University of Maine – College of Engineering

Overview

The University of Maine (UMaine), located in Orono, is the flagship engineering school in the state. Offering the most comprehensive set of engineering degrees, UMaine’s College of Engineering is a leader in research, particularly in areas like renewable energy, materials science, and environmental engineering. With its strong focus on hands-on learning, UMaine provides students with real-world experience through internships, co-op programs, and research projects. The school has extensive industry partnerships, especially in energy and manufacturing sectors, giving students ample career opportunities post-graduation.

Key Information

• U.S. News Ranking (2024): #111 for graduate engineering programs.
• Number of Students: Approximately 2,500+ engineering students.
• Degrees Offered: B.S., M.S., Ph.D. in Mechanical, Civil, Electrical, Chemical, Computer, and Biomedical Engineering, among others.
• Acceptance Rate: 84%
• Average SAT Score: 1070–1290
• Average GRE Score: 155 (Quantitative)

Notable Alumni

1. Wallace Nutting – Renowned U.S. Army general and former President of Norwich University.
2. Stephen King – Notable author (though not an engineer, a famous alumnus of UMaine).
3. James B. Longley – Former Governor of Maine.
4. Paul K. LePage – Former Governor of Maine.
5. Glen Cummings – Former Speaker of the Maine House of Representatives.

UMaine’s College of Engineering is a top choice for students interested in environmental and energy-related fields due to its strong research programs and industry ties.

---

Maine Maritime Academy

Overview

Located in Castine, Maine Maritime Academy (MMA) offers specialized engineering programs focused on marine engineering and technology. The Academy is particularly known for its rigorous hands-on training, preparing students for careers in maritime, naval, and mechanical engineering. With a high job placement rate, MMA graduates find careers in the maritime industry, both in the U.S. and internationally. The school provides students with direct access to training on ships and offers programs that lead to licensure as Merchant Marine officers.

Key Information

• U.S. News Ranking: Not ranked for engineering.
• Number of Students: Approximately 950.
• Degrees Offered: B.S. in Marine Engineering Technology, Marine Systems Engineering, Power Engineering Technology.
• Acceptance Rate: 58%
• Average SAT Score: 1175
• Average GRE Score: Not widely reported.

Notable Alumni

1. Mike Fossum – NASA astronaut.
2. Roger F. Wicker – U.S. Senator from Mississippi.
3. Edward G. Acheson – Inventor and industrial chemist (linked to carbon and silicon).
4. John B. Thomas – Notable Marine engineer.
5. Duncan Hunter – Former U.S. Congressman from California.

MMA’s focused programs on marine engineering and its practical, hands-on learning environment make it a unique engineering institution, especially for students interested in maritime careers.

---

University of Southern Maine – School of Engineering

Overview

The University of Southern Maine (USM), located in Portland, offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate engineering programs, particularly focused on mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering. USM emphasizes applied learning through industry partnerships and internships, preparing students for jobs in regional industries. The school’s location near Maine’s industrial and manufacturing hubs provides students with opportunities to engage in local engineering projects, making the university an attractive option for those looking to stay and work within the state.

Key Information

• U.S. News Ranking: Not ranked nationally for engineering.
• Number of Students: Approximately 1,200+.
• Degrees Offered: B.S. in Mechanical, Electrical, and Computer Engineering.
• Acceptance Rate: 96%
• Average SAT Score: 1020–1220
• Average GRE Score: Not widely reported.

Notable Alumni

1. John Baldacci – Former Governor of Maine.
2. Harlan Baker – Former state representative.
3. Howard Vandersea – Former football coach and educator.
4. Steven Rowe – Former Attorney General of Maine.
5. John Jenkins – Former Maine state senator and mayor.

USM’s engineering programs, combined with its focus on local industry partnerships, provide students with a practical and regionally focused education, particularly in manufacturing and electrical engineering.

---

Bowdoin College – Engineering Dual-Degree Program

Overview

Bowdoin College, a prestigious liberal arts college located in Brunswick, offers a dual-degree program in engineering in collaboration with Dartmouth College and Columbia University. This program allows students to earn two degrees in five years, combining Bowdoin’s strong foundation in the liberal arts with specialized engineering education. Students spend three years at Bowdoin studying mathematics, physics, and other prerequisites before transferring to an engineering school for two years of intensive engineering study.

Key Information

• U.S. News Ranking: #6 for liberal arts colleges.
• Number of Students: Approximately 1,800.
• Degrees Offered: Dual-Degree Program (B.A. from Bowdoin and B.S. in Engineering from partner schools).
• Acceptance Rate: 9%
• Average SAT Score: 1380–1540
• Average GRE Score: Not widely applicable due to the dual-degree nature.

Notable Alumni

1. Reed Hastings – Co-founder and CEO of Netflix.
2. DeRay Mckesson – Civil rights activist.
3. Nathaniel Hawthorne – Famed American novelist (attended Bowdoin, not an engineer).
4. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow – Famous poet (attended Bowdoin).
5. William Cohen – Former U.S. Secretary of Defense.

Bowdoin’s dual-degree program offers students the opportunity to blend liberal arts education with engineering expertise, preparing them for leadership roles in technology and innovation.