Overview of California Maritime Academy
The California Maritime Academy (Cal Maritime), located in Vallejo, California, is one of the 23 campuses of the California State University system. Established in 1929, Cal Maritime is a specialized institution known for its focus on maritime education, training, and industry-oriented programs. As one of only seven degree-granting maritime academies in the United States, Cal Maritime prepares students for careers in the maritime industry, including shipping, transportation, engineering, and global trade.
Academic Programs: Cal Maritime offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs in areas related to maritime affairs, engineering, and business. The undergraduate programs include majors in Marine Transportation, Marine Engineering Technology, Global Studies and Maritime Affairs, Mechanical Engineering, and Business Administration with concentrations in International Business and Logistics. Additionally, the academy offers a Master of Science in Transportation and Engineering Management.
The curriculum is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in their chosen fields while incorporating hands-on experiences and practical training. Cal Maritime’s specialized focus on maritime-related disciplines distinguishes it as a unique institution within the California State University system.
Hands-On Training and Simulation: One of the key features of Cal Maritime’s education model is its emphasis on hands-on training and simulation. The academy recognizes the importance of practical experience in preparing students for careers in the maritime industry. Students have access to state-of-the-art simulation facilities, including ship-handling simulators, engine room simulators, and a full-mission bridge simulator.
The hands-on training extends beyond simulations to real-world experiences. Cal Maritime operates its training ship, the T.S. Golden Bear, which serves as a floating classroom and training vessel. Students have the opportunity to participate in training cruises, gaining practical experience in navigation, seamanship, and shipboard operations.
Cooperative Education and Internships: Cal Maritime places a strong emphasis on cooperative education (co-op) and internship opportunities, providing students with valuable industry experience. The academy has established partnerships with maritime companies, government agencies, and organizations to facilitate co-op placements and internships. These experiences allow students to apply their classroom learning in real-world settings, build professional networks, and gain insights into the diverse aspects of the maritime industry.
The Co-Op and Career Services office at Cal Maritime supports students in securing internship and employment opportunities, connecting them with industry partners and providing career development resources.
Licensing and Certification: Cal Maritime is unique in that it prepares its graduates for licensure and certification required for various positions within the maritime industry. Graduates from the Marine Transportation and Marine Engineering Technology programs, for example, are eligible to pursue licensure as third officers and third assistant engineers, respectively, in the U.S. Merchant Marine.
The academy’s emphasis on professional licensing ensures that graduates are well-prepared to assume leadership roles in the maritime field, meeting the industry’s standards for competence and safety.
Global Perspectives and Study Abroad: Recognizing the global nature of the maritime industry, Cal Maritime encourages students to gain international perspectives through study abroad programs and global experiences. The academy has established partnerships with maritime institutions and universities worldwide, providing opportunities for students to engage in cultural exchange, collaborative research, and international internships.
These global experiences contribute to the development of well-rounded professionals who are equipped to navigate the complexities of the maritime industry in an increasingly interconnected world.
Leadership and Professional Development: Cal Maritime is dedicated to developing leaders in the maritime industry. The academy’s Leadership Development Program integrates leadership training into the curriculum, emphasizing qualities such as teamwork, communication, and decision-making. Students have the opportunity to participate in leadership conferences, workshops, and extracurricular activities that enhance their leadership skills.
The academy’s commitment to leadership development aligns with the needs of the maritime industry, where effective leadership is crucial for ensuring the safety, efficiency, and success of maritime operations.
Campus and Facilities: Cal Maritime’s waterfront campus in Vallejo provides a maritime-focused environment with specialized facilities to support its programs. The campus features classrooms, laboratories, and workshops equipped with the latest technology for hands-on training. The Training Ship Golden Bear serves as a unique facility for maritime training and education, allowing students to gain practical experience in a real-world maritime setting.
The academy’s waterfront location provides an ideal setting for students to engage in waterfront activities, shipboard training, and maritime research. The proximity to the San Francisco Bay Area, a hub for the maritime industry, offers additional opportunities for networking and industry exposure.
Student Life and Extracurricular Activities: Cal Maritime offers a vibrant student life with a range of extracurricular activities, clubs, and organizations. Students can participate in maritime-focused clubs, leadership development programs, and recreational activities. The academy’s emphasis on a close-knit community fosters a supportive environment where students can form lasting connections with their peers and faculty.
Extracurricular activities contribute to the overall student experience, providing opportunities for personal growth, leadership development, and a sense of community within the specialized maritime education environment.
Alumni Success: Cal Maritime has a proud tradition of producing successful alumni who have excelled in various roles within the maritime industry. Graduates from the academy can be found in leadership positions in shipping companies, government agencies, port authorities, and other maritime-related organizations. The alumni network provides a valuable resource for current students, offering mentorship, networking opportunities, and insights into career paths within the maritime field.
Conclusion: the California Maritime Academy stands as a specialized institution with a distinct focus on maritime education and training. By combining academic excellence with hands-on experience, global perspectives, and leadership development, Cal Maritime prepares its students to meet the challenges of the maritime industry. The academy’s commitment to practical training, licensing, and professional development ensures that graduates are well-equipped to make significant contributions to the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of the maritime sector.
200 Maritime Academy Drive Vallejo, CA 94590-8181
Phone: (800) 561-1945
Email: admission@csum.edu
Web site: http://www.csum.edu
Rankings: California Maritime Academy
Located in Vallejo, CA, California Maritime Academy is one of the best universities in the state of California. On this page, you will find in-depth rankings for California Maritime Academy in the following areas: graduation rates, teaching resources, financing opportunities, and alumni donations. Latest acceptance rate is also given to show how competitive is California Maritime Academy.
The California Maritime Academy is consistently ranked as one of the top maritime academies in the United States. According to U.S. News & World Report, the academy is ranked as the #1 public maritime academy in the country and has been for several years. In addition, The Maritime Executive ranks CMA among the top three maritime academies in North America. The academy also ranks high in terms of student satisfaction, with a 96% job placement rate within six months of graduation and an average starting salary of $62,000. As a result, CMA graduates are highly sought after by employers who recognize the quality education and training they receive at this prestigious institution.
The academic programs at California Maritime Academy are equally impressive, with students having access to state-of-the-art facilities and equipment to ensure they receive a comprehensive education that prepares them for future careers on land or sea. In addition to strong academics, students can also take advantage of experiential learning opportunities such as internships, study abroad programs and hands-on training aboard campus vessels like their Training Ship Golden Bear which sails around the world every summer providing invaluable experience and mentorship opportunities for students.
| Rankings, Ratings, and Admissions Statistics | |
| Overall Ranking: | 5 |
| Score: | 44 |
| Peer college rating (out of 5) | 3.4 |
| Graduation and retention ranking: | 3 |
| Average freshman retention rate: | 78.8% |
| 6-year graduation rate: | 55.3% |
| Predicted graduation rate: | N/A |
| Overperformance(+)/Underperformance(-): | N/A |
| Faculty resources ranking: | 15 |
| Classes with under 20 students (2020): | N/A |
| Classes with 50 or more students (2020): | N/A |
| Student faculty ratio (2020): | N/A |
| Percent of faculty who are full-time (2020) | N/A |
| Student selectivity ranking: | 16 |
| SAT/ACT 25th-75th percentile (2020) | 1103 |
| 2020 Freshmen in top 10 percent of high school class: | N/A |
| Freshmen in top 25 percent of high school class (2020): | 9% |
| Fall 2020 Acceptance rate: | 79.9% |
| Financial resources rank: | 26 |
| Alumni giving rank: | 20 |
| Average alumni giving rate (2020): | N/A |
Essential Facts: California Maritime Academy
- The California State University—Maritime Academy is located on a small, waterfront campus in Vallejo, 30 miles northeast of San Francisco.
- California State University–Maritime Academy has a total undergraduate enrollment of 1,017, with a gender distribution of 83 percent male students and 17 percent female students.
- By 1930, a training vessel and a school site was acquired; the original location of what would become California Maritime Academy was Tiburon, California in the San Francisco Bay Area .
Rules and regulations Sports Activities
| General Information | |
| Percent of undergraduate students who live in college-owned, operated, or affiliated housing: | 74% |
| Percent of undergraduates who are members of a fraternity: | 0% |
| Percent of student body who are members of a sorority: | 0% |
| Average percentage of students on campus during weekends: | 70% |
| Are all students permitted to have cars on campus? | No |
| Percent of students who have cars on campus: | 70% |
| Is alcohol permitted on campus for students of legal age? | No |
| Additional policies and regulations: | class attendance policies set by individual instructors, dress/hair code, hazing prohibited |
| Collegiate athletic association: | NAIA |
| Men’s scholarship sports: | N/A |
| Women’s scholarship sports: | N/A |
| Student activities: | choral groups, dance, jazz band, student government, yearbook |