focused on maritime-related fields. It was established in 1891 and is the second oldest state maritime academy in the United States. Originally established to graduate deck and engineering officers for the U.S. Merchant Marine, the academy has since expanded its curriculum. Though not required, many graduates go on to serve in active and reserve components of the U.S. Armed Forces.
== History ==
The university was initially established on June 11, 1891 as the Massachusetts Nautical Training School, the result of an act passed by the state legislature. The first class of cadets passed through the school, which was initially located in Boston, in April 1893. Under its initial structure, the school was led by a superintendent who was then overseen by a board of commissioners appointed by the governor of Massachusetts; this structure would remain until 1942.
In 1913, the school's name changed for the first time, becoming the Massachusetts Nautical School.
By 1942, all state maritime academies became the responsibility …
