Study Liberal Arts in Maine
Maine is a unique state that has a relatively low population spread out amongst its mountains, forests, and rocky coastlines. Along with its residents are colleges and universities in every corner of the state. Given the rural nature of Maine, online learning has become a popular option for students wishing to get a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts.
The colleges listed below offer online and on-campus options for degrees in liberal arts, liberal studies, and interdisciplinary studies degree programs, to name a few. Each program offers the flexibility you need to finish your degree no matter where you live in the Pine Tree State.
Liberal Arts Bachelor’s Programs in Maine
Listed below are some of the popular schools offering liberal arts bachelor’s programs in Maine:
- University of Maine-Augusta
- Saint Joseph’s College of Maine
- University of Southern Maine
- University of Maine-Presque Isle
- Thomas College
- Bowdoin College
- Husson University
- Bates College
- Unity College
- University of New England
University of Maine-Augusta
Bachelor of Arts – Liberal Studies
At the University of Maine-Augusta, you can complete a 121-credit Liberal Studies Bachelor of Arts program in about four years of full-time studies. This program is offered on campus in Augusta or online nationwide.
Unlike many liberal arts programs, this one allows you to select a wide range of courses without identifying a concentration. So, you will take classes in math, science, humanities, and social sciences as the bulk of your credits with a minor to supplement those courses. The degree is broken down into three primary categories: general education requirements, electives, and a minor.
The general education portion of the curriculum includes 31 credits of English, math, fine arts, humanities, social science, and computer information systems. The selection of courses is not set in stone; you are free to choose classes that fulfill each category of coursework.
For example, the fine arts component can be satisfied by taking any art, art history, drama, music, or creative writing course at UMA. The computer information systems requirement can be met by taking either Introduction to Computer Applications or Introduction to Computer Science. As another example, the humanities requirement can be fulfilled by taking American studies, foreign language, philosophy, or history, to name but four options.
The bulk of the degree requirements – 75 to 77 credits – come in the form of major-area electives. The only stipulations for completing this portion of the degree is that 33-36 credits are at the 100-level or higher and 42 credits are at the 300-400 levels. Other than that, you’re free to choose whatever electives best fit your academic and career goals.
If, for example, you want to focus your studies on natural sciences, you would take courses in biology, chemistry, and environmental science. If you prefer to focus on mathematics, you would take courses in algebra, trigonometry, and calculus.
Of course, you can get creative with the electives you take and create a unique program of study. Perhaps you combine interests in the natural sciences and mathematics and take a blend of courses from each discipline. As another example, you might study marine biology and economics to reflect the importance of ocean-based businesses to Maine’s economy.
The final component of the degree is an 18-credit minor course of study. UMA offers dozens of minors, ranging from Women’s Studies to History to Small Business Management. Other options include the following:
- Machine Learning
- Cyber Forensics
- Behavioral Science
- Music Business
- Photography
You can either choose a minor that is directly related to your major-area electives or choose one that’s indirectly related. For example, you might pair a cyber forensics minor with major-area studies in accounting and finance. These areas are directly related to one another and can prepare you for graduate work in forensic accounting. As another example, you might combine major studies in psychology with a minor in behavioral science to prepare for graduate school in counseling.
The application process is simple:
- Submit an online application
- Submit official high school transcripts, GED scores, or HiSET scores
- Submit official transcripts from every college or university you have attended
Applying to UMA is free. The university is test-optional, so ACT or SAT scores are not required to apply.
Saint Joseph’s College of Maine
Bachelor of Science – Interdisciplinary Studies
The Interdisciplinary Studies Bachelor of Science at Saint Joseph’s College of Maine is a 120-credit online degree that offers a number of flexible features to help you finish your degree faster. On the one hand, the school has a generous transfer policy (up to 90 credits can be transferred), so as long as your previous college credits are from a regionally accredited college or university, there’s a good chance they will apply to your degree.
On the other hand, Saint Joseph’s offers an accelerated timeline for completing the degree with four terms per year rather than the traditional three terms per year. Not only that, but the school offers a fast-track option that helps you finish your bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in less time.
As is typical of interdisciplinary studies degrees, you have the power to customize the curriculum to meet your specific needs. Of the 120 credits needed to graduate, 36 are in your chosen concentrations. You will choose two areas to specialize in, each with 18 credits of coursework. These specializations are chosen from approved minors. Options include the following:
- Accounting
- Adult Education and Training
- Business Administration
- Criminal Justice
- Health Administration
- Human Services
- Long-Term Care Administration
- Psychology
- Social Service Profession
- Theology Minor
So, you might combine minors in criminal justice and adult education and training as preparation for a career as a probation and parole officer. Or, you might combine health administration and human services to prepare for a career managing a rehabilitation center or nursing home.
The accounting minor is unique in that it can only be combined with the business administration minor. Accounting is also not available as a standalone minor. Another unique option is theology. This minor can be part of the fast-track curriculum that allows you to begin your studies in a Master of Arts in Theology program faster than typically possible.
There are three other categories of courses you must complete to graduate with an interdisciplinary studies degree: the core curriculum, interdisciplinary studies courses, and general electives.
The core curriculum consists of general education classes that form the basis of your education. These courses are usually taken during the first and second years of the program and include studies in broad academic fields like science, social sciences, math, and the arts. In all, you will complete 42 credits of coursework in this part of the curriculum.
Two three-credit interdisciplinary studies courses are also required. Introduction to Interdisciplinary Studies is a foundations-level course that prepares you for studying multiple subjects from multiple perspectives. This course is taken at the beginning of the program.
The second course is a Bachelor of Science Capstone that you will complete at the end of the program. Think of it as a summative learning experience during which you utilize the knowledge and skills you have gained in the program to complete a detailed research project.
The remaining coursework includes general electives of your choosing. These courses can be from any academic discipline, though it is prudent to choose electives that support your primary studies in the two minors you select.
Applying is free and only requires you to fill out an application and submit official transcripts from your high school and any colleges or universities you have attended.
University of Southern Maine
Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies
The online Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies from the University of Southern Maine is another excellent option for completing your undergraduate degree in the Pine Tree State. The online nature of this program gives you the most flexibility for getting your education because you can tend to your coursework at times most convenient for you. Continue working in your current job while you finish your degree, and when you graduate, you wil have a new skill set that can lead to a better-paying, more satisfying career.
In fact, USM offers a unique 7-week online course format for some classes that allows you to finish a course faster. Not only that, but 7-week courses are taken one at a time, so you only have to worry about a class or two at any given moment. USM also allows you to finish a 7-week course in a subsequent session.
For example, let’s say you’re taking a U.S. history course in the 7-week format, but four weeks into it, you have a medical emergency and can’t complete the class. You can come back to USM after you recover and pick up the course where you left off in a later session. This type of flexibility makes these 7-week classes extremely popular. Traditional 15-week courses are offered as well. USM even offers 4-week winter sessions and 4- and 7-week summer sessions during which you can take extra courses so you can complete your degree faster.
This program has other interesting features of note. For example, you can participate in one-on-one career advising and meet with tutors online to help you manage your studies. This program also offers an accelerated pathway to the University of Maine’s School of Law if becoming an attorney is your ultimate career goal. You might also qualify for special tuition rates if you live in the New England area.
This program specifically focuses on the humanities. As such, the 36 credits of required courses focus on areas like history, philosophy, and English. For example, you will take classes such as:
- Introducing the Humanities
- Origins of Mediterranean Civilizations
- World History 750 CE to Present
- Topics in the Humanities
- Capstone in the Humanities
You will also take two philosophy courses at the 200 level or above, two English courses at the 200 level or above, and three other upper-level courses (300 or 400 level) in English, history, and philosophy.
In addition to these classes, you must also complete the university core requirements. As noted earlier, the core requirements include basic courses in major disciplines like the physical sciences, social sciences, math, and the arts. You will also complete a variety of free electives in areas of your choosing. The combination of electives, core requirements, and required coursework gets you to the 120 credits needed to graduate.
USM offers year-round admissions. You must complete the following steps to be considered for admission:
- Submit an application for admission and the relevant application fee
- Submit official high school transcripts, GED scores, or HiSET scores
- Submit official transcripts from every college or university you have attended
A personal statement is recommended but not required. ACT and SAT scores are not considered as part of the admissions process.
University of Maine-Presque Isle
Bachelor of Liberal Studies
The University of Maine-Presque Isle’s Bachelor of Liberal Studies program requires 120 credits to complete. It is a self-designed curriculum (with the input of your academic advisor) that allows you the freedom to study disciplines most relevant to your goals while also giving you a comprehensive education that prepares you for the next step in your journey.
You can use a degree like this to ready yourself for the world of work, graduate school, or professional school. No matter which option you choose, this degree will help you gain relevant skills and knowledge that will make your next pursuit all the more successful.
This program offers the benefit of several concentrations to choose from. In addition to a general concentration, you can select one of the following:
- Educational Studies
- Management
- Accounting
- Project Management
- Management Information Systems
As an example, let’s say you select the Accounting option. It includes six courses (three credits each) that give you a solid foundation of accounting knowledge. You will take courses like Introduction to Financial Accounting, Managerial Accounting, Intermediate Accounting, and Federal Taxation.
Now let’s say you prefer the Management option. In that case, you would take 18 credits of coursework in subjects such as Change Management, Leadership, Business Communications, and Human Resource Management. Each of the concentration areas available to you require six courses for a total of 18 credits.
Though each of these concentrations has different subject-area course requirements, they are all 120 credits in length. Likewise, each concentration requires you to complete the same liberal studies general requirements. These courses include studies in the following categories:
- Written and Oral Communications
- Critical and Creative Thinking
- Quantitative and Scientific Reasoning
- Information Literacy
- Global Consciousness and Intercultural Awareness
Moreover, you are required to complete an 18-credit minor as part of your studies. Many students choose a minor that’s complementary to their major (e.g., pairing accounting with management), though this is not required. You can choose an unrelated minor that broadens your educational horizons.
The final part of this degree is 24 or more elective credits. Electives are your choice – you can take whatever courses suit your unique needs. The only requirement is that the electives must be upper-level.
This degree uses competency-based education to speed up the process of getting your degree. You can use previous coursework, work experience, and prior knowledge to master content more quickly. Another unique feature is that courses are offered in 8-week sessions, so you can complete each course faster. What’s more, you can take as many courses you like in an 8-week session and pay the same flat-rate tuition.
Another advantage of this program is that it’s completely self-paced. There are no weekly deadlines and no online class meetings to attend, so you’re in complete control of how quickly or slowly you finish your coursework.
Admissions requirements for the program are as follows:
- Be 20 years of age or older at the time you apply
- Have a high school diploma, GED, or passing HiSET score
- Submit official high school transcripts
- Submit official transcripts from every college or university you have attended
- Have a 1.75 cumulative GPA from your most recently attended institution
- Submit a resume
Thomas College
Bachelor of Science in Business and Liberal Arts
At Thomas College, you can specialize your learning in a Bachelor of Science in Business and Liberal Arts. This program is extremely unique and is the only one of its kind in Maine. At 121 credits, it typically takes four years to complete. However, there is a fast-track three-year option that allows you to finish your studies a full year ahead of schedule.
The business-liberal arts focus of this program means you will take specialized courses in managerial decision-making, ethics, and global citizenship. You will also take courses that focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Likewise, you will gain essential leadership and critical thinking skills that are crucial for establishing oneself in the business world. In fact, this program specifically offers leadership development courses and activities to enhance your ability to take charge and lead a team effectively.
As is the case for any liberal arts-related degree, you must complete a variety of courses to graduate. Of the 121 credits needed to finish this program, you will take general education requirements, free electives, and key major-related courses, such as:
- Statistical Inference
- Decision-Making
- Psychology
- Philosophy
- Social Justice
You can enhance your classroom-based studies with internship opportunities in your field. For example, you might choose an internship at a local manufacturing facility where you learn how to effectively manage a team of workers. Alternatively, you might use the diversity focus of this program to complete an internship with a local nonprofit that assists immigrants in finding housing, jobs, and other necessities.
The knowledge and skills you gain in this program are helpful for seeking employment in a variety of fields. For example, Thomas College suggests this program to prepare you for jobs in business strategy, nonprofit management, or hospitality. Other options include entrepreneurship, arts and entertainment, or continuing your education in graduate or law school. In fact, the school has a Guaranteed Job Program – you will have a job within six months. That’s how confident Thomas College is in the education you get!
Whatever your career ambitions might be, you will be ready for the challenges ahead thanks to a rigorous curriculum taught by professors who are experts in their fields (the program’s professors come from many different academic disciplines, including communications, English, and business). You will also benefit from small class sizes and abundant student support services to help you make the most of your time at Thomas College.
You can apply to Thomas College using the Thomas College app or the Common app. Either one is free. When applying, provide the following required documentation:
- Official high school transcripts
- Official transcripts from every college or university you have attended
- One letter of recommendation (though two letters are highly recommended)
It’s also suggested you submit an essay in support of your application. Alternatively, you can provide your ACT or SAT scores. The essay and test scores are optional, though. Once accepted, you can apply for a variety of need-based and merit-based scholarships and other financial aid to help offset the cost of your education.
Is UMaine a Liberal Arts School?
The University of Maine (UMaine) is not classified as a liberal arts college. It is a public research university and the flagship institution of the University of Maine System. UMaine offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs across various fields, including the sciences, engineering, business, education, and the humanities.
While it does offer liberal arts programs, its designation as a research university signifies a broader academic and research scope than that typically found at a liberal arts college. Liberal arts colleges are typically characterized by their focus on undergraduate education in the liberal arts and sciences, smaller student populations, and a commitment to developing well-rounded individuals through a broad-based education.
What are the Liberal Arts Career Opportunities in Maine?
With a liberal arts background, you can pursue many different careers in Maine. One example is to use a foreign language-focused degree to work in public service. With close proximity to French Canada, a degree in French could come in very handy. You might also use a liberal arts degree focusing on foreign language to work in a school setting as a teacher’s assistant, where you can help with foreign language lessons.
In the field of education, you have the opportunity to impact future generations as a teacher in K-12 schools or in higher education institutions. Maine’s commitment to education also offers paths in educational administration and policy, where your skills can contribute to shaping educational frameworks and improving student outcomes.
Government and public policy offer another avenue where your analytical and communication skills are highly valued. Working within local, state, or federal agencies, you can engage in policy analysis, legislative support, or public administration, contributing to the development and implementation of policies that affect the lives of Maine’s residents.
The business sector, including Maine’s growing industries such as healthcare, technology, and tourism, values the adaptability and problem-solving capabilities of liberal arts graduates. Roles in marketing, human resources, public relations, and sales allow you to leverage your understanding of human behavior and effective communication to meet organizational goals.
Environmental organizations and initiatives in Maine offer unique opportunities to engage with conservation efforts, sustainability projects, and environmental education. Your liberal arts background, particularly if it includes environmental studies, positions you well to contribute to Maine’s leadership in environmental stewardship.
Since liberal arts degrees help build skills like communications, you could also use your degree to work as a reporter or journalist. Many liberal arts programs offer business-related specializations, too, so you might use your degree to start your own business. The possibilities are endless!