An interdisciplinary major offered by the Departments of Biology and Psychology, the Animal Behavior curriculum challenges students to explore the foundations of animal and human action and interaction.  This program focuses not only on everything an animal does, but also why it does it.  With the instruction of world-class faculty and a focus on hands-on work, this program helps to develop students’ academic and research skills and techniques while preparing them for employment in national parks, aquariums, zoos, research laboratories, academia, and many other professional fields.

With a cutting-edge education combining science, exercise science, and athletic training, AES students are prepared for the professional world. To guide students, the department embraces the physical education and sport philosophy: the development of the whole person through knowledge acquisition and experiences that stress cognitive, affective, and psychomotor outcomes.  With this philosophy, in addition to class work, internships, and clinical experiences, students will be prepared for careers as health and fitness professionals in cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, strength and conditioning, sports medicine, corporate fitness, personal training, and research.

The Aquaculture and Aquarium Sciences major provides students the opportunity to develop analytical skills in biology and business, and technical skills in the culture and maintenance of marine and freshwater organisms.  A familiarization with all levels of biological organization from molecules to ecosystems plus strong practical experience in both laboratory and field studies prepares students to work in the fields of marine and freshwater aquaculture and to meet the educational, maintenance and design needs of local, regional and national aquarium museums and businesses.

Instructed by nationally recognized professional artists, students studying Art Education develop competency and confidence as an artist while preparing to teach at the elementary and secondary levels.  Through collaboration with the Department of Education, students establish the fundamentals for a career in education while simultaneously establishing an appreciation of the artistic process and mastering technical skills.  Students will also learn to become advocates for art education in their schools and communities.

The Athletic Training major is designed for students who want to enhance the quality of health care for active persons and to advance the profession of athletic training through education and research.  This program combines the studies of anatomy and health sciences with hands-on learning about preventing, managing, and rehabilitating athletic and orthopedic injuries.  Students gain a comprehensive understanding of the effects of sport and sport-related injuries on the individual performer through a series of didactic and clinical experiences.  

With a balanced curriculum, the biochemistry program assures that each student will gain a substantial foundation in all major chemical sub-disciplines, including biological sciences, as well as analytical, organic, inorganic, and physical chemistries.  This program is excellent for students who are interested in the application of chemistry in biological systems.  Students from this program continue on to graduate programs in chemistry, biochemistry, medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, and many other fields, as well as careers in both the public and private sectors, especially in the industry of biotechnology.

This program provides a broad background for students interested in the overall field of biology.  Students become experts in all levels of biological organization from molecules to ecosystems, while gaining practical experience in both laboratory and field studies. Faculty in the biology program share their passion and excitement for the applications of biology as well as their appreciation for science as a way of understanding the world around them.   This program prepares students for entry-level career opportunities as well as graduate level study.

There are four goals in the business administration program.  First, the program is designed to facilitate students’ acquisition of basic business knowledge in the functional areas of accounting, business law, economics, finance, management, and marketing.  Next, students will attain technical skills and competencies in computer information systems and quantitative techniques.  Third, the faculty wishes to provide professional job search and experience.  The fourth and final goal is to assist students in becoming capable of integrating the first three goals and applying them effectively.

Chemistry is the fundamental study of chemical and physical properties of matter that touch every aspect of our lives and the world around us.  This program stresses the important fundamental aspects of the discipline, including analytical, biological, organic, inorganic, and physical chemistries.  In conjunction with classroom work, experiences in well equipped modern laboratories are provided to illustrate principles, as well as to provide vital hands-on experiences necessary for an absolute education in the field of chemistry.   Students in this program are prepared for careers in laboratories as well as graduate programs in the medical, dental, or veterinary fields.

To prepare students for careers in journalism, public relations, and information technology, the communications program keeps in mind five goals: 

1) to provide students with an understanding of the history and role of professionals and institutions in shaping communications; 

2) to facilitate an understanding of the diversity of groups in global society in relationship to communications; 

3)to facilitate an understanding of professional ethical principles necessary in the communications professions and to teach students to think critically, creatively, and independently; 

4) to assist students in the acquisition of skills that stress appropriate communication practices and a clear understanding of how to evaluate their own work for accuracy, fairness, and clarity; 

5) to provide students with hands-on experiences and with the tools and latest technologies used in the communication professions in which they will work.

As one of the strongest programs in the country, UNE’s Dental Hygiene program prepares students for distinctive careers in dental hygiene.  This dynamic 4-year program begins with four semesters on the Biddeford campus allowing students to build a strong science and liberal studies foundation while becoming engaged, active members of UNE.  The last four semesters are completed on the Portland campus where students are immersed in dental hygiene theory and professional clinical practice.  Students finish this program ready for work with exceptional skills in critical thinking, ethical decision making, and leadership.

This bachelor of science program is intended for students already holding the dental hygiene-associate degree. In their clinical coursework students continue to work under the close supervision of experienced faculty in the on-site dental hygiene clinic providing direct dental health care to diverse patients. The bachelor of science program advances education in dental hygiene skills and prepares students for a broader range of careers in dental hygiene, community health, administration, research, or teaching.  Internships and additional clinical experiences are gained in area schools, nursing homes, community agencies, and in private practices.

In this program, students complete a four-year curriculum that leads to a bachelor of science as well as certification to teach grades K-8 in Maine schools.  For students wishing to teach outside of the state of Maine after graduation, the option of forgoing the internship is possible for obtaining the degree without the Maine certification.  Through classroom learning, observation, and semester-long student teaching internships, graduates of this program develop rigorous minds, compassionate hearts, competent demonstrations, and reflective stances to teach the children of our country.

The English  program covers the world’s main languages and literary traditions while reflecting the strong faith of the world-class faculty in the enduring values of a classical liberal education.  Through a variety of didactic and theoretical approaches, students learn how to analyze the heavily textualized environment around them while also developing sophisticated insights into the world’s multiple cultural traditions. Combining the flexibility of the curriculum with careful advising by the faculty, students’ needs are met while obtaining a first-rate liberal education that will prepare them for varieties of careers and graduate programs.

With 550 acres of land at UNE’s Biddeford Campus, and the rest of the world at their disposal, the Department of Environmental Studies has a goal of increasing student awareness and appreciation of human connections with the rest of the natural world and stimulating advocacy for sustainable behaviors.  The Department of Environmental Studies offers two environmentally focused programs.  During the first two years, course requirements are nearly identical, however, during the final two years, the differences emerge: environmental science has a strong emphasis on the scientific aspects while environmental studies emphasize humanistic, social, and political aspects.  Along with internships that allow for the application of learned knowledge and skills and career exploration, the interdisciplinary nature of environmental studies and environmental science is reflected in the wide variety of careers open to graduates.  Examples include air and waste resource management, ecological restoration, education, habitat conservation, park management, and many other careers, as well as graduate level studies.

With 550 acres of land at UNE’s Biddeford Campus, and the rest of the world at their disposal, the Department of Environmental Studies has a goal of increasing student awareness and appreciation of human connections with the rest of the natural world and stimulating advocacy for sustainable behaviors.  The Department of Environmental Studies offers two environmentally focused programs.  During the first two years, course requirements are nearly identical, however, during the final two years, the differences emerge: environmental science has a strong emphasis on the scientific aspects while environmental studies emphasize humanistic, social, and political aspects.  Along with internships that allow for the application of learned knowledge and skills and career exploration, the interdisciplinary nature of environmental studies and environmental science is reflected in the wide variety of careers open to graduates.  Examples include air and waste resource management, ecological restoration, education, habitat conservation, park management, and many other careers, as well as graduate level studies.

The major in Health, Wellness and Occupational Studies prepares students for a variety of roles in health, education and human services. In addition to core arts and science courses and courses focused on human occupation, students enroll in interdisciplinary health and wellness courses with nursing, applied exercise science, athletic training, and dental hygiene students. Upon graduating with a bachelor’s degree, students are encouraged to apply to the UNE graduate Occupational Therapy program, or they may apply to other graduate programs. 

The objectives of the Department of History are to bring the study of the past to bear on the present, to demonstrate that knowledge and experience are dependent upon particular historical contexts, to expose students to a variety of cultures in historical context, to assist students to developing research and writings kills, to enrich students’ appreciation and enjoyment of the richness of human endeavors, and to prepare students for a productive and rewarding professional life following the completion of their studies.  History majors may choose from an emphasis on modern American, European, and Latin American history.  Graduates pursue jobs in areas of education, law, museum work, business, and graduate school.

In state-of-the-art facilities, students studying laboratory science are prepared to work in a broad variety of modern laboratory settings.  Becoming proficient in chemistry, biochemistry, and biology, graduates from this program leave UNE with a very comprehensive understanding of laboratory work and skills.  Completion of this program may lead to graduate-level studies or careers in biotechnology, academia, medical, or industrial research lab settings.

Liberal Studies is a multidisciplinary major in history, philosophy, literature, political science, religions, and the languages.  This flexible program is designed for students interested in multiple disciplines and presents students with the responsibility of designing their own college education.  In the absence of restrictive course requirements, but in close advisement of a faculty member, students plan their own broad-based program that leads up to a focus on a cohesive cluster of courses dealing with a theme, culture, or period.  This program allows students to find careers in communications, publishing, government, sales, advertising, public affairs, research, information management, or graduate studies.

The Marine Sciences program attempts to understand the world’s oceans in a comprehensive way, including the biology, physics, chemistry, and geology.  The program offers two tracks of study, the first in Marine Biology offers a focused study of life in the oceans and oceanography, while the second, Oceanography, delves more deeply into the abiotic environment and its dynamics.  Graduates from this program can find careers in government, private laboratories, education, or graduate studies.

The Marine Sciences program attempts to understand the world’s oceans in a comprehensive way, including the biology, physics, chemistry, and geology.  The program offers two tracks of study, the first in Marine Biology offers a focused study of life in the oceans and oceanography, while the second, Oceanography, delves more deeply into the abiotic environment and its dynamics.  Graduates from this program can find careers in government, private laboratories, education, or graduate studies.

Mathematics is central to effective communication, critical thinking, and decision-making.  This program provides students with a superb education, focused on theoretical grounding in the area of mathematics, as well as a variety of applications in other disciplines.  As a result of their world-class education with nationally honored faculty, graduates of this program are prepared for careers in mathematics, statistics, and many other fields, as well as studies at the graduate level.

The Medical Biology major is designed to provide a strong foundation in the biological sciences for students who ultimately pursue careers in human medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, biomedical research, the biotechnology industry, and other health professions.  Students in this major can choose either the medical sciences track or the pre-physician assistant track.  The medical sciences track provides students with a solid foundation in the biological sciences at the molecular, cellular, tissue, organ, and organismal levels.  This track also includes courses that are pre-requisites for entrance into medical and dental schools, as well as other health profession graduate programs.  The strong focus on laboratory work allows students to work in top of the line, world-class facilities, with world-renowned faculty.  This highly sought after work puts UNE’s graduates above most others applying to graduate schools or for careers in the biomedical science and biotechnology fields

The Medical Biology major is designed to provide a strong foundation in the biological sciences for students who ultimately pursue careers in human medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, biomedical research, the biotechnology industry, and other health professions.  Students in this major can choose either the medical sciences track or the pre-physician assistant track.  The medical sciences track provides students with a solid foundation in the biological sciences at the molecular, cellular, tissue, organ, and organismal levels.  This track also includes courses that are pre-requisites for entrance into medical and dental schools, as well as other health profession graduate programs.  The strong focus on laboratory work allows students to work in top of the line, world-class facilities, with world-renowned faculty.  This highly sought after work puts UNE’s graduates above most others applying to graduate schools or for careers in the biomedical science and biotechnology fields

The Bachelor of Science Degree in Neuroscience is an interdisciplinary major offered by faculty from various departments with expertise in the neurosciences.  The neuroscience curriculum offers students an opportunity to explore the structure and function of the nervous system.  The major requires a general science background, a number of courses specifically devoted to the brain, and an in-depth experience that clearly defines the limits of knowledge in at least one aspect of neuroscience.  The major allows considerable flexibility for students to develop the last two years along the lines of individual preferences and interests, with potential focuses in areas of cellular and molecular neurobiology, behavioral neuroscience, or cognitive science.   Students who graduate with a degree in neuroscience enter graduate programs or pursue careers in medicine, health care, research or education.  Other neuroscientists conduct research or lead teams of scientists with positions in government laboratories, private research foundations, and in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and chemical industries.

UNE's 4-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program is offered on the Biddeford Campus with four semesters that build a foundation of knowledge in science and humanities while introducing students to related health professional disciplines. The last four semesters are delivered on the Portland campus where students are immersed in nursing course work and clinical experiences.

UNE's Accelerated Second Degree Bachelor (A-BSN) Program starts in December and runs continuously for 17 months on the Portland Campus. It consists of five semesters, including a summer session. The program is designed for students who have a non-nursing bachelor's degree (BS or BA). Applicants must have completed the required prerequisites for the program with a math/science GPA of 3.0 and meet all other requirements for admission to the University.

UNE's Registered Nurse (RN to BSN) program is offered on the Portland Campus designed for the non-traditional student and working nurse. RN's who have graduated from an associate degree or diploma program may return to school to continue their professional development at the beginning of the third year. Baccalaureate-level nursing courses are conveniently held one day a week to make scheduling easier for the working nurse. Many students have found that the ability to continue employment in their chosen profession while enrolled in the BSN program enhances the learning experience and helps to offset the cost of education.

The Ocean Studies and Marine Affairs major is aimed at providing future leaders a solid grounding in the vital fields of not only coastal and marine science, but also in resource use, marine governance systems, management, policy, ecosystems ecology, conservation, and sustainable development.

Political science addresses the fundamental issues confronting modern society - globalization, war, inequality, poverty, the environment - and seeks to evaluate the processes, policies, and theories that have been devised to deal with them. Political science majors at UNE may choose from four concentrations: (1) a general concentration, which provides wide exposure to the fields of political science, (2) a pre-law concentration, (3) an environmental politics concentration, and (4) a global politics concentration, which offers an opportunity to focus on foreign political systems and international relations. Political Science majors work closely with a member of the faculty to plan, research and write a senior essay on a topic of their choice. This essay provides tangible evidence to graduate schools and potential employers that our graduates have developed strong skills in critical thinking and writing.

The College of Pharmacy and pre-Pharmacy program provide an outstanding environment for the teaching-learning process to effectively deliver a contemporary pharmacy curriculum designed to graduate competent practitioners for the state of Maine and the nation.

Students spend their first four semesters in Biddeford building a foundation of knowledge in science, humanities, and related professional disciplines and preparing for the application of theory to actual practice utilizing the sciences and experiential learning.  The final eight semesters are spent in Portland with deep immersion in pharmacy course work and clinical experiences which emphasize clinical judgment, health and human functioning, and health care resources.  To be eligible for consideration for admission to the professional pharmacy program at UNE, UNE pre-pharmacy students must successfully complete a minimum of 72 credit hours of specific undergraduate level pre-pharmacy courses and meet additional admission requirements.

Students applying to any undergraduate program at UNE may request a pre-physical therapy (pre-PT) candidate designation at the time of application as a freshman. Depending on the strength of their academic record, pre-PT students may be eligible for special admissions consideration to the UNE Doctor of Physical Therapy program.

The bachelor of arts in psychology and social relations (PSR) is a unique integration of course work from psychology, sociology, and anthropology that provides the student with a broad-based exposure to theories and methods, as well as a wide range of current topics and issues in psychology, sociology, and anthropology. The PSR major is a joint program between the Departments of Psychology and Sociology.

The Psychology programs at the University of New England have faculty and coursework that incorporate most of the contemporary content areas in psychology including biopsychology, neuroscience, animal behavior, cognitive psychology, clinical/counseling psychology, developmental psychology, experimental psychology, and social psychology.  The psychology faculty at the University of New England believes that the best learning takes place by doing. We also believe that strong student-faculty relationships are critical in helping students discover their talents, develop their skills, reach their goals and find their niche in the world.  Graduates attend medical school or graduate programs, or work with clients in health care settings, private practice, or educational settings.

In this program, students complete a four-year curriculum leading to a bachelor’s degree in a content area such as biology, chemistry, English, environmental science, environmental studies, history or mathematics and additionally complete the secondary professional education sequence culminating in a semester of student teaching to earn Maine certification to teach grades 7-12 in the major area of focus which falls under the certification categories of life science, physical science, English, history or mathematics.  Through classroom learning, observation, and student teaching internships, graduates of this program develop rigorous minds, compassionate hearts, competent demonstrations, and reflective stances to teach the children of our country.

In this program, students complete a four-year curriculum leading to a bachelor’s degree in a content area such as biology, chemistry, English, environmental science, environmental studies, history or mathematics and additionally complete the secondary professional education sequence culminating in a semester of student teaching to earn Maine certification to teach grades 7-12 in the major area of focus which falls under the certification categories of life science, physical science, English, history or mathematics.  Through classroom learning, observation, and student teaching internships, graduates of this program develop rigorous minds, compassionate hearts, competent demonstrations, and reflective stances to teach the children of our country.

The Dpartment of English offers English majors the opportunity to select all of the EDU secondary education certification courses as their electives in order to become middle school or high school english teachers (grades 7-12). While providing a solid foundation in english, this program includes extensive coursework in education, which, when combined with the secondary teaching internship, will result in State of Maine teacher certification upon completion of the degree program. This program is approved by the State of Maine Board of Education.

In this program, students complete a four-year curriculum leading to a bachelor’s degree in a content area such as biology, chemistry, English, environmental science, environmental studies, history or mathematics and additionally complete the secondary professional education sequence culminating in a semester of student teaching to earn Maine certification to teach grades 7-12 in the major area of focus which falls under the certification categories of life science, physical science, English, history or mathematics.  Through classroom learning, observation, and student teaching internships, graduates of this program develop rigorous minds, compassionate hearts, competent demonstrations, and reflective stances to teach the children of our country.

In this program, students complete a four-year curriculum leading to a bachelor’s degree in a content area such as biology, chemistry, English, environmental science, environmental studies, history or mathematics and additionally complete the secondary professional education sequence culminating in a semester of student teaching to earn Maine certification to teach grades 7-12 in the major area of focus which falls under the certification categories of life science, physical science, English, history or mathematics.  Through classroom learning, observation, and student teaching internships, graduates of this program develop rigorous minds, compassionate hearts, competent demonstrations, and reflective stances to teach the children of our country.

In this program, students complete a four-year curriculum leading to a bachelor’s degree in a content area such as biology, chemistry, English, environmental science, environmental studies, history or mathematics and additionally complete the secondary professional education sequence culminating in a semester of student teaching to earn Maine certification to teach grades 7-12 in the major area of focus which falls under the certification categories of life science, physical science, English, history or mathematics.  Through classroom learning, observation, and student teaching internships, graduates of this program develop rigorous minds, compassionate hearts, competent demonstrations, and reflective stances to teach the children of our country.

Sociology is the study of human social behavior, especially the study of the origins, organizations, institutions, and development of human society.  AT UNE, the Sociology program seeks to develop the students’ ability to think critically and analytically about fundamental elements and issues of society, culture, and human nature.  UNE Sociology students are prepared to better understand, relate, and contribute to their world and for careers in and related to sociology.  The Sociology program will also enhance students’ ability to think and reason from a sociological perspective and articulate their ideas verbally and in writing. 

All sociology majors will take part in a semester-long Applied Sociological Experience (ASE).  The primary purpose of this semester is to provide the students with a chance to explore, in depth, an aspect of sociology that appeals to them.  During the Applied Sociological Experience, the student will undertake extensive experiential learning.  In addition, this experience may expose them to a new culture and new personal experiences.  The four options to fulfill the ASE include a Semester Abroad, Documentary Fieldwork, an Extended Internship and an Intensive Research Project.

Sport Management majors take courses across a spectrum ranging from sport management, economics, governance, marketing, administration, law and ethics, and research.  Students also fulfill a significant number of contact hours in experiential learning.  Internships are established working with our Internship Coordinator and “tailored” to meet the career goals of each student.  Graduates will be prepared for entry-level sport management career opportunities and further study at the graduate level.  With this preparation comes the skills and ability to serve as an effective leader, passionate about life’s work and making a difference in the lives of those you chose to serve through sport and sport-related programming, athletic and sports administration, sport marketing and merchandising, sport venue and event management, sports information and journalism.

The Departments Arts and Communications and Psychology jointly offer a Minor in Art Therapy. Art Therapy is a burgeoning field that draws from the disciplines of psychology, art, and other creative process to promote healing and overall well-being for individuals with mental and physical disabilities.

A student with a major in another department may minor in art with the permission of the Arts and Communications department chair.  This minor provides an in-depth introduction to studio art in both traditional and contemporary practice.  

 (MHRT/C) Certification is one of the most needed certifications in the State of Maine.  It is required for persons working in positions funded by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services as well as other human service organizations.

The new Ocean Studies and Marine Affairs minor is aimed at providing future leaders a solid grounding in the vital fields of not only coastal and marine science, but also in resource use, marine governance systems, management, policy, ecosystems ecology, conservation, and sustainable development.