Maine Geography Degree Programs

Maine offers a range of geography degree programs, including the University of Maine’s online GIS Graduate Certificate, which provides a 15-credit curriculum in GIS applications, spatial analysis, and database management.

The University of Southern Maine offers a 12-credit Applied GIS Graduate Certificate, available online or in a blended format, focusing on geospatial technology, remote sensing, and digital mapping.

For undergraduate students, the University of Maine at Machias provides a Bachelor’s in Environmental GIS with specialized tracks in Ecological Applications, Community Applications, and Spatial Data Science, preparing graduates for careers in conservation, urban planning, and geospatial analysis.

Online Programs

University of Maine

• Orono, Machias, ME
• https://machias.edu/environment/

The University of Maine offers a fully online Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), providing a 15-credit program that builds technical skills in GIS applications, spatial analysis, and database management. Designed for professionals and students from diverse academic backgrounds, this program focuses on core GIS principles, programming, and spatial data systems. The curriculum includes four required courses covering GIS principles, applications, programming, and database systems, along with one elective course that allows students to specialize in areas like human-computer interaction, spatial database systems, or information systems law. The program is flexible, with rolling admissions and no GRE/GMAT requirement, making it accessible to working professionals.

Environmental Geographic Information Science (GIS) Bachelor’s Degree

The Environmental Geographic Information Science (GIS) program at the University of Maine at Machias is a four-year undergraduate degree focusing on geospatial technology and its applications in environmental science, urban planning, and conservation. This 120-credit program incorporates coursework in GIS mapping, remote sensing, spatial data analysis, and environmental sustainability.

Specialized Concentrations

Students can choose from three specialized concentrations based on their career goals:

• Ecological Applications – Focuses on biological and ecological sciences, using GIS tools for conservation and environmental analysis. This pathway includes field courses and is not available online.
• Community Applications – Covers urban planning, government, and land management, preparing students for GIS roles in community development. This option is available both online and on-campus.
• Spatial Data Science – Integrates GIS with quantitative analysis, programming, and application development for careers in data science and geospatial analytics. This pathway is available online and on-campus.

Hands-On Learning and Capstone Requirement

Students in these programs benefit from hands-on experience through the university’s GIS Laboratory and Service Center, working on real-world projects such as land conservation, climate change assessment, and regional planning. The Environmental GIS program also includes a capstone requirement, where students complete advanced projects or community-based GIS applications.

Career Opportunities

Graduates are well-prepared for careers in GIS analysis, environmental consulting, urban planning, and geospatial data science, with strong employment prospects in government, private industry, and research organizations. The University of Maine’s GIS programs provide students with the technical expertise and practical experience needed to succeed in the evolving geospatial industry.

University of Southern Maine

• Portland, ME
• https://usm.maine.edu/academics/academic_programs/applied-geographic-information-systems-gis

Applied Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Graduate Certificate

The University of Southern Maine (USM) offers a Certificate of Graduate Study in Applied Geographic Information Systems (GIS) designed to develop technical skills in geospatial technology. This 12-credit program provides training in GIS applications, remote sensing, digital mapping, and GPS technology.

The curriculum is structured to benefit working professionals, recent graduates, and career changers looking to enhance their GIS expertise. The program is available in a blended format (online and in-person) or fully online, making it a flexible option for students with varying needs.

Program Structure and Course Requirements

Students must complete three required courses and one elective to earn the certificate. The core courses include Remote Sensing (GEO 505), GIS Applications I (GEO 508), and GIS Applications II (GEO 518), which cover the fundamentals of spatial analysis and geospatial software.

Elective options allow students to specialize in areas such as drone mapping, Python programming, GIS research applications, or internships. Some courses may be transferred from other institutions within the University of Maine system, though a minimum of 9 credits must be completed at USM.

Hands-On Learning and Industry Relevance

The USM GIS program places strong emphasis on practical applications and hands-on learning. Students engage in fieldwork, case studies, and internships, using state-of-the-art GIS labs and high-end computing equipment. The program prepares graduates for roles in urban planning, environmental analysis, emergency management, and business analytics, among other industries.

The U.S. Department of Labor has identified GIS as a high-growth industry, highlighting the increasing demand for professionals skilled in geospatial analysis.

Career and Degree Advancement Opportunities

Students completing the Applied GIS Certificate can apply their credits toward a Master’s in Policy, Planning, and Management (MPPM) at USM, providing a seamless pathway to further education.

The program equips graduates with a competitive edge in diverse fields, including geology, environmental science, business, and infrastructure planning. With its flexible format, industry-focused curriculum, and career advancement opportunities, the USM GIS Certificate is an excellent choice for those looking to enhance their geospatial technology expertise.

On Campus Programs

University of Maine

• Farmington, ME
• https://usm.maine.edu/geography-anthropology

Comprehensive Curriculum in Geography and Environmental Planning

The Geography and Environmental Planning Department at the University of Maine at Farmington (UMF) offers a diverse curriculum that equips students with skills in spatial analysis, environmental problem-solving, and a deep understanding of human-environment interactions.

Courses like World Geography, Geography of Climate Change, and The Power of Maps engage students with topics ranging from cultural geography to the role of mapping in history and modern society.

Flexible Pathways and Specialized Concentrations

Students in the Geography and Environmental Planning program can pursue a variety of concentrations, including Environmental Health, Geosciences, and Policy. UMF also offers the flexibility to create a custom pathway, allowing students to tailor their education to fit specific career goals and interests.

Real-World Learning through Internships and Research

UMF emphasizes hands-on experience by offering valuable internship opportunities with organizations like the Portland Water District and the Maine Oyster Company. Recent student research projects have tackled real-world issues, such as invasive species management, community gardening, and sustainability practices, providing students with meaningful professional experience.

Student Research and Environmental Impact

Student projects often address pressing environmental concerns. For example, a recent study examined the impact of the invasive European green crab on Maine’s seafood industry, exploring potential economic uses for the species in culinary markets. These projects reflect UMF’s commitment to supporting student research that addresses local and global environmental challenges.

Recognition as a “Top Green College”

UMF has been recognized as a “Top Green College” by the Princeton Review, an acknowledgment of its sustainability-focused curriculum and campus practices.

Environmental sustainability is woven into the UMF campus culture, as evidenced by the Sustainable Campus Coalition, a biomass heating plant, and LEED-certified buildings, which collectively reduce the university’s carbon emissions significantly.

Financial Accessibility for New England Students

Through the NEBHE Tuition Break, UMF provides a tuition discount to students from Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. This financial support fosters a diverse, environmentally conscious community of students eager to engage with geography and environmental issues.

Preparation for Careers in Geography and Environmental Planning

Graduates of UMF’s Geography and Environmental Planning program are well-prepared for careers in fields such as environmental advocacy, community planning, and geospatial technologies. By blending theoretical learning with practical experience, UMF ensures that students are equipped to tackle today’s environmental and societal challenges.

University of Southern Maine

• Portland, ME
• https://usm.maine.edu/geography-anthropology

The Geography-Anthropology program at the University of Southern Maine (USM) combines geography and anthropology to examine human populations’ relationships with natural and built environments. Offering a Bachelor of Arts with three specializations and two teacher certification tracks, this program provides students with a unique interdisciplinary education that emphasizes community engagement and applied learning.

Specializations and Study Tracks

Students can tailor their studies by choosing from three specialized tracks: Sustainable Cultures & Communities, Cultural & Natural Heritage Management, and Applied Geographic Information Systems (GIS) & Geospatial Analysis. For those interested in teaching, there are pathways for elementary education and secondary education in social studies, preparing students for careers in education with a focus on geography and anthropology.

Hands-On Learning and Research Opportunities

The program emphasizes real-world learning through case studies, fieldwork, and lab-based projects, allowing students to engage in qualitative and quantitative research. Internships, assistantships, and fellowships funded by organizations like NASA and the National Science Foundation provide additional hands-on experience, which often leads to publications and presentations at industry conferences.

State-of-the-Art Facilities

USM offers access to specialized laboratories, including Archaeology, Environmental Archaeology, and Biological-Zooarchaeology labs, along with GIS labs. These facilities provide students with tools for research, data analysis, and practical application of geospatial technologies, enhancing their learning experience and skill development.

Student Learning Outcomes

The program ensures that students gain an appreciation for cultural diversity, an understanding of human-environmental relationships, knowledge of global and local geography, and critical thinking skills. Cartographic skills and research methodologies are also emphasized, preparing graduates to tackle complex, real-world problems in various fields.

Accelerated Graduate Pathways

USM offers accelerated graduate programs in partnership with the Muskie School of Public Service and the University of Maine Law School, allowing students to earn both a Bachelor of Arts in Geography-Anthropology and a Master’s degree in Policy, Planning, and Management or a Juris Doctorate within a reduced timeframe.

Career Prospects and Professional Development

Graduates of this program have diverse career options in areas like archaeology, cultural resource management, environmental planning, policy, emergency management, and geospatial analysis. Professional growth is further supported by organizations like the Geography-Anthropology Student Association (GASA) and affiliations with national academic societies.

Flexible Learning and Accessibility

Courses are available in various formats, including in-person, online, and blended options, with classes offered on both the Gorham and Portland campuses. Additionally, New England residents may qualify for a tuition break, making this program more accessible and affordable for regional students.

Admissions and Financial Aid

With SAT and ACT scores optional and rolling admissions, USM offers accessible entry into the program. Financial aid opportunities are extensive, with an average of 92% of students receiving support, including scholarships, grants, and work-study, ensuring financial assistance is available for most enrolled students.