Welcome to the College of Arts and Sciences

An Education That Takes You Places

Many colleges offer similar majors. What sets UNE’s College of Arts and Sciences programs apart is the hands-on experience, real-world opportunities, and measurable outcomes woven into every student’s journey.

At UNE, you won’t spend four years preparing for “someday.” You’ll build a résumé now: conducting research as an undergrad, creating in our makerspace, and exploring our living laboratories. Learning happens everywhere on our beautiful coastal campus.

Still exploring your interests? Start undeclared and discover your path through Guided Undergraduate Studies (GUST). Planning for the health professions or an advanced degree? Pre-Health Advising and GradVantage can help you move forward with confidence.

No matter what you study, you’ll leave UNE with experience that sets you apart and an education designed to take you where you want to go. Explore our programs and see where your curiosity can take you.

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Pursue Your Passions in the College of Arts and Sciences

UNE’s College of Arts and Sciences offers more than 30 undergraduate majors, 30+ minors, and several graduate programs through eight schools. Many majors can also be pursued as minors to complement your primary area of study.

Enhance your major with a focused area of study. In addition to minors connected to many of our majors, CAS also offers the following stand-alone minors, plus several available through the Westbrook College of Health Professions (WCHP) and the College of Business (COB).

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Not Your Average Internships and Career Prep

Conduct research and study the sea on our own research vessels and private island. Care for Canada lynx, moose, and black bears at a wildlife park. Join a fellowship program and work with campus and community partners to create solutions to real-world challenges. Whatever field you decide to pursue, there’s a way to build your skills and add standout experiences to your resume at UNE.

Learn more about UNE internships

Interested in our College of Arts and Sciences programs?

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Campus Resources That Give You a Career Edge

Here are just a few of the state-of-the-art facilities and spaces where students in the College of Arts and Sciences can be found learning and collaborating throughout their time at UNE.

Student Academic Success Center: Become a more independent, effective, and successful learner with tutoring, writing support, learning specialist consultations, digital project support, group workshops, and courses.
Arthur P. Girard Marine Science Center: The home of UNE's Marine Sciences program boasts top-notch seawater facilities, laboratories, classrooms, and offices right on the water in the heart of the Biddeford Campus.
UNE’s 363-Acre Forest: Just a short walk from the Biddeford Campus, this natural laboratory allows students to participate in hands-on research related to woodland birds, vernal pools, wildlife, plants, climate change, and more.
Ram Island: Our own private one-acre living laboratory right in Saco Bay offers a network of sentinel sites, an observatory, and a small student-centered lab.

UNE: Future Ready

Opportunities Abound On and Off Campus

Whether you want to conduct research, study abroad, join the Honors College, or all of the above, UNE lets you create a college experience that’s uniquely yours — starting your very first year.

CAS Undergraduate Research

Every major in the College of Arts and Sciences can participate in undergraduate research projects that engage you in the process of creating new knowledge in your field.

Global Education Programs

Every student at UNE has the opportunity to study abroad through our partnerships with universities in Spain, France, Iceland, Norway, and Finland — for the same cost as a semester on campus in Maine. You can also study up to three semesters at our very own campus in Tangier, Morocco.

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Honors College

Most majors in the College of Arts and Sciences offer high-performing students the opportunity to graduate with Honors by engaging in challenging educational experiences. First-year students are invited to join the Honors College based on the strength of their high school record and extracurricular activities — no separate application required!

Live with other motivated students from diverse areas of study
Attend special seminars and work with faculty on passion projects
Enjoy early class registration and move-in, stipends for scholarly projects, an annual $1,000 Honors College Student Scholarship, and other valuable perks

Experiential Learning

CAS students learn by doing — through hands-on experiences in the field, the lab, and the community. From Makerspace projects to research presentations to service learning, you’ll take your education beyond the classroom at UNE.

Live and Learn on the Coast of Maine

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Positioned on the shores of the Saco River and Atlantic Ocean, UNE’s Biddeford Campus is an ideal place to study the arts and sciences.

Our picturesque location on the Maine coast offers students easy access to unique ecosystems, living laboratories, research vessels, arts and culture, hospitals, internships, nonprofits, local partnerships, and other resources and opportunities on campus and beyond in the quaint yet bustling community of Biddeford. Our adjacency to the ocean and proximity to Portland — Maine’s largest city and home to UNE’s Portland Campus for the Health Sciences — offer you exciting opportunities for work, play, and beyond.

At UNE, the campus is your home. The coast is your lab. The community is your partner.

College of Arts and Sciences FAQ

Why should I pursue a degree in the arts and sciences?

A degree in the arts and sciences allows you to turn your passions into a profession. You’ll receive a versatile education in critical thinking and problem-solving. And UNE’s unique coastal location and long tradition in the health and natural sciences will prepare you for a rapidly changing world.

What will I study in the College of Arts and Sciences?

You can choose from over 30 undergraduate majors and various master’s degrees across seven primary areas: Arts and Humanities, Biological Sciences, Mathematics and Data Science, Education, Marine and Environmental Studies, and Social and Behavioral Sciences.

How do I choose the right major or explore multiple interests?

UNE encourages exploration through a diverse curriculum. Students can consult with their Academic Advisors to align their interests with specific programs, pursue double majors and minors, and more. The GUST (Guided Undergraduate Studies) program is specifically designed to help you explore different fields before committing to a major.

Can I double major, minor, or create my own major?

Yes. Most programs offer the flexibility to pair a major with a minor (such as Applied Mathematics, Climate Change Studies, Writing, or Music). Our Interdisciplinary Studies in the Humanities major also offers a path for those with broad interests.

What if I’m undecided when I apply?

That is okay — you can apply as an Undeclared: GUST (Guided Undergraduate Studies) student. This program provides structured support to help you explore disciplines while staying on track for graduation.

What kinds of hands-on learning opportunities are available to CAS students?

UNE emphasizes experiential education — or “learning by doing” — through fieldwork along the shores of the Saco River and Atlantic Ocean; lab work and high-tech research in the Marine Science Center and other on-campus facilities; and creative projects such as hands-on media arts, design, and education practicums. Many CAS programs also incorporate internships, clinical experiences, service learning, and faculty‑mentored research, giving students real‑world experience and professional connections before they graduate.

Can I participate in research or internships as an undergraduate?

Absolutely. Undergraduate research is a cornerstone of the UNE experience — and not just in the sciences. Over 45% of our undergraduates engage in research with faculty. Additionally, the Academic and Career Advising Center helps students secure internships that provide real-world professional experience, with 92% of undergraduates participating in clinical rotation, fieldwork, or internships.

How does the College of Arts and Sciences prepare students for careers and graduate study?

Career and graduate school preparation is built into the CAS experience at UNE. Students benefit from pre‑health and pre‑professional tracks, the Honors College, dedicated Pre‑Health Advising, GradVantage support for graduate school applications, and personalized academic advising throughout their time at UNE. Hands‑on learning — including research, internships, fieldwork, clinical rotations, and community‑based experiences — helps every student build real‑world skills and professional connections, no matter their major. All this ensures that CAS graduates are well prepared for employment or advanced study.

What do CAS graduates do after graduation?

Our graduates enter a wide range of fields, including health care, environmental advocacy, education, law, and data science. Because of UNE’s strong reputation in the biological and physical sciences, many alumni also successfully transition into medical, dental, or veterinary schools, including graduate and professional programs on our Portland Campus for the Health Sciences.

Non-Discrimination Statement

The University of New England does not discriminate in admissions or access to, or treatment in, its programs and activities on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, color, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, veteran status, or disabling conditions in violation of federal or state civil rights laws of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.