Us Code § 51309 - Academic degree

Full text of Us Code United States Code § 51309 — Academic degree, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 51309. Academic degree

(a) Bachelor's Degree.—

(1) In general.—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) Effect of physical or psychological disqualification.—An individual not able or allowed to take the examination for a merchant marine officer's license solely due to a documented medical or psychological condition shall not be denied a degree for not taking the examination.


(b) Master's Degree.—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 Not Entitlement To Hold License.—Graduation from the Academy does not entitle an individual to hold a license authorizing service on a merchant vessel.

(d) Definition of Documented Medical or Psychological Condition.—In this section the term "documented medical or psychological condition" means, with respect to an individual, a physical disqualification or psychological condition, including a mental health condition arising from sexual assault or sexual harassment, for which the individual has been treated or is being treated by a medical or psychological provider.

(Pub. L. 109–304, §8(b), Oct. 6, 2006, 120 Stat. 1574; Pub. L. 111–84, div. C, title XXXV, §3514, Oct. 28, 2009, 123 Stat. 2724; Pub. L. 117–263, div. C, title XXXV, §3511, Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 3065.)

Historical and Revision Notes
Revised

Section

Source (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large)
51309(a) 46 App.:1295b(g)(1). June 29, 1936, ch. 858, title XIII, §1303(g), as added Pub. L. 96–453, §2, Oct. 15, 1980, 94 Stat. 2002; restated Pub. L. 108–136, title XXXV, §3515(c), Nov. 24, 2003, 117 Stat. 1794.
51309(b) 46 App.:1295b(g)(2).
51309(c) 46 App.:1295b(b)(8). June 29, 1936, ch. 858, title XIII, §1303(b)(8), as added Pub. L. 96–453, §2, Oct. 15, 1980, 94 Stat. 1997; Pub. L. 99–368, §5, Aug. 1, 1986, 100 Stat. 776.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2022—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 117–263, §3511(1), in heading, inserted "or psychological" after "physical", and, in text, inserted "able or" before "allowed" and substituted "solely due to a documented medical or psychological condition shall" for "only because of physical disqualification may".

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 117–263, §3511(2), added subsec. (d).

2009—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 111–84 inserted before last sentence "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."

About This Section

46 U.S.C. § 51309 is part of Title 46 of the United States Code. The United States Code is the official codification of federal statutes maintained by the Office of the Law Revision Counsel of the U.S. House of Representatives. Congress amends the Code through new public laws, which are eventually incorporated into the relevant title.

This section may be cited in legal writing as 46 U.S.C. § 51309. For the most current official text, including any recent amendments, use the official source links below. Do not rely on this page as the sole authority for legal citation or litigation.

How to Read This Statute

Statutes are organized by title, chapter, section, and subsection. Pay attention to words like "shall," "may," "and," and "or," because they determine whether a requirement is mandatory or permissive and whether multiple conditions must all be met. Historical notes and amendments often appear at the end of a section.

Using This Page

This page is intended for research and educational use. Lawyers, students, journalists, and compliance professionals can use it as a starting point, but should always verify the current text through an official government source before relying on it for legal advice, filings, or compliance decisions.

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions About Us Code § 51309

What does United States Code § 51309 cover?

Section 51309 ("Academic degree") is part of the United States Code, the codified statutory law of Us Code. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Us Code § 51309?

A common citation format is "United States Code § 51309" (Us Code). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Us Code law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Us Code official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Us Code attorney.

How does Us Code § 51309 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Us Code can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Us Code.