Maine public universities ramp up online offerings for high-demand careers

University of Maine Presque Isle student working at a laptop.

Photo / Courtesy of University of Maine at Presque Isle The University of Maine System plans to add to it online offerings with six degree programs in fast-growing fields. Shown here is student in the YourPace program at University of Maine at Presque Isle.

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By Alexis Wells

The University of Maine System trustees approved six new fully online degree programs this week.

The programs will use existing faculty and shared accreditation to provide working adults with options to advance in high-demand careers, including early childhood education, human services, medical laboratory science and homeland security.

The UMaine System approved the following programs: a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education at UMaine Presque Isle; a bachelor’s in medical laboratory science offered jointly by UMaine and UMPI; a master’s in homeland security at UMaine Fort Kent; a master’s in American studies at UMPI; and associate degrees in human services and early childhood education at UMPI.

"While no single institution has the capacity to fully address the state’s workforce needs, by partnering across Maine’s public universities and leveraging the tools of technology and our innovative unified accreditation, the University of Maine System is the state’s leading source of talent and opportunity,” said Chancellor Dannel Malloy.

“These new online programs reflect our collective commitment to advancing Mainers’ upward mobility and our state’s workforce and economy through affordable, flexible pathways to in-demand degrees," he added.

The latest initiative to be cleared for launch as part of a broader UMaine System effort established in its 2023 strategic plan, aiming to double fully online academic offerings by 2028. The system now offers more than 200 programs that can be completed online.

Established in 1968, the University of Maine System comprises Maine’s seven public universities, including 10 campuses and numerous satellite locations. The system serves more than 30,000 students annually and has over 5,000 faculty and staff.