§ 51309. Academic degree

• (a)
  • (1) The Superintendent of the United States Merchant Marine Academy may confer the degree of bachelor of science on an individual who—
    • (A) has met the conditions prescribed by the Secretary of Transportation; and
    • (B) if a citizen of the United States, has passed the examination for a merchant marine officer’s license.
  • (2) An individual not allowed to take the examination for a merchant marine officer’s license only because of physical disqualification may not be denied a degree for not taking the examination.
• (b) The Superintendent of the Academy may confer a master’s degree on an individual who has met the conditions prescribed by the Secretary. A master’s degree program may be funded through non-appropriated funds. To maintain the appropriate academic standards, the program shall be accredited by the appropriate accreditation body. Nonappropriated funds received for this purpose shall be credited to the Maritime Administration’s Operations and Training appropriation, to remain available until expended, for those expenses directly related to the purpose of such receipts. The Superintendent shall maintain a separate and detailed accounting of nonappropriated fund receipts and all associated expenses. The Secretary may prescribe regulations necessary to administer such a program.
• (c) Graduation from the Academy does not entitle an individual to hold a license authorizing service on a merchant vessel.