The U. S. Merchant Marine Academy (www.USMMA.edu), in Kings Point, NY, offers Batchelor of Science degrees in 6 areas, 3 in engineering with a license to sail as a Third Assistant Engineer on steam or motor vessels of unlimited tonnage, on any ocean or in 3 areas of marine transportation with a license to sail as a Third Mate of vessels of unlimited tonnage on any ocean.
Kings Point graduates are highly prized by all branches of the armed forces. Every year about one third of the graduating class goes on active duty. This year all 15 SNA and one SNFO candidates were sent to P'Cola. Others went to intel and SWO. Others joined the Marine Corps, the Air Force and the Coast Guard. Most years a few join the Army, but none did in '02.
The anonymity of the school means that the competition for entry is not as stiff as at other academies. The payback, however is a very demanding program including one year spent on merchant ships at sea. And there are no easy majors: no English or history or psychology.
All you young Naval Academy wannabies should check out KP as a back-up. Or as a first choice. My son has no regrets he went there and is now at P' Cola.
Kings Point graduates are highly prized by all branches of the armed forces. Every year about one third of the graduating class goes on active duty. This year all 15 SNA and one SNFO candidates were sent to P'Cola. Others went to intel and SWO. Others joined the Marine Corps, the Air Force and the Coast Guard. Most years a few join the Army, but none did in '02.
The anonymity of the school means that the competition for entry is not as stiff as at other academies. The payback, however is a very demanding program including one year spent on merchant ships at sea. And there are no easy majors: no English or history or psychology.
All you young Naval Academy wannabies should check out KP as a back-up. Or as a first choice. My son has no regrets he went there and is now at P' Cola.