UMA has launched a new degree program designed to help working adults turn experience, public-service interests, and prior college credit into a faster path toward a bachelor’s degree. The Applied Bachelor of Science in Public Administration, a 90-credit bachelor’s degree, is for working adults interested in municipal, state, and public-sector administration.
The program responds to a clear workforce need in Maine. Municipalities across the state currently have more than 300 open positions, and public employers are seeking people prepared for roles in local government, public service, and community administration.
The degree has already drawn support from the Maine Legislature’s Committee on State and Local Government and the Maine Municipal Association, who see it as a timely response to Maine’s public-sector workforce shortage.
UMA’s program is the only one of its kind in the University of Maine System, offering an accelerated pathway for students who want to move into public administration without starting from scratch.
What makes this program different:
- 90 credits instead of the traditional 120, shortening the time to earn a degree
- 100% online, with HyFlex options so students can attend in person, join live, or work on their own schedule
- Built on UMA’s existing Public Administration courses and faculty
- A pathway into UMA’s full Public Administration bachelor’s degree for students who want to keep going
How you can help:
- Get familiar with the program so you can answer questions from students, colleagues, and community members
- If you know current or prospective students who might be a great fit, especially working professionals in public-sector or municipal roles, connect them with Admissions or Advising
- If you’d be willing to be featured in a faculty, student, or alumni profile for our marketing materials (for this new program or any existing program), please reach out to Amber Sinclair at amber.sinclair@maine.edu
- Check out the website — and share the link! uma.edu/apa
Thank you for everything you do to help UMA open doors for Maine’s learners.