Advances in information technology provide new tools and resources to optimize total life cycle of ships in terms of reliability, safety and the control of operating costs. Regulatory agencies and classification societies are moving towards risk-based/reliability-centered rule-making in the shipping industry. However, reliability, maintenance and risk assessment were not considered to be a part of the traditional Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering curriculum in the US. In this paper, the current status of existing curricula, accreditation requirements and new developments are presented. Finally, emerging needs of the maritime industry are discussed.