A master’s program in maritime archaeology is planned at the University of Helsinki with inauguration in 2023 if facilitated by the Faculty. In support of this planning, research into what factors contribute to the long-term success of a degree program in maritime archaeology was carried out. Professionals with existing and past work experience in higher education in maritime archaeology and underwater heritage management were interviewed and an online questionnaire was distributed. The interview and questionnaire results are combined in this report with a review of literature in the development of higher education in maritime archaeology. The results indicate that the most common reason for a degree program to be cancelled is staff discontinuity. Maritime archaeology programs are often run with minimum staff and when a person retires or leaves, they may not be replaced. Two factors that can be anticipated in curriculum design were identified as important for the long-term success of a degree program in maritime archaeology. 1) Integration of teaching with other teaching at the home institution, most importantly, archaeology, heritage studies, and history, for careful balance between theory and practice. 2) Close collaboration and engagement in dialogue with other academic and non-academic institutions and communities for successful anticipation of expectations and inclusion in teaching. Drawing from these results the report also includes a suggestion for a curriculum in maritime archaeology.