Maine public universities to test shorter degree programs for adult learners

Photo / Courtesy University of Maine System As part of a pilot program being rolled out by Maine's public universities, the University of Maine at Augusta will offer a 90-credit online bachelor's degree program in applied public administration.

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By Alexis Wells

To get adult learners into Maine's workforce faster, some of the state's public universities will pilot a shortened online degree program to get adult learners into the workforce faster.

University of Maine System board of trustees unanimously approved the plan earlier this week for five applied bachelor's programs that can be completed in 90 credits rather than then 120-credit required in traditional undergraduate programs.

The pilot is limited to adult learners who do not hold a degree and have been out of higher education for at least two years

“This initiative reflects the commitment of our public universities to be nimble and responsive to changing educational and workforce needs by providing an innovative approach to help those many adults who need to complete degrees but are balancing work and family responsibilities a new and easier way to do so,” Trish Riley, chair of the board of trustees, said in a news release.

The first 90-credit degree programs in the U.S. were launched online by institutions based in the northwestern United States this year. Johnson and Wales University in Rhode Island, which like the University of Maine System is accredited by the New England Commission for Higher Education, will begin offering the first in-person 90-credit degree programs starting this fall.

For Maine public universities will participate in this state's pilot program, offering fast-tracked degrees in applied college studies, applied public administration, applied business management, applied psychology and applied liberal studies. The programs will be available online at schools and campuses in Augusta, Fort Kent, Machias and Presque Isle.

In Augusta, the 90-credit applied program in applied public administration was developed directly in response to workforce needs identified by the Maine Municipal Association, which reports 400 openings in municipal government across the state.

The system seek accreditation for the programs from the New England Commission for Higher Education. If approved, the plan is to roll out the new programs as early as next summer.

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.