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• Maritime partnership wins transfer award

Maritime partnership wins transfer award

November 18, 2009

TRAVERSE CITY- NMC's Great Lakes Maritime Academy partnership with Ferris State University has been named the 2009 Outstanding Transfer Program by the Michigan Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (MACRAO).

Presented earlier this month, the annual award recognizes Michigan's most outstanding transfer program based on its demonstrated success in meeting the needs of transfer students by promoting seamless transfer from one institution to another.  

The Maritime Academy Partnership was established in October 2007 and involves the collaboration of Ferris, the Great Lakes Maritime Academy and Northwestern Michigan College. Cadets enrolled in the program take all classes in Traverse City and simultaneously earn a bachelor's degree in business administration from Ferris and maritime credentials from the Great Lakes Maritime Academy.

Six maritime academies exist in the United States, and Traverse City is the home to the only freshwater one. The Great Lakes Maritime Academy, located at NMC's Great Lakes Campus on West Grand Traverse Bay, provides a professional learning environment that prepares future merchant marine officers/business professionals for the challenge of operating ships of unlimited tonnage.

The training ship, State of Michigan, located at the Academy harbor, is used daily as a floating classroom and hands-on training platform. The ship sets sail at various times throughout the academic year to reinforce the skills taught shore-side. As cadets progress through the Academy, they gain knowledge of the industry first hand by completing essential sea time aboard commercial ships of the Great Lakes and oceans.

The combination of the bachelor's degree and maritime credentials enables graduates to better compete for management-level positions in many areas of employment. In addition, the Academy offers a core maritime curriculum for those who enter with a bachelor’s degree. Upon completion of all requirements, cadets are prepared to write the U.S. Coast Guard examination for licensing as Third Mate, Unlimited Tonnage and First Class Great Lakes Pilot (deck program), or Third Assistant Engineer, Steam or Motor Vessels of any Horsepower (engine program).

Maritime graduates enjoy 100 percent job placement and salaries of up to $10,000/month.

Learn more about this outstanding transfer program/partnership »