The Marine Technology curriculum is designed to provide the practical skills and academic background essential for success in the area of marine scientific support. The Marine Technology student will become proficient in the knowledge and skills required of a scientific support technician, through both practical training aboard ship as well as in the classroom. The Marine Technology curriculum prepares individuals to use and maintain sophisticated equipment such as electronic navigation devices, physical and chemical measuring instruments, sampling devices, and data acquisition and reduction systems aboard ocean-going and smaller vessels.

Graduates of this program will be qualified to work in the following areas: general applied oceanography; data acquisition and reduction; environmental monitoring; geophysical exploration; field and laboratory biology; water analysis; water and wastewater treatment laboratory analysis; nuclear power plant environmental work; fishing gear construction and repair; small engine maintenance and repair; fishing; marine salvage; and other marine scientific activities. Employment opportunities are available with various state and federal agencies, and with private businesses and industries associated with marine science and research.

• Browse through the Marine Technology Curriculum!

The Campus

The CFCC campus is located in historic down-town Wilmington on the banks of the Cape Fear River. With direct access to the Atlantic Ocean, our fleet of small and large vessels provides the resources for quality marine education, as well as a picturesque backdrop for a unique urban campus.

Quick Facts:

Graduate Success: According to the most recent graduate employment survey, 98% of CFCC graduates reported that they were employed full-time or were continuing their education at a higher level.

Enrollment: Cape Fear is among the largest of North Carolina's 59 community colleges. Over 25,000 people attend classes at CFCC every year. The College's enrollment in credit programs topped 6,900 in the fall 2003 semester. Over 5,000 individuals are enrolled in various Continuing Education courses during any semester.

Economic Impact: For every dollar spent by county taxpayers in support of CFCC, $32.61 goes back into the local economy.
Employees: The College has 420 full-time employees. The college also employs several hundred part-time employees as well.

Campus Expansion: As one of the fastest growing community colleges in North Carolina, CFCC is expanding its facilities to accommodate the increasing needs of students. The McKeithan Center on CFCC's 142-acre North Campus in northern New Hanover County opened in the fall of 2002. A second North Campus building focused on Vocational and Technican training opened in the fall of 2005.

Student Demographics: 80% white; 20% non-white; 53% female; 47% male. The average age of a CFCC student is 29.

Current Weather Information

Live GOES Eastern US SECTOR IR Image

Current NWS Radar - WIlmington   OSEI Significant Event Image of the Day

Current NOAA GOES 12 X-ray image of the sun's surface and corona. Data from n3kl.org.

Courtesy of NOAA