Muskegon Community College partners with the Great Lakes Maritime Academy at Northwestern Michigan College via an articulation agreement. Students complete their first year at MCC, then transfer to Traverse City to finish the program. Graduates earn a Bachelor of Science in Maritime Technology, a Merchant Marine Officer license (3rd assistant engineer, Unlimited Horsepower), and Steam and Diesel endorsement. The curriculum blends academic study with hands-on vocational training and three sea project internships. Engineering officers operate and maintain engines and support machinery aboard commercial ships. First-year graduate salaries average $80,000, and all cadets graduate with at least one job offer.