Pathways
Early College Pathways
Early College career pathways are the gateway for students to explore career paths while earning up to 16 college credits.
Each of our online pathways is a concentration in individual areas combined with essential general education requirements.
Set up an appointment with our Early College Advisor, Seth Ordway, to discuss career pathway options and any questions about the career pathway structure and registration process.
Structured Plan
Each pathway consists of a specific set of courses focused on a particular career field or area of study, along with general education courses.
Explore Careers and/or Majors of Interest
Pathways are designed to align to majors, careers, and general areas of study that students may be interested in, allowing them to explore those interests with purpose and intentionality through Early College.
Opportunity for Self-Reflection, Learning, and Personal Growth
Pathways create opportunities for students to test their interests, reflect on their experiences, and develop a stronger sense of their goals after high school.
Important Notes:
‒Students do not need to enroll in a pathway to take early college courses.
‒Completing a pathway does not result in a credential or degree.
‒There is no penalty if a student does not complete, or chooses not to complete, a pathway; all credit will still be earned for completing individual courses
Credits with Purpose
Students can earn meaningful, transferable credits that are more likely to fit into their future degree programs. This may allow for flexibility in course loads, study time, and additional opportunities, such as pursuing a double major, adding minors, studying abroad, or even completing a degree in a shorter time frame, which can save students money. Learn more about why this is important on our Credits with a Purpose Page.
Clear Educational Roadmap
Pathways offer a structured plan that simplifies course selection, connects career interests with potential academic programs of relevance, and outlines a clear path from high school to college. This clarity enables students to make well-informed choices throughout their Early College experience.
Strategic Skill Development: Planning & Goal Setting
By participating in a pathway, students cultivate essential skills like self-reflection, strategic scheduling, and goal setting. These skills not only reflect their dedication to higher education and thoughtful planning but also can provide an advantage when applying for scholarships, internships, jobs, and colleges.
Important Notes:
‒If you plan to attend a specific University of Maine System (UMS) campus, then we recommend exploring the pathways offered by that campus.
‒For more information about how courses transfer from one campus to another, you can find more information on the Course Information Page under Transfer Equivalency Information.
To sign up for a pathway please navigate to your ExplorEC account and click on ‘My Career Pathway(s)’.
Pathways
Schedule an Advising Appointment with Early College
Get more out of your Early College experience by setting up an appointment with our Early College Advisor, Seth Ordway. Discuss course options, career pathways, and any questions you might have about taking Early College courses with the University of Maine and it’s regional campus at Machias.
