Romance Languages
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Many languages are useful in today’s global economy. United States businesses are expanding around the globe, and scientists increasingly work on multinational projects. The Department of Modern Languages and Classics prepares students to communicate
with and understand people from different cultures — modern and ancient — both abroad and at home. Students broaden their cultural and intellectual horizons by developing bilingual or multilingual critical thinking skills as they prepare for careers in commerce, education, government, engineering, science, art, law or service industries. Students may pursue a bachelor of arts degree in French, Spanish or romance languages (French and Spanish), as well as minors in French, Spanish, professional languages and classical studies. Students also can earn a certificate of proficiency in French and/or Spanish. Courses also are offered at the beginning and intermediate levels in German, and beginning level in Arabic, Hebrew, Latin and Mandarin. Irish Gaelic, Italian, Japanese, Hindi, Farsi, Korean, Turkish, Russian and Brazilian Portuguese are part of the Critical Languages (VOX) program, which focuses on developing conversational skills. Courses at all levels offer the opportunity to learn in small classes. Students pursuing a professional career can take courses leading to teacher certification or enroll in the Maine Business School’s master of business administration program. Several travel study courses, direct exchange and other study abroad programs are open to students in many destinations around the world, including France, Spain, Canada, Japan, Morocco, Jordan and China.
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View a printable fact sheet for Modern Languages and Classics (pdf)
Secondary Education
College of Education and Human Development
The secondary education program offers students the opportunity to combine an academic specialization in a subject area taught in grades 7–12 — mathematics, physical or life sciences, English, social studies or second languages (French or Spanish) — with preparation for becoming an effective teacher. Education majors are introduced to the teaching profession during their first two years through courses on the art and science of teaching, adolescent development, educational psychology, multicultural education and instructional technology. They also build a solid liberal arts background. Students then complete a teacher candidacy portfolio. Upon acceptance to teacher candidacy, students continue their specializations, and gain knowledge and skills in teaching and assessment, classroom management, teaching in their academic subject area, and adapting instruction for students with special needs. Their field placements in schools are preparation for the capstone experience in education: a full semester internship (student teaching) with experienced mentor teachers in grades 7–12 schools, learning the skills necessary to becoming successful beginning teachers.
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Social Work
College of Natural Sciences, Forestry, and Agriculture
The UMaine School of Social Work is dedicated to promoting excellence in social work practice to improve the quality of life for all people. Social workers help people cope with complex interpersonal and social problems, obtain the resources they need to live with dignity, and work for the social changes necessary to make society more responsive to people’s needs. The Bachelor of Science in social work program builds upon a solid liberal arts foundation with courses in human behavior and social environment, social welfare policies and issues, social work research, social work practice, and field instruction. During the junior and senior years, students complete field experiences and internships in agencies such as child protective services, medical social work, geriatric social work, community mental health, teen parent programs, and community services. The field practica are an integral part of the BSW education program and provides each student with the opportunity to apply classroom learning to hands-on social work practice. UMaine’s program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education and upon completion students qualify to sit for the Licensed Social Worker examination in the State of Maine and in many other states.
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View a printable fact sheet for Social Work (pdf)
Sociology
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Sociology offers courses designed to further the student’s comprehension and critical analysis of society and social relationships. The curriculum fosters an understanding of the sources and consequences of social inequality and the effects of race, ethnicity, social class and gender on social institutions and behavior. Sociology explores and challenges common assumptions from around the world and addresses many of today’s problems. Faculty encourage students to look at society in new ways. Optional concentrations are offered in crime, law and justice, as well as a minor in sociology. Employers are increasingly interested in hiring individuals who know about social interaction and organizational behavior. Careers exist in fields such as criminal justice, public relations, human resources management, industrial relations, organizational research, marketing, family counseling, community planning, teaching and health care.
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Spanish
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Through the Department of Modern Languages and Classics, students seeking to study Spanish can pursue a bachelor of arts degree in the language or a degree in romance languages (Spanish and French). Students also have the opportunity to pursue minors in Spanish, French, professional languages and classical studies, as well as earn a certificate of proficiency in Spanish and/or French. The department prepares students to communicate with and understand people from different cultures — modern and ancient — both abroad and at home. Students broaden their cultural and intellectual horizons by developing bilingual or multilingual critical thinking skills as they prepare for careers in commerce, education, government, engineering, science, art, law or service industries. Travel study courses are a key part of the Spanish program, and many direct exchange and other study abroad programs are open to students in destinations around the world, including Spain, France, Canada, Japan, Morocco, Jordan and China.
Visit the Modern Languages and Classics website
View a printable fact sheet for Modern Languages and Classics (pdf)
Studio Art
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
The emphasis of the studio art program is creative work in the areas of drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture and digital art. Elective studio work is available in photography, graphic design, and ceramics. The study of Art History is seen as necessary to intelligent studio development, as is the socializing of the student to attitudes, philosophies, and language of the contemporary art world. Most studio courses require that the student purchase a basic supply of necessary tools, equipment and supplies. Studio art degrees can lead to specialized work as an artist in one of the fine art areas, graduate study, or art-related jobs in government, industry and commerce involving digital art, Web design, commercial art and design and other skills. Studio art majors benefit from UMaine’s recently renovated, state-of-the-art facilities, including the Wyeth Family Studio Art Center — a visual arts complex featuring light, open, airy, purpose-built studios for painting, drawing, 3-D design, photography and printmaking — and Lord Hall which houses the expanded facilities for art education, art history and a gallery.
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View a printable fact sheet for Art (pdf)
Survey Engineering Technology
College of Engineering
In survey engineering technology (SVT), students are trained to embark on a career in professional surveying. SVT majors focus on surveying and engineering, blended with business and communications. Topics of study include construction surveying, photogrammetry, remote sensing, boundary law, civil engineering technology, cadastral surveying, global positioning systems, land development design and geographic information systems. In this field, graduates work in rural areas and large cities, in government agencies and private practice, in one-person firms and large multidiscipline companies. Often professional land surveyors ultimately own and operate their own firms.
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View a printable fact sheet for Surveying Engineering Techology (pdf)
Sustainable Agriculture
College of Natural Sciences, Forestry, and Agriculture
The School of Food and Agriculture at the University of Maine offers a Bachelor of Science degree in sustainable agriculture that provides students with the scientific background and hands-on experience to promote farming practices that are both ecologically and economically sound. The program is designed for students interested in working in the growing field of ecologically-based agriculture in areas of production, research, and education. The B.S. degree in sustainable agriculture can also be used as preparation for postgraduate study in a variety of disciplines.The program emphasizes: how to build soil tilth and fertility through rotations, multiple cropping and nutrient recycling; how to protect water quality and human health by decreasing the need to use synthetic agrochemicals; how to manage crop pests and livestock diseases with integrated, ecologically sound strategies; how to create a strong, diversified agriculture that is stable through market and weather fluctuations.
Visit the School of Food and Agriculture website
View a printable fact sheet for Sustainable Agriculture (pdf)
Theatre
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Within the context of a liberal arts education, the bachelor’s degree in theatre offered by the Division of Theatre and Dance, provides students an opportunity to study acting, directing, design and technology, as well as theatre history, performance studies and literature. The B.A. in theatre includes coursework in not only the performing arts, but also in social and behavioral sciences, arts and humanities, natural sciences and mathematics. The program’s focus is on learning through active participation in all aspects of performance and production. Many classes culminate in production and performance experiences, including acting, dancing, directing of original scripts, or staging of choreography. Students from other majors may minor in theatre or dance as part of their educational experience. The division has several performance facilities on campus, as well as rehearsal spaces and studios. Students have access to film- and video-editing equipment, professional audio equipment and a complete lighting inventory. Undergraduate study in theatre prepares students for graduate work in theatre and dance or in related fields of study. It also prepares students for theatre-related careers on and off the stage as teachers, actors, designers, dancers, directors, technicians, stage managers and producers. Others use their degree to enhance their success in education, business or legal professions.
Visit the School of Performing Arts website
View a printable fact sheet for Theatre/Dance (pdf)
Undecided/Explorations
Explorations/Undecided
Explorations is a nationally recognized, one-year program for first-year students who are undecided about a major. Program participants and assess their abilities, interests and goals while investigating the university’s various degree programs and numerous resources. Under the guidance of an adviser, students in Explorations take courses in areas of interest while also fulfilling general education requirements. The program is a unique opportunity to build a network of professionals on campus who guide students through their first year and quickly move them into their chosen major.
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View a printable fact sheet for Explorations (pdf)
University Studies
Division of Lifelong Learning
University studies is UMaine’s degree completion program for busy adults. Many adults who have some higher-education experience but have not completed a degree find that life circumstances or interests make a traditional major and on-campus study difficult. Often family, job and other responsibilities do not allow for full-time study. For these students, university studies provides an opportunity to develop a program of study that encompasses their interests and makes maximum use of existing transfer credits. The program is also available in a part-time, online format to accommodate the needs of working adults. With its multiple track options, the program provides an opportunity both for students who would benefit from an individually-designed interdisciplinary program of study, as well as for students who would prefer a more prescribed curriculum.
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View a printable fact sheet for Bachelor of University Studies
Wildlife Ecology
College of Natural Sciences, Forestry, and Agriculture
The Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Conservation Biology is one of the oldest and most respected wildlife programs in the nation. The Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Ecology curriculum includes a core series of wildlife conservation, population, habitat, and policy courses, along with classes in the basic sciences, natural resource management, mathematics and liberal arts. The department offers three concentrations in Fisheries, Wildlife Science & Management, or Conservation Biology. Students can qualify to become a Certified Wildlife Biologist or Fisheries Biologist through professional societies associated with the program. Students are exposed to wildlife issues and conduct field-work in a diversity of ecological systems including Acadia National Park, national wildlife refuges, state wildlife management areas, and private land. The Department has an active wildlife and fisheries research program and students have the opportunity to work with professors and graduate students, as well as with the USGS Maine Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, housed in the Department.
Visit the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Conservation Biology website
View a printable fact sheet for Wildlife Ecology (pdf)
Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Women’s, gender, and sexuality studies is an interdisciplinary program that provides the opportunity to gain a more complete understanding of how the social construction of gender has influenced the roles, contributions and experiences of women and men in many cultures, now and in the past. Majors find employment in public policy fields or the private sector in careers including social service, health service occupations, business, law, education and government. Women’s, gender, and sexuality studies also can serve as a complementary second major or minor for students studying a variety of disciplines.
Visit the Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Program website
View a printable fact sheet for Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Program (pdf)
Zoology
College of Natural Sciences, Forestry, and Agriculture
The School of Biology and Ecology offers Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts degrees in zoology, both providing a strong background in the biological sciences. The B.S. degree requires more math, organic chemistry, and physics, and is appropriate preparation for graduate school, medical school, and career fields requiring greater knowledge of physical sciences and mathematics. The B.A. requires more coursework in human sciences and is appropriate preparation for careers involving finance, management, or social sciences, such as teaching, writing, policy, or health management. Often a B.A. is acceptable for admission to graduate school. Students should research the graduate programs of interest to them to learn about specific admissions requirements before selecting either the B.S. or B.A. options.
A major in zoology allows students to explore all aspects of animal biology from human beings to invertebrates. Recent developments in environmental studies, biotechnological research techniques, medicine, and related areas make zoology an expanding field of study. Zoologists help understand diseases, save endangered species, and explore the effect of climate change on populations. Careers for zoology majors include research technicians, scientific research and development, teaching at the high school and college levels, environmental monitoring and regulation at state and federal levels, biotechnology, and private design and consulting. A zoology degree also prepares students for graduate study in fields of zoology and ecology along with professional studies in human or veterinary medicine. Zoology majors study how animals function at the cellular, tissue, organ, and organismal levels. A diverse set of courses allows students to learn evolutionary principles, biodiversity, and how animals interact with each other and with their physical environment. Zoology majors are exposed to a variety of research opportunities. Students who plant to attend graduate school are strongly encouraged to pursue independent research under the guidance of a member of the biology faculty in their third and fourth years of study.
Visit the School of Biology and Ecology website
View a printable fact sheet for Zoology (pdf)