Maine Maritime master's degree to include IAMPE certification

The following is the text of a news release from Maine Maritime Academy:

(CASTINE, Maine) — The Loeb-Sullivan Graduate School of International Business and Logistics at Maine Maritime Academy and the International Association of Maritime and Port Executives (IAMPE) have signed a memorandum of understanding agreeing to work together on professional development for the maritime and port industry.

Under the MOU, MMA and the IAMPE will acknowledge and endorse each other’s programs, maintaining the highest professional standards of education and training. The IAMPE will provide a professional certification as maritime port manager (MPM) to MMA students for successfully completing the graduate program. In essence, MMA graduate students will earn both the master’s of science degree as well as the MPM certification.

IAMPE members who independently complete the IAMPE certification can receive academic credit toward the graduate degree at MMA. The IAMPE will also share its research and electronic library with MMA as well as course content for the Maritime Port Management and Maritime Port Executive certifications. Both organizations will promote each other’s programs to benefit professionals in the industry. They will work together to develop new programs and undertake research as appropriate to improve offerings to the global industry.

“We are very pleased to be working with Maine Maritime Academy in this important effort and look forward to expanding the professional development goals of both of our organizations,” said Capt. F. Bradley Wellock, chairman of the IAMPE board of advisers.  

“This is a great opportunity for the master’s degree logistic programs at MMA to provide additional value to our students as well as to contribute to education of maritime and port professionals worldwide. Working with the IAMPE will enhance our effort and commitment to advancing global standards in the maritime and port industry,” said Dr. Donald Maier, dean of the Loeb-Sullivan School.

The Loeb-Sullivan Graduate School of International Business and Logistics at Maine Maritime Academy has two accredited M.S. degree programs: the On Campus experience in Global Logistics & Maritime Management and the Online M.S. degree in International Logistics Management, designed for the working professional. Both programs are similar in content, but are distinctly different in presentation. The Online program is 100 percent online with no requirement for campus residency, although all students can access the same instructional, support, research materials, and tools as the On Campus cohort.

The International Association of Maritime and Port Executives is a nonprofit industry association that provides professional certification internationally for maritime and port professionals. The IAMPE offers professional development seminars in port management and operations, and executive management, and also has an ongoing continuing education program. The IAMPE provides industry recognized professional certification based on standards and review approved by the IAMPE board. The board is comprised of over 20 professionals from ports and maritime interests throughout North America.  

“Our association with the Maine Maritime Academy is a great step in setting the gold standard for professional development and certification for industry professionals,” said Capt. Jeffrey Monroe, director of education and standards for the IAMPE. “The modern maritime and port industry must be managed by professionals with the highest standard of professionalism and education that can be provided, and we look forward to working with Dr. Maier and his outstanding staff in providing the industry with those opportunities."

For more information about the Loeb-Sullivan School of International Business & Logistics, visit www.mainemaritime.edu/academics/graduate-programs. For further information on IAMPE programs, visit www.IAMPE.org.

By Professional Mariner Staff