Academic Programs

The University of Maine (UMaine) offers the extensive academic opportunities expected from a major research university, with the close-knit feel of a small college. The University of Maine is Maine's Flagship University, offering the most comprehensive academic experience in the state. There are nearly 100 majors and academic programs, 75 graduate degree programs and 35 doctoral programs. UMaine students have extraordinary opportunities to gain real-world experience through research and experiential learning. Undergraduates have the opportunity to collaborate with faculty, conduct fieldwork, and participate in internships around the world. At UMaine, students will get the skills they need to succeed in today's competitive marketplace. To explore what UMaine has to offer, visit go.umaine.edu.

Undergraduate Research

Undergraduate research is a major component of the learning atmosphere. The University of Maine offers students hands-on research experience, as early as their first year on campus. UMaine is the state's largest research university, providing rich and diverse opportunities to publish findings, travel the globe, and work alongside UMaine's world-class scholars and researchers. The Center of Undergraduate Research connects students with faculty projects applicable to their academic interests and future careers. The abundance of research opportunities also provides students with great mentoring connections between faculty and students that carry benefits beyond the classroom.

Innovation

The Foster Center for Student Innovation was launched in 2006 to expose students to real-world workplace dynamics they will encounter as UMaine graduates. Students have the opportunity to collaborate on projects, develop new innovative ideas, and create business models, as well as gain entrepreneurial skills.

Location

UMaine students are surrounded by the great outdoors and have ample opportunity to explore everything that Maine has to offer. Orono is nestled between the Stillwater and Penobscot rivers. The campus has a traditional New England feel with ivy-covered brick buildings, towering pines, and beautiful fall foliage that is second to none. UMaine is near some of the best skiing in the Northeast, as well as tourist attractions such as Bar Harbor, Acadia National Park and Maine's major metropolitan cities. UMaine's campus is approximately 12 miles from Bangor, 140 miles from Portland and 250 miles from Boston.

Campus Life

The University of Maine hosts many on-campus programs and opportunities for students to explore and meet new people. There are over 200 clubs and organizations for students to get involved in, such as Greek Life, Woodsmen's Team, Robotics Club, Spanish Club, and more. The Campus Activities Board also puts on free events during the school year, including movies, karaoke, game nights, and astronomy shows. Students can join an intramural team or cheer on the UMaine Black Bears Division I teams.

Residence Halls

First-year students have the option of living in one of seven residence halls on campus. Living on campus puts students right in the middle of all UMaine has to offer. It increases students' opportunities to meet new friends, access faculty and staff, and encourages them to get involved in clubs, organizations, and campus events.

Dining

UMaine students have the option to choose an unlimited meal plan to use at three all-you-care-to-eat dining halls and other on-campus dining venues featuring homemade cuisine like burgers, burritos, sandwiches, pizza, pasta, sushi, and more. UMaine also supports locally sourced food grown by neighboring farmers and even some of our students. Bring a big appetite to UMaine!

Athletics and Recreation

The University of Maine is the only NCAA Division I school in the state. It is home to storied men's and women's sports teams, including basketball, football, ice hockey, and soccer. UMaine's Intercollegiate Athletics program provides athletic opportunities and academic support for hundreds of students. Many UMaine athletes have gone on to play professionally because of the amazing support and training they received at UMaine. Whether it's on the field or in the stands, student passion creates a Black Bear nation full of pride.

Student Success

UMaine provides a comprehensive academic student experience, yielding graduates who are well educated and well adjusted, and prepared to succeed after graduation and assume leadership roles in their respective careers. Students who graduate from UMaine carry their degrees and knowledge far beyond the classroom, making them highly competitive in the workplace and graduate school. Students in the Computer Science program have interned with Apple, gone on to work for Microsoft and are sought after by Google. Maine Business School alumni are now the vice president at IBM, CFO of Home Depot, and a partner at Deloitte. Many Political Science majors intern in state government and Congressional offices. Students in the Communication and Journalism program have succeeded in internships at Seventeen Magazine and the Boston Globe, setting them up for careers at places like National Geographic and NPR. Engineering students also have the incredible opportunity to develop new and innovative products used by the United States military and NASA. More perspective on the UMaine student experience can be found in our student profiles.

Virtual Tour

Get a feel for UMaine through a virtual tour. Or schedule a time to come visit campus!