California State University Maritime Academy: Programs, Careers, and Campus Life Guide

The California State University Maritime Academy (Cal Maritime), established in 1929 and located in Vallejo, is the only degree-granting maritime academy on the West Coast and part of the CSU system, offering a distinctive “learning by doing” approach through hands-on labs, simulators, internships, and annual training aboard the Training Ship Golden Bear.

Originally founded as the California Nautical School, it evolved to include women in licensed programs in 1973, expanded its majors to areas like Oceanography and International Strategy, and added graduate programs in Transportation and Engineering Management.

With around 808 students, a Corps of Cadets system fostering discipline and leadership, and strong facilities including marine simulators and waterfront labs, Cal Maritime consistently ranks high for graduate employment rates and salaries, preparing students for impactful careers in the maritime and related industries while maintaining a close-knit, professional campus environment.

California State University Maritime Academy: A Deep Dive into the West Coast’s Unique Maritime Institution

The California State University Maritime Academy (Cal Maritime), established in 1929, stands as a distinguished and specialized campus within the expansive California State University (CSU) system.

Nestled on a scenic waterfront campus in Vallejo, California, it is one of only seven degree-granting maritime academies in the United States and the sole institution of its kind on the West Coast. Cal Maritime is renowned for its unique blend of classroom learning, applied technology, leadership development, and global awareness, consistently producing graduates with exceptional career opportunities both on land and at sea.

History and Evolution

Originally founded as the “California Nautical School” in 1929 in Tiburon, the institution’s mission was bolstered by the 1936 Merchant Marine Act, leading to increased federal and state support. It was renamed the California Maritime Academy in 1939 and relocated to San Francisco in 1940. During World War II, the curriculum was accelerated to meet wartime demands.

In 1943, the Academy found its permanent home on a 67-acre site at Morrow Cove in Vallejo. A significant milestone occurred in 1973 when Cal Maritime became the first U.S. maritime academy to enroll women in its licensed programs. The four-year undergraduate program was established in 1974, leading to accreditation by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. In 1995, Cal Maritime officially became a member campus of the CSU system.

The institution has continuously expanded its academic offerings, including the introduction of a Facilities Engineering Technology major in 1996, a new science and engineering lab building in 1999, and the Global Studies and Maritime Affairs major in 2003 (which transitioned to International Strategy and Security in 2023). The Oceanography degree program was launched in 2020, and the first graduate degree program in Transportation and Engineering Management was added in 2011.

Academic Programs and Unique Learning Environment

Cal Maritime offers a “learning by doing” philosophy, integrating hands-on experience, cutting-edge labs, and simulators into its curriculum. A cornerstone of the cadet experience is the annual Summer Sea Term aboard the 500-foot Training Ship Golden Bear (TSGB), which serves as a floating classroom and laboratory.

This allows cadets to apply classroom concepts in marine transportation, engineering, and technology while also gaining valuable international exposure through port calls. Internships with shoreside companies and government agencies further enhance practical learning.

Undergraduate Programs: Cal Maritime provides seven distinct undergraduate majors designed to prepare students for careers in the international maritime and related shore-side industries:

• Business Administration (with an emphasis in International Business and Logistics): Focuses on international business, logistics, and supply chain management.
• Facilities Engineering Technology (FET): Prepares students for the operation and maintenance of engineering systems in various land-based facilities.
• International Strategy and Security: An interdisciplinary major drawing on political science, international relations, and maritime/strategic studies.
• Marine Engineering Technology (MET): Prepares students to work as licensed Third Assistant Engineers on U.S. ships.
• Marine Transportation (MT): Provides a broad understanding of the maritime industry, navigation, and ship-handling skills, leading to a Third Mate’s license.
• Mechanical Engineering: Emphasizes math and science-intensive coursework with concentrations in Energy Design and Mechanical Design.
• Oceanography: Capitalizes on the campus’s location on the San Francisco Estuary, focusing on ocean observation, life sciences, and undergraduate research.

Graduate Programs: Cal Maritime offers an online Master’s degree in Transportation and Engineering Management through extended learning.

Minors: Students can also pursue minors in Business, International Strategy and Security, Law, Oceanography, Mathematics, and Naval Science (Strategic Sealift Midshipman Program).

Admissions and Student Demographics

Cal Maritime’s admissions process is moderately selective.

Key Admissions Statistics (approximate, may vary slightly by source and year):

• Acceptance Rate: Around 94-99% (indicating a generally accessible admissions process, though prerequisites are important).
• Total Applicants: Approximately 943 (as of a recent reporting period).
• Average High School GPA: Around 3.39 (on a 4.0 scale).
• Average SAT Composite: Approximately 960 (25th percentile: 870, 75th percentile: 1100). Cal Maritime has a “Highest Section” Score Choice policy for the SAT.
• Average ACT Composite: Approximately 21 (25th percentile: 18, 75th percentile: 25).
• Required High School Coursework: English (4 years), Math (3 years), Science (2 years), Foreign Language (2 years), Social Studies (1 year), History (1 year), Electives (1 year).

Student Body Demographics (approximate):

• Campus Enrollment: Around 808 students.
• Gender: Approximately 81.08% Male, 18.92% Female.
• Race/Ethnicity:
  • White or Caucasian: 48.39%
  • Hispanic/Latino: 22.4%
  • Asian: 10.89%
  • Two or more races: 10.15%
  • Black or African American: 2.72%
  • Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander: 0.87%
  • American Indian or Alaska Native: 0.5%
  • Other: 3.47%
• Housing: Approximately 77% of undergraduate students live in college-owned housing, with options for co-ed, men-only, and women-only housing.

Campus Life and Facilities

Cal Maritime fosters a distinctive and inclusive residential campus community. All students are members of the Corps of Cadets, a unique structure that emphasizes teamwork, responsibility, discipline, and professionalism. Divisions within the Corps provide a strong sense of belonging and support, often described as a “family away from home.”

Campus Facilities:

• Training Ship Golden Bear (TSGB): The primary training vessel for sea terms and a prominent symbol of the Academy.
• Physical Education and Aquatics Center (PEAC): A 76,000-square-foot complex featuring a main gymnasium (basketball, volleyball), auxiliary gymnasium, Olympic-size pool, cardio and weight rooms, athletic training facilities, and a maritime survival training platform.
• Bodnar Field: Synthetic turf field for soccer and rugby, with an all-weather running track and automatic lighting.
• Marine Simulation Center: A state-of-the-art facility for maritime teaching, training, and research.
• McAllister Hall: A modern residence hall.
• Dining Hall: A new waterfront facility.
• Academic Buildings: Including dedicated science and engineering lab buildings and a Technology Laboratory and Classroom Building.
• Recreational and Intramural Programs: A variety of opportunities including futsol, volleyball, dodgeball, flag football, and fitness programs like “Keelhauler Fit.”

Rankings and Outcomes

Cal Maritime consistently demonstrates strong outcomes for its graduates.

Notable Rankings (from various sources and years):

• Employment Rate: Highest in the CSU system.
• Starting Salaries: Among the top nationally. Government data consistently shows Cal Maritime alumni having the highest average salaries of any college or university (public or private) in the western U.S.
• Best Value Colleges: Ranked #1 in California, #1 in the West, and #3 nationally for Best Value Colleges in 2024-2025 by some sources.
• US News and World Report: Ranked #3 among regional colleges.
• EduRank (2025):
  • #866 in the United States, #3348 globally.
  • TOP 50% across 44 research topics.
  • #140 of 1,065 for Marine Engineering.
  • #279 of 1,018 for International Law.
  • #350 for Engineering in the United States.
  • #363 for Environmental Science in the United States.

Median Alumni Salaries by Degree Area (approximate):

• Engineering/Engineering-related Technologies/Technicians: $95,733
• Engineering: $83,137
• Transportation and Materials Moving: $75,128
• Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services: $47,549
• Social Sciences: $40,865

Notable Alumni

Cal Maritime boasts a distinguished alumni network in various fields:

• Kate McCue: Captain for Celebrity Cruises.
• Ryan T. Holte: Judge, United States Court of Federal Claims.
• Daniel W. Dwyer: United Nations Navy Vice Admiral.
• Jamila Reinhardt: Rugby union player.
• Captain John Betz: Former shipmaster for Chevron Shipping Company, port pilot at the Port of Los Angeles, and entrepreneur focused on addressing homelessness.

California State University Maritime Academy offers a rigorous and unique educational experience, preparing its graduates for leadership roles and successful careers in the dynamic global maritime industry and related fields. Its commitment to hands-on learning, character development, and strong industry ties makes it a standout institution in the higher education landscape.

FAQs on California State University Maritime Academy

What is California State University Maritime Academy?
It is a specialized campus within the CSU system in Vallejo, California, offering hands-on maritime education and leadership training, preparing students for high-paying maritime and related industry careers.

When was Cal Maritime founded?
It was founded in 1929 as the California Nautical School.

Is Cal Maritime part of the CSU system?
Yes, it officially joined the California State University system in 1995.

Where is Cal Maritime located?
It is located on a scenic 67-acre waterfront campus in Vallejo, California.

How many students attend Cal Maritime?
Approximately 808 students are enrolled.

Is Cal Maritime a military academy?
No, it is not a military academy, but all students are part of the Corps of Cadets, emphasizing discipline, teamwork, and leadership.

Does Cal Maritime offer graduate programs?
Yes, it offers an online Master’s degree in Transportation and Engineering Management.

What undergraduate majors are offered?
Majors include Business Administration, Facilities Engineering Technology, International Strategy and Security, Marine Engineering Technology, Marine Transportation, Mechanical Engineering, and Oceanography.

What minors are available?
Students can pursue minors in Business, International Strategy and Security, Law, Oceanography, Mathematics, and Naval Science.

Is sea training part of the curriculum?
Yes, the annual Summer Sea Term aboard the Training Ship Golden Bear provides practical training and international exposure.

What is the Training Ship Golden Bear?
It is a 500-foot training vessel serving as a floating classroom and laboratory for cadets during sea training.

What is the acceptance rate at Cal Maritime?
The acceptance rate is around 94-99%, making it moderately selective.

What are the average GPA and test scores of admitted students?
The average high school GPA is around 3.39, with an average SAT of 960 and ACT of 21.

Does Cal Maritime require standardized test scores?
Cal Maritime has a “Highest Section” SAT score policy, but policies may vary by year.

What is student life like at Cal Maritime?
Student life includes living in a disciplined Corps of Cadets structure, participating in intramurals, and utilizing state-of-the-art training and fitness facilities.

Is housing available on campus?
Yes, approximately 77% of undergraduates live in college-owned housing, with co-ed, men-only, and women-only options.

What facilities are available on campus?
Facilities include the TS Golden Bear, Marine Simulation Center, Physical Education and Aquatics Center, modern residence halls, dining hall, academic labs, and athletic fields.

Does Cal Maritime have sports or intramurals?
Yes, students can participate in soccer, rugby, volleyball, dodgeball, futsal, flag football, and fitness programs.

What is the employment rate for Cal Maritime graduates?
It has the highest employment rate in the CSU system.

What are the starting salaries for Cal Maritime graduates?
Graduates have some of the highest starting salaries in the Western US, ranging from $75,000 to $95,000+ depending on the field.

What rankings has Cal Maritime received?
It has been ranked #1 in California for Best Value Colleges, #3 nationally for value, and consistently high for employment outcomes.

What makes Cal Maritime unique among maritime academies?
It is the only degree-granting maritime academy on the West Coast, offering a “learning by doing” model with sea training and industry internships.

What are notable programs launched recently at Cal Maritime?
Recent additions include the Oceanography program in 2020 and International Strategy and Security major in 2023.

Is there a Corps of Cadets uniform requirement?
Yes, students in the Corps of Cadets are required to wear uniforms, emphasizing professionalism and discipline.

Does Cal Maritime offer international exposure opportunities?
Yes, cadets gain global experience through international port calls during the Summer Sea Term.

What types of careers do Cal Maritime graduates pursue?
Graduates work in maritime transportation, engineering, logistics, environmental science, business management, and government sectors.

Who are some notable alumni of Cal Maritime?
Notable alumni include Kate McCue (Celebrity Cruises Captain), Ryan T. Holte (Federal Judge), and Daniel W. Dwyer (Navy Vice Admiral).

Is financial aid available for Cal Maritime students?
Yes, financial aid, scholarships, and grants are available to eligible students.

How can I apply to Cal Maritime?
You can apply through the CSU application portal, submitting transcripts and meeting required prerequisites for your intended program.

Does Cal Maritime have a diverse student body?
Yes, with students identifying as White (48.39%), Hispanic/Latino (22.4%), Asian (10.89%), and others.

What is the gender distribution at Cal Maritime?
Approximately 81% male and 19% female.

Does Cal Maritime have research opportunities for undergraduates?
Yes, students engage in undergraduate research, especially in oceanography, engineering, and environmental science.

Can I visit the Cal Maritime campus?
Yes, campus tours are available for prospective students and families.

Is Cal Maritime a good value for its cost?
Yes, it consistently ranks among the top institutions for value, graduate earnings, and employment outcomes.