UMaine to confer record number of graduate degrees
The University of Maine will award a record-breaking 815 advanced degrees during its May 2025 commencement, marking the largest graduating class of master’s and doctoral students in the university’s 160-year history.
The historic milestone includes 706 master’s and 109 doctoral degrees, surpassing previous records set in 2022 and 2023. Among this year’s graduate students are 98 international scholars from 35 countries, underscoring UMaine’s growing global reach and the increasing appeal of its graduate programs.
“This record-setting class reflects the University of Maine’s commitment to academic excellence and its growing reputation in research, innovation and creativity,” said Kody Varahramyan, UMaine’s vice president for research and dean of the Graduate School. “Our graduate programs attract talented students from Maine and around the world and prepare them to make meaningful contributions to their fields and society.”
UMaine’s Graduate School offers 152 graduate and professional programs across disciplines, with students participating in cutting-edge research and public service. This year’s graduating speech-language pathology cohort alone provided over 6,000 hours of clinical service to Maine residents while completing their studies.
The university’s expanding research enterprise—recognized with a reaffirmed Carnegie R1 designation—has helped drive enrollment growth and national attention. In the past year, UMaine reached all-time highs in doctoral enrollment and research expenditures, generating nearly 90% of all university-based research activity in the state. Graduate students play a vital role in that ecosystem, serving as teaching assistants, research collaborators and mentors to undergraduates.
The university will celebrate its graduate commencement on May 10 at the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor. UMaine President Joan Ferrini-Mundy and Vice President Varahramyan will preside over the ceremony, with alumnus and Concordia University president Graham Carr (’83) delivering the keynote address. The event will also be livestreamed for remote audiences.
Read the full story on UMaine News.
Contact: erin.miller@maine.edu.