Surge In maritime interest

Designed to meet the managerial needs of maritime companies across the state, Nicholls State University’s Maritime Management program, which gives focus to the field and the requirements of the shipowner, is seeing increasing student interest as it rounds out its second full year.

The program, first offered in Fall 2013 and funded by 18 local entities, aims to shape future industry leaders through the only four-year degree program of its kind in the state.

According to data from the university’s Office of Assessment and Institutional Research, 89 students were enrolled in the degree program for the Spring 2015 semester. Enrollment numbers have steadily been increasing since Fall 2013, which saw 29 students, an indication that the program is serving its purpose of filling the void in collegiate maritime education.

In addition to university and department core courses, those classes required for a general management degree through the university, students also get detailed classroom discussion in courses designed to address the issues faced by businesses in the industry.

During the planning process, Nicholls worked with area businesses to design the curriculum and established, industry professionals are hired to instruct the specialized courses.

“We went to the leaders of the industry and asked them specifically what material should these students be exposed to,” Dr. Ken Chadwick, head of the department of management, marketing and business administration, told The Times in an earlier interview. “These courses directly meet the needs of the companies.”

Fundamental to the program is “Introduction to Maritime,” a course designed to help students become familiar with the industry’s technology. A course on the economics of shipping discusses key factors-such as supply and demand-as they relate to the offshore marine industry, helping students better understand the business side of the job.

During the summer, students are also required to complete an internship program to receive working knowledge of the business from companies like Bollinger Shipyards, Oceaneering and Galliano Marine.

For Katie Dufrene, human resources assistant for Houma-based SEACOR Marine who earned her maritime management degree in 2014, the internship actually paved the way to her current job.

“I got to move around in this company and see everything in day-to-day operations and it was wonderful,” Dufrene said. “We spent a lot of time with safety. We would go ride to the boat, observe them, talk to the guys on the boat. We actually took a trip out with them. We also spent some time with crewing, who are the ones that line up the guys and tell them when they are going to work. We also spent some time in HR and we got to see the hiring process and it really piqued my interest.”

Dufrene said as the degree program grows, the leadership skills it imparts will change the landscape of those working in the industry, making the move from the classroom to the workforce a much easier process.

“I believe that eventually this industry is going to be taken over by only people who have college educations,” she explained. “This way, people are coming in with the the background knowledge of what the industry is about. It’s so much easier to transition into this industry when you know those basics.”

The Maritime Management at Nicholls State University also offers a certificate program for those already working in the field looking to enroll in specific non-degree courses. For more information on the program, visit nicholls.edu/management.

‘These courses directly meet th needs of the [oil and gas and marine] companies.’

Nicholls State Dr. Ken Chadwick

Surge In maritime interest