Graduate Schools in Maine | ME Graduate Programs

Living and Learning in Maine

A laidback cultural charm in the cities sits easily against the forested hills and the rocky shores and islands in Maine. Augusta, Bangor, Portland, and Bar Harbor provide an inspiring cultural setting, while the quiet confines in the north and west offer an idyllic and inspired pastoral setting.

Wherever you choose to study, Maine offers a four-season climate – colorful springs and falls, cold winters, and warm summers. Portland serves as a national airport gateway with other cities easily accessible via regional airports. Boston is the closest international airport. Regular Amtrak trains connect Boston while buses also provide transportation. A car is essential.

Getting Outside

Maine is truly an outdoor lovers paradise, perfect for active adventures or quiet meditation. From the forested highlands in the west down east to the craggy coastlines are national parks, scenic vistas, glass-clear lakes, waterfalls, islands, and so much more. Watch the sun rise from Acadia National Park or hike the forested trails in the Western Lakes and Mountains regions. Road trip the coastal shores for beach excursions, lobster-shack lunches, and some whale watching. Leaf-peepers won’t have to look far for autumn’s bright red, yellows, and oranges. Winter can be a bit chilly so dress warm and go snowmobiling, sledding, or skiing. Don’t want to stray too far from campus? All the cities and towns are filled with green spaces both inside and outside of town.

Culture

You can immerse yourself in literature, well-curated art museums, minor league sports, performing arts, and history throughout the cities and towns of Maine. Uncover a piece American history at Victoria Mansion in Portland, built during the Civil War or marvel at the historic homes in Portland and Lewiston; explore eight museums on the Maine Art Museum Trail; take in one of the many festivals around the state from food and art happenings to Native American and other cultural events; or chill with the locals at a small coastal fishing village, where you just might here a mythical but true story of the sea.

The Food Scene

Three words: Lobster, lobster, and lobster. It’s everywhere, from fine dining spots in Portland and Bangor to the simple shacks serving up buttery lobster rolls everywhere along the coast. Of course, along with lobster comes some of the freshest seafood on the east coast – shrimp, clams, scallops, oysters, and a bounty of North Atlantic fish.

Maine also grows some of the lushest and tastiest blueberries in the country – especially at breakfast, where pancakes and muffins comes stuffed with blueberries. More dining diversity is in the cities while the smaller towns stick with simple, hearty American fare.

Maine also has a growing craft brew scene, with breweries offering tours and tastings. A craft brew and a lobster roll is all you really need here.

Major Maine Industries

Students going to grad school in Maine can pursue several post-graduate opportunities including those in education, business, and nursing.

City Living

Craggy coastlines, sandy beaches, mountains, and forests – Maine is certainly known for its rugged and inspiring outdoor beauty. Amid this natural wonderland, the cities and towns offer an understated Northeastern charm and provide relaxed places to go to grad school. These cities snapshot the best urban centers in Maine:

• Portland
• Lewiston
• Bangor
• Orono

Portland

Despite a population of some 65,000, the seaside town of Portland looks and feels a lot bigger. Indeed, it’s the largest city in Maine and enchants with charming cobblestone streets, a history that dates back to the 17th century, museums and galleries, fresh seafood, craft breweries, funky boutiques, and more. The influx of new residents have certainly inspired the character of the town and brought a fresh energy. Art lovers can wander among Picassos, Matisses, and Monets at the Portland Museum of Art and the galleries in the Arts District around Congress Street. Stroll the cobblestone streets of the Old Port, lined with boutiques and cafes. In the warmer months, outdoor enthusiasts can boat, chill on the beach, or bike the promenades. Portland is full of green spaces for all sorts of activities – walking, hiking, picnics, and more. Nearby Bradbury Mountain State Park provides an easy hiking path that will take you to the top for panoramic views.

Lewiston

An hour north of Portland, Maine’s second largest city bristles with a vibrant culture underneath and industrial backdrop. Home to a number of universities, the city offers a rich diversity of places to study and get inspired. The Lewiston Public Library holds a stellar collection of books – some 100,000 titles – while the Bates College Museum of Art and the Atrium Gallery are perfect spots to take in some art, while The Franco Center and the Public Theatre offer a variety of performing arts. A full calendar of festivals and myriad outdoor adventures and activities round out the Lewiston mix.

Bangor

Set in the scenic highlands, Bangor provides an understated cultural and historical vibe. The University of Maine is the city’s draw, but it also holds a number of historic building and monuments as well as annual cultural happenings and performing arts events – in late August, the city hosts the American Folk Festival, which draws to band and musicians from around the country. Bangor is also the gateway to Mount Desert Island and Acadia National Park, which provide a plethora of outdoor excursions such as sailing, canoeing, fishing, hiking, skiing, and snowmobiling. Plus, you’re only 20 miles from the Atlantic coast!

Orono

Lined with 19th-century historic homes on Main Street, the amiable town of Orono charms with a college town vibe. The University of Maine holds sway, and infuses the hamlet with a gentle dose of culture that flows as easy as the Stillwater River that runs through town. The university is actually located on an island and has many cultural happenings – Broadway shows, concerts, and art exhibits. Relaxing recreation opportunities abound inside and outside the city – golf at Penobscot Valley Country Club, fish on Pushaw Lake, or take in the flora and fauna while wandering the 10 natural areas and trails.

Fun Fact

A native Mainer, horror writer Stephen King sets most of his books in Maine – Pet Sematary, Carrie, and Salem’s Lot, to name a few, are all set in small Maine towns.

Explore Graduate Schools in Maine

Prospective graduate students can find several public universities, private colleges, and community colleges in Maine. You may find one that suits not only your area of study but also one that has an environment that fits your lifestyle. The following are a few highlights:

• University of Maine
• University of Southern Maine
• Husson University
• University of New England

Popular Graduate Programs in Maine

Maine offers several graduate school opportunities around the state, especially in Bangor and Portland. Other communities also offer opportunities to pursue a graduate degree in Maine. Here are some of the top options to study at the graduate level.

Nursing

The curriculum for the Nursing Program at the University of Maine provides a theoretical and clinical base that enables graduates to engage in advanced professional practice, either through the role of the nurse practitioner or the nurse educator. At the University of New England in Portland, the Master of Science in Nurse Anesthesia and CRNA program readies graduate students in two-phases including focusing on anesthesia theory and practice. The Master of Science in Nursing at Husson University focuses on Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nursing, Family and Community Nurse Practitioner, and Nursing Education. At the University of Southern Maine, the Nursing program ensures that every student acquires the ability to analyze, synthesize, and utilize knowledge through engaging in interprofessional collaboration, using research, quality improvement methods, and contemporary technology.

Business

At the University of Southern Maine, the Master of Business Administration program prepares students for executive positions in business and not-for-profit organizations, emphasizing development of interpersonal skills, written and oral communications skills, and the critical thinking tools of general management. Similarly, the Master of Business Administration at St. Joseph’s College in Standish helps students develop the analytical and critical thinking skills for sound judgment and effective problem solving as well as the development of communication and intra- and inter-personal skills, essential for fostering productive relationships. At Thomas College, the Master of Business Administration in Project Management program helps students establish important connections and develop an arsenal of approaches and techniques proven to work in all kinds of settings. The Leadership, Ethics & Change graduate program at University of New England provides students with a thorough foundation in educational leadership theory, principles, and practices including team building, decision-making, and motivational techniques.

Education

The Secondary Education Program at the University of Maine can develop curriculums for individuals whose interests and occupations are similar or closely allied to teaching such as environmental educators with government agencies, consultants, and health services personnel. At Thomas College, the Master of Science in Literacy Education delivers coursework focused on literacy education, and allows students to gain an advanced education in instruction and leadership in small, project-based classes. Husson University‘s Master of Science in School Counseling program prepares graduates for working collaboratively as a guidance counselor within a K-12 school setting. The Master of Science in Education: Career & Technical Education at University of New England seeks to focus students on improving instructional and curricular competencies as well as the development of leadership skills.

Public Affairs & Social Sciences

The Master of Social Work program at the University of New England uses a Learning Through Action teaching method in which faculty members, in partnership with other University resources and community organizations, create several innovative, context-based learning opportunities for students. At the University of Maine, the Master of Arts in Economics helps students identify the economic content of a problem, develop hypotheses, apply appropriate analytical tools and models, and develop policy alternatives. The Public Health graduate program at the University of New England is designed to enhance students’ skills in a variety of professional public health areas including global health, program development and planning, financial management, leadership, and more. At the University of Maine, the Peace and Reconciliation Studies graduate program is an interdisciplinary examination of the conditions that make for peace, with a special emphasis on reconciliation (forgiveness) as a vital factor in the realization of peace.

Find a Graduate School in Maine

Want to pursue a graduate degree in Maine? You’ll find a variety of schools and settings from which to choose. It’s simple! Set your filters with the menu bar – degree level, subject, etcetera. Choose graduate programs in Maine based on your preferences. Then apply with the on-page form. You’re ready to go!