Masters of Science in Maritime Business Management
17-month online executive format

The Master of Science in Maritime Business Management (MSBM) program develops exceptional professionals equipped to excel in the maritime industry’s complex business environment. Graduates emerge with advanced knowledge and strategic capabilities that enable them to solve challenging problems creatively and effectively. This specialized expertise positions them for success in senior leadership roles across the maritime business sector, where they can drive innovation and organizational excellence in this globally critical industry.
The Master of Science in Maritime Business Management program at Massachusetts Maritime Academy (MMA) stands out from other programs thanks to its distinctive blend of business and maritime-focused coursework, strong industry integration, and hands-on, practical approach.

Designed for the busy professional, this degree program is offered in a 17-month executive format with 9 three-credit courses and one four-credit capstone course (total 31 credits).

Here’s what makes this a unique program:

Maritime-Focused Curriculum

Unlike general MBA or business programs with just a few maritime electives, MMA’s program is entirely tailored to the maritime and logistics industries with a business focus. Courses focus on:

  • Maritime law and policy
  • Global trade and supply chain management
  • Port and terminal operations
  • Environmental regulations and compliance

Faculty with Real-World Maritime Experience

  • MMA’s faculty isn’t made up of just academics — many are maritime professionals with decades of experience in the U.S. Navy, merchant marine, shipping, and port management.

Industry Partnerships & Career Connections

The Academy has strong ties with major players in the maritime industry, like:

  • Maersk, Crowley
  • Major Ports like Boston, New York and New Jersey
  • U.S. Department of Transportation and Maritime Administration

Flexible and Career-Friendly Format

The program is offered in an online format, tailored for:

  • Working professionals
  • Military veterans transitioning into civilian careers
  • Students can keep working full-time while earning their degree, making it practical and accessible.

Small Class Sizes & Personalized Attention

  • As a smaller, specialized institution, MMA offers close mentorship, networking, and more 1-on-1 engagement with instructors than many large universities.

Maritime Academy Prestige

  • MMA is one of only a handful of U.S. federal maritime academies. It carries a strong reputation in the maritime, logistics, and energy sectors, which gives our graduates an edge.

Why Get a Master of Science in Maritime Business Management

A Master of Science in Maritime Business Management offers several compelling advantages for professionals interested in the global shipping and maritime industries:

Industry-Specific Expertise

  • This specialized degree provides deep knowledge of maritime economics, shipping operations, port management, and international trade logistics that general business programs don’t cover.

Growing Global Demand

  • The maritime industry handles over 90% of world trade, creating consistent demand for well-qualified management professionals who understand both business principles and maritime-specific challenges.

Attractive Salary Potential

  • Maritime business professionals often command competitive salaries due to their specialized expertise, with positions in shipping companies, port authorities, and maritime consulting firms offering strong compensation packages.

Career Versatility

  • Graduates can pursue diverse roles across maritime logistics, vessel operations, maritime law compliance, port management, shipping finance, and maritime insurance.

International Opportunities

  • The global nature of shipping creates opportunities worldwide, allowing graduates to pursue careers in major maritime hubs like Singapore, London, Rotterdam, and Hong Kong.

Networking Advantages

  • These programs typically connect students with industry professionals, creating valuable networking opportunities and potential pathways to employment.

Would you like more information about specific career paths this degree can lead to, or details about typical program curriculum?

What kind of coursework is required?

  • Lectures
  • Group discussions and exercises
  • Case-study analysis
  • Project research
  • Group and individual presentations
  • Table-top, workshop and other team-building and problem-solving exercises.
  • Readings from textbooks, case studies, peer-reviewed articles, professional journals,  doctrinal manuals and emergency management-related hand books
  • Research papers on relevant topics and course readings
  • Tests and examinations
  • Book and maritime journal article reviews

It is the goal of the four-credit capstone project to challenge the students to inquire into what they perceive as a problem or a process that could be improved in the field of maritime business, describe the problem or flawed process, ask a hypothetical question that will be their research road map, provide alternative solutions, and provide a detailed analysis and summary of their approach and why they chose a certain solution.