Maritime Engineering

Begin an exciting career as a Maritime Engineering Officer

Have you always imagined yourself working out at sea or on the Great Lakes? We have partnered with Northwestern Michigan College’s Great Lakes Maritime Academy (GLMA) to provide you with a unique opportunity to obtain your Bachelor of Science degree in Maritime Technology, a merchant marine officer's license and an associate degree from OCC.

A Career on the Water

Maritime Engineers are experts in the operation of the engines and support machinery aboard commercial ships on our oceans and Great Lakes. Duties include: 

  • Manage equipment and mechanical aspects of the ship
  • Operate the ship’s machinery
  • Maintain diesel-powered or turbine-powered engines

Ready for a career in Maritime Technology?

Get started in this high-demand, high-paying job. Apply today.

Average entry-level salary: $80,000 per year

Unlimited Career Opportunities

Work in diverse industries and companies such as:

  • American Bureau of Shipping and Lloyds Register
  • Shipyards nationwide
  • Shipping companies, Great Lakes and nationwide as Port Engineers
  • DTE
  • Power plants, large organizations such as colleges, hospitals, and hotel chains
  • U.S. Navy and U.S. Army Transportation Corps, active duty and civilian positions.  
  • U.S. Maritime Administration, both in Washington DC and as a port engineer for their reserve fleet (locations in VA, TX, and SF).
  • Seven state maritime academies and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy as Faculty
  • U.S. Coast Guard
  • Offshore wind farms
Oakland Community College is one of only three colleges in the state of Michigan to offer this program.
Did you know?

Maritime Engineering Officer FAQ

How does this partnership work?

You will complete your first year, 37-38 credit hours, at OCC. You will then transfer to Northwestern Michigan College’s GLMA to complete the remaining 84 credit hours. You will also earn an associate’s degree from OCC through reverse transfer.

What are the Application Requirements?

1. Official high school transcripts or GED.
2. College transcripts from ALL schools attended and AP scores if applicable.
3. Merchant Mariner Credential Medical Evaluation Report (PDF) »
4. Two letters of recommendation with contact information
5. If a Veteran, an undeleted DD214, Armed Services Discharge Report is required (copy).
6. A campus visit is required of admitted students. An applicant may register for a visit once their application is complete, either prior to or after receiving an admissions decision.

*Additional supplemental items may be required by the Admissions Office on an individual basis Program information packets can be obtained by visiting: Request Information from the Maritime Academy

When can I apply to GLMA?

You can apply up to a year and a month prior to your anticipated enrollment. You could be admitted to the GLMA’s Merchant Marine Engineering Officer program during your first semester at OCC.

How long will this program take to complete?

1 year at OCC, 3 years at GLMA

Will I take classes out at sea?

As a Cadet in the Engineering Officer Program, you will complete three semesters at sea, known as sea projects (internships), while completing your academic curriculum.