Online learning is opening new doors for graduate students, making it easier to balance work, family, and school responsibilities. These programs let you earn an accredited master’s degree on your schedule, sometimes at lower tuition rates than traditional programs. If you live in Maine and are looking to earn a master’s online, this guide walks you through the process from start to finish.
Author: Michael Hoffman, JD, MA
Expertise: Graduate Ed.Online LearningStudent SuccessEditor: Jordan Cosselman
- Inside Real Programs
An inside look at actual online programs, exploring their structure, curriculum, costs, admission criteria, and more…
Read more - Top Fields in Maine
The most promising fields in the state, based on job outlook, earning potential, affordability, and local opportunities…
Read more - Accreditation Details
What accreditation is, why it matters, and the accrediting bodies relevant for students in this state…
Read more - Program Types
The variety of online master’s programs offered in the state, from full-time and part-time to accelerated formats…
Read more - Cost Breakdown
A clear overview of how much my degree might cost and the factors influencing total expenses…
Read more - FAQs
Insightful and guiding answers to common questions prospective students like myself have about earning this degree…
Read more - Top Schools
Top Online Master’s Degree Programs in Maine
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Profiling Three Online Master’s Programs in Maine
Below, we highlight three accredited Maine universities with online master’s programs. Each offers a unique online learning structure, ranging from asynchronous formats to specialized career support.
University of Maine (UMaine)
The University of Maine is the state’s flagship public university. Its UMaine Online division serves students statewide and beyond, offering over 60 graduate programs and certificates. Online courses are taught by the same faculty as on-campus programs, often in an asynchronous format.
UMaine emphasizes interactive coursework and support like an online concierge and tutoring. Students benefit from in-state tuition rates for many programs.
Highlighted Program: Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Duration: 30 credits | 20 months
Mode: 100% online
Cost: $750 per credit | $22,500 total tuition
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree (any field)
- Official GMAT/GRE scores (or waiver)
- Essay
- Resume
- Transcripts
University of New England (UNE)
A private university with campuses in Biddeford and Portland, UNE maintains a strong presence in online education via UNE Online. UNE Online specializes in health sciences and education fields. Courses feature asynchronous weekly modules, and class sizes are kept small to foster engagement. Every online student is paired with an advisor to help working adults succeed.
Highlighted Program: Master of Social Work (MSW)
Duration: 60 credits | 3-4 years
Mode: 100% online
Cost: $975 per credit | $58,500 total tuition
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree (any field)
- Professional statement essays
- Résumé/CV
- Two recommendation forms
- Official transcripts from all colleges attended
Husson University
Located in Bangor, Husson is known for professional programs in business, nursing, and technology delivered through Husson Online. Husson’s online master’s degrees are career-focused and designed for convenience, utilizing seven-week classes with up to six start times per year.
This platform is designed for working adults who want to advance their careers without pausing employment. Husson keeps tuition relatively affordable, even for specialized nursing tracks.
Highlighted Program: Master of Science (MS) in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
Duration: 48 credits | 30 months (part-time)
Mode: Online with an in-person clinical requirement
Cost: $682 per credit | $32,736 total tuition
Admissions Requirements:
- BSN degree from an accredited nursing program
- Active RN license
- One letter of recommendation
- Official transcripts
- Personal essay
- Résumé/CV highlighting nursing experience
Top Fields for Master’s Students in Maine
Certain graduate disciplines stand out in Maine due to strong job demand, high salary potential, local industry needs, and program availability. Below are five top fields for earning a master’s in Maine, each backed by state workforce trends and educational offerings:
1. Business Management
Business master’s degrees remain a strong choice in Maine due to their broad applicability. Maine’s economy includes a growing small-business sector as well as larger employers in finance, biotech, and healthcare.
Executive-level business positions are expected to open steadily as current leaders retire. MBA holders in Maine earn an average salary of approximately $87,500, which is about 44% higher than the state median income. Online MBA programs in Maine often include concentrations such as accounting, analytics, or healthcare management.
2. Nursing & Healthcare Professions
Healthcare is one of Maine’s fastest-growing sectors, driven in part by the state’s aging population. Maine has the highest percentage of residents over age 65 in the country, increasing demand for advanced healthcare services. At the same time, a large portion of the healthcare workforce is nearing retirement.
Graduate degrees in nursing, public health, and healthcare administration prepare students to fill critical roles in hospitals, rural clinics, and community health settings. Nurse practitioners, in particular, play a key role in expanding access to care across the state.
3. Education & Teaching
Education continues to be a high-priority field for graduate study in Maine. A Master of Education (MEd) is often required for advanced certification, leadership roles, or administrative positions. Maine school districts typically offer salary increases for teachers with a master’s degree.
High-demand areas include special education, literacy, and educational leadership. Graduate education programs in Maine align closely with state certification requirements and workforce initiatives.
4. Information Technology & Cybersecurity
Maine’s technology sector is smaller than that of larger states, but it continues to grow steadily. IT roles are increasingly important across industries such as healthcare, finance, and biotech.
Cybersecurity demand is especially strong. Maine must significantly expand its cybersecurity workforce to meet current needs. Master’s degrees in cybersecurity, information systems, or computer science can lead to roles such as information security analyst or IT manager, many of which offer salaries well above the state median.
5. Public Administration & Social Services
Public administration, social work, and counseling are essential fields in Maine, particularly in addressing rural healthcare access, mental health needs, and community services. Graduate degrees in these areas prepare professionals for leadership roles in government agencies, nonprofits, and healthcare organizations.
Licensed social workers and counselors are in high demand statewide, and public administration degrees support careers managing public programs or nonprofit organizations.
Accreditation for Maine Online Master’s Programs
Accreditation is a key indicator of academic quality. Maine colleges and universities are primarily accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).
Many programs also hold specialized accreditation. For example:
- Business programs may be accredited by AACSB
- Nursing programs often hold CCNE accreditation
- Social work programs are accredited by CSWE
These credentials ensure programs meet professional and licensure standards and are recognized by employers nationwide.
Exploring Types of Online Master’s Programs in Maine
As you explore program options, you’ll find that online master’s programs in Maine aren’t one-size-fits-all. Universities offer a variety of formats to suit different needs. Below is an overview of common program types and what to expect from each:
Full-Time Programs
Full-time online programs typically allow students to finish in one to two years, though they require a heavier course load.
Maine Examples:
- University of Southern Maine — MS in Cybersecurity
- University of Maine — MA in Interdisciplinary Studies
Part-Time Programs
Part-time programs are designed for working professionals and usually take two and a half to four years to complete.
Maine Examples:
- Husson University — MSN, FNP Concentration
- Saint Joseph’s College of Maine — MBA in Leadership
No-GRE Programs
Many Maine programs waive the GRE or GMAT, focusing instead on GPA and professional experience.
Maine Examples:
- University of New England — Master of Public Health (MPH)
- Husson University — Online MBA
Accelerated Programs
Accelerated formats shorten time to completion through condensed terms or combined degree pathways.
Maine Examples:
- University of Maine — 4+1 Accelerated Master of Education in Special Education
- University of Southern Maine — Accelerated Online MS in Nursing Education
Master’s Programs in Maine: How Much Do They Cost?
The cost of an online master’s in Maine can vary widely by school and program, but overall it tends to be competitive compared to out-of-state and on-campus alternatives. Students should consider both fixed costs (like tuition and fees) and variable costs (like books and technology fees). Tuition is usually charged per credit for online programs.
In Maine, public universities often offer in-state tuition rates to online students, and some (like UMaine’s MBA) charge a uniform rate for all students. Private colleges often have higher per-credit costs but sometimes include all fees in the rate.
Online learning can reduce other expenses since you won’t incur relocation or daily commuting costs. Many online students keep working as well. Financial aid for master’s students applies to accredited online programs, so you can use federal loans, grants, and scholarships. Some employers in Maine also offer tuition assistance for online graduate study. Below is a snapshot of costs for three example programs:
| School | Credits | Cost per Credit | Total Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Maine — Online MBA | 30 | $750 | $22,500 |
| University of New England — MSW | 60 | $975 | $58,500 |
| Husson University — MS in Nursing, FNP | 48 | $682 | $32,736 |
FAQs from Maine Prospective Master’s Students
Q: Are online master’s degrees from Maine universities respected by employers?
A: As long as your program is accredited, employers will typically recognize an online master’s as equivalent to an on-campus one. Your diploma typically doesn’t specify “online.” Furthermore, many employers appreciate that online students juggle work and studies, a testament to your time management and dedication.
Just be sure your school is regionally accredited by the NECHE, which all major Maine institutions are. This means your degree will be respected nationally.
Q: Do I need to live in Maine to enroll in a Maine online master’s program?
A: Not at all! Maine’s online programs welcome out-of-state students, so you can usually reside anywhere. Since coursework is delivered online, you can participate from home.
Typically, no residency is required, aside from possibly a short on-site orientation in rare cases. Many programs also offer single tuition rates for online students, regardless of state. The University of Maine’s online MBA, for example, charges the same per-credit tuition to in-state and out-of-state students.
If you do live in Maine, you might have access to local campus resources, but it’s not mandatory. As a remote learner, you can still build an online graduate support system through your program’s online resources and your peers.
Q: Can I get financial aid for an online master’s program in Maine?
A: Yes, online master’s students are typically eligible for the same federal financial aid as on-campus students. You should fill out the FAFSA to determine your loan and grant eligibility.
Graduate students usually qualify for federal student loans. However, need-based grants are less common since most grants target undergrads. You may still find some specific programs or scholarships for grad students in certain fields, like education or nursing.
Many Maine universities also offer graduate scholarships or assistantships. For example, UMaine’s MBA has scholarship opportunities and UNE often provides a discount for alumni returning for grad school. Additionally, your employer might offer tuition assistance or reimbursement, especially if the degree relates to your job.
Q: How do internships or clinical placements work for online programs?
A: Online programs that require internships, practicums, or clinical hours are very experienced in helping students complete them in their local areas. Typically, the university will have a placement coordinator who works with you to find an approved site in your community.
For instance, online nurse practitioner students arrange clinical rotations with preceptors near where they live, and the school approves the facility and supervision plan. Education master’s students doing student teaching or practicum can usually do so at a nearby school. Social work online programs may set up local field internships in agencies close to the student.
You might need to be proactive in identifying potential sites, but Maine schools have networks nationwide. Throughout your internship, you’ll likely have online seminars or check-ins as part of your coursework to integrate theory with practice
Q: Will I ever need to visit the campus during my online master’s program?
A: In most cases, no. Most of Maine’s online master’s programs are designed to be completed fully at a distance. If a program is advertised as 100% online, you can earn the degree without setting foot on campus.
That said, there are a few hybrid programs — often labeled as “low-residency” or “blended” — that might require a short campus residency. These are the exception rather than the rule, however. The program listings will clearly state if any in-person component is required, and the vast majority of Maine’s online offerings have no on-campus requirement.