses focus on applied mechanics, math, fluid mechanics, electrical engineering, and design techniques and concepts.

Naval Architecture
If you want to design marine vessels—including research boats, yachts, large ships, or offshore platforms—SUNY Maritime is one of the few places in the country where you can learn how. As a naval architect, you will be responsible for designing strong, stable, seaworthy, and effective vessels. To prepare you for that important role, Maritime’s talented faculty will teach you specialized and technical knowledge and skills. Naval Architecture blends math, physics, and other physical science courses with a variety of engineering disciplines. Many of your professors are active naval architects, and others have years of industry experience.