University of Maine Graduate School

Graduate work has been available at the University of Maine since the first master’s degree was conferred in 1881. Since that time, graduate options have expanded significantly to include over 100 degree programs through which students can earn Graduate Certificates, Master’s, Doctoral, and Professional Science Master’s degrees as well as Certificates of Advanced Study.

Beginning in 1923, graduate work has been a separate division of the University. This differentiation allows the Graduate School to meet the unique needs of the 2300-plus graduates students currently enrolled at the Orono campus on both academic and personal matters. Students are encouraged to contact the Graduate School (located on the lower level of Stoddard Hall) at any time, for information or materials related to graduate studies at the University of Maine.

Graduate Student Government

The Graduate Student Government (GSG) is the governing body for all graduate students at the University of Maine. Voting representatives are chosen by each department. Public meetings of the GSG are held regularly. The GSG offers a number of services, including grants for travel to present, degree-related expenses, funding for graduate student clubs, social evenings, and laptops for loan. More information on the GSG can be found on the GSG website.

School of Nursing Graduate Program

The University of Maine flagship campus in Orono initiated a graduate program in nursing in 1992, graduating its first class in 1994. Our Family Nurse Practitioner graduates are consistently successful in passing their certification exam on first try. The purpose of the School of Nursing graduate program is to provide advanced nursing education to help to meet the increasingly complex health needs of the people of Maine. Family Nurse Practitioners, nurse educators, nurse administrators, and nurses in other advanced roles are prepared to help meet state needs to eliminate health disparities, assure quality of care, and to improve public health and health care systems. Graduates of this program have assumed positions of leadership in primary care, hospital administration, nursing education, and administration of health care systems in Maine and elsewhere.