Welcome to Maine Studies

Congratulations to Blossom Kravitz, who received the Master of Arts in Liberal Studies with a concentration in Maine Studies, May, 2013. Her thesis is titled, “Maine Crab: A Study of the Fishery with an Emphasis on Crab Picking.”
Blossom’s study of Maine’s crab industry included photographs and interviews with crab pickers, fishermen, scientists, policy makers, and entrepreneurs. In the photo above, a crate of fresh rock crabs arrive at Angela Murphy’s picking house. (Photo by Blossom Kravitz)

The Maine Studies program at The University of Maine (UM) offers students the opportunity to pursue the study of Maine through courses in history, literature, women’s studies, art, political science, geology, geography, Franco-American studies, and Native-American studies. The program recognizes the value of interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary approaches to understanding historical and contemporary issues such as developing Maine’s economy, protecting its environment, and appreciating the cultures of the state’s diverse population.

The Maine Studies program offers students three academic tracks: the 18 credit hour Minor in Maine Studies, the 18 credit hour Certificate in Maine Studies, and the 30 credit hours Maine Studies Interdisciplinary Master of Arts in Liberal Studies (MALS).

Who should apply for a UM Maine Study program?

Students who plan to find a job in Maine in such fields as business, government, or social services will benefit from a multidisciplinary understanding of Maine. Education majors who expect to teach in Maine’s public schools will find the Maine Studies programs useful in preparing them to teach Maine Studies, a course mandated by the State of Maine through LD291. Students interested in Maine generally will enjoy a greater appreciation for the state’s cultural and physical landscapes.

All Maine Studies programs may be completed through distance technologies. Students in mid-coast Maine may also take Maine Studies courses at the Fred Hutchinson Center in Belfast. Courses there are offered in a class room setting, online, or via video conferencing. The University of Maine System Centers also offer selected Maine Studies graduate seminars. Please contact the Maine Studies office for more information.