Promoted to lieutenant in 1827, he served in the East India, Mediterranean, and Pacific Squadrons.

He took command of the sloop USS Dale, in May 1847 and participated in the capture of Mazatlán and Guaymas.

He was promoted to commodore on July 16, 1862 and commanded the Mare Island Navy Yard until 1864.

In 1867, he was promoted to the rank of rear admiral on the retired list to date from 25 July 1866 in honor of his long and distinguished career.

Rear Admiral Selfridge died in Waverley (now part of Belmont, Massachusetts) in 1902 at the age of 98.