The
State University of New York (SUNY) Maritime College has been designated by the
United States Navy as a host school of its Seaman to Admiral 21 (STA-21) Nuclear Option training program. Maritime College joins a select list of 14 engineering schools where Navy sailors can earn a college degree in engineering with financial help from the Navy. The designation was based on program accreditation, specialization, affordability, flexibility in degree plans and commitment. Maritime College offers approved 36-month and 48-month, ABET accredited Bachelor of Engineering degree programs in Marine Engineering, Naval Architecture, and Marine Electronic and Electrical Systems. It also offers Bachelor of Science degrees in
General Engineering, Facilities Engineering, Marine Operations, Mechanical Engineering and Electrical Engineering. Its engineering curricula are designed to provide a full understanding of a
modern marine power plant and other industrial facilities. In addition to New York, residents of Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Virginia, and Washington, DC, can attend Maritime College at in-state tuition rates. Residents of New York and the regional states receive reduced tuition rates of $3,400 per year beginning September 2002, a savings of close to $20,000 over four years. Under U.S. Navy educational guidelines, applicants for the STA-21 Nuclear Option must have a minimum of 1140 SAT (combined) or 50 ACT (combined Math/English). Additionally, applicants must have finished sufficient undergraduate work to complete requirements for a baccalaureate degree in 36 months. Selectees must major in a technical curriculum and maintain a grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Sailors must be able to complete their degree requirements and be commissioned before turning 26 ½ years old. Commander Allen Stubblefield,
commanding officer of the Naval ROTC program at SUNY Maritime, said, “This is an outstanding opportunity for these young men and women. They remain on active duty, and their job is to go to college and complete a degree, while continuing to receive Navy pay and medical benefits. Maritime College is an ideal place for them to continue their naval careers – the nautical setting of the campus only enhances the experience.”