Colleges in Maine

The state of Maine is home to many of the most respected institutions of higher learning in the Northeastern United States. Containing over 50 colleges from which to choose, schools in Maine are some of the best in the nation. With some of the highest-ranked private schools in the country, colleges in Maine are recognized by such leading publications as US News and World Report for their academic and research programs and facilities. Despite being one of the smaller states in the country, Maine has built a reputation for academic excellence over the years by graduating students who have excelled in a number of occupations.

With quite a number of two and four-year colleges from which to choose, students in Maine have many choices when it comes to pursuing higher education. The majority of schools are located in the state's major cities including Portland, Bangor and Lewiston. Private schools tend to land at the top of the list of best schools in the state, with Colby College and Bowdoin College leading the way, recognized as two of the best private schools in the United States. The University of Maine System, which consists of nine Maine colleges that are public universities including the University of Maine School of Law, offer degrees of all kinds for students. Bachelor's, Masters and Doctoral degrees are offered in various fields including Business Management, Education, Health Care Administration and much more. Students in Maine schools often have opportunities for internships, allowing them to gain valuable experience while earning college credit and networking with potential employers.

Some students forgo attending universities all together, instead opting for community colleges and technical schools. Two-year degrees from such schools as Central Maine Community College and Kennebec Valley give students who wish to attend a way of letting them obtain an education while continuing their quest to establish themselves in the workforce as soon as possible. Degrees, diplomas and certificates are available in a variety of fields including Accounting, Nursing, Criminal Justice, Electronics and much more. Those students seeking even more specialized skills can choose to enroll in one of Maine's many technical schools. The Maine Maritime Academy and Maine College of Art are just two examples of the opportunities students in the state have when it comes to their education. For those who have a higher calling, the Bangor Theological Seminary offers an education grounded in religion and tolerance of others.

The state is also home to other specialized schools that offer students certain skill sets not found elsewhere. Examples include the Landing School of Boat Building and Design, Spa Tech Institute, Birthwise Midwifery School, Cosmotech School of Cosmetology and many others. Each is designed to teach students specific skills in a short period of time, allowing them to enter the workforce and command excellent salaries and benefits. Boat building and design is a big industry in Maine, so a student learning this skill will have many options ahead of them regarding employment. Midwifery is also a popular career in the Northeast state, with many couples choosing their services over that of traditional doctors and nurses.

Maine

Maine's economy has remained strong over the years in part because it is not built upon being dependent on any one segment. While one of the state's claim to fame is the presence of the largest toothpick manufacturing plant in the United States, it has far more going for it than toothpicks. Commercial fishing, business administration, tourism and outdoor recreation all come together to create one of the stronger economies in the Northeast. Some of the top companies specializing in outdoor apparel and equipment call the state home including LL Bean, Cole Haan and TD Bank. Earning a degree in Business Management, Accounting, Human Resources or Marketing can help a person find employment with one of these or other companies. Numerous positions in Customer Service and Management will be available as the demand for these company's products continues to grow.

Technology is another component of the Maine job picture, and those skilled in Information Technology as well as Electronics, Heating and Air Conditioning, Welding and Automotive Technology will have numerous opportunities for gainful employment. As more industries continue to discover the state, there will be a need for those skilled in these areas to help build and maintain facilities. Health care is another area that is booming all across Maine and the rest of the United States. Employment of both registered and practical nurses, radiographic technologists, physical therapists and occupational therapists is expected to grow across the state. As the population of the state continues to age, these workers will be needed to provide services to people both in medical facilities and in their homes on an outpatient basis.

Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement is another area that is seeing a boost in Maine. A number of workers will be needed as police officers to replace those reaching retirement age as well as those who choose to leave the profession in search of less stress and more pay. Those people with skills in Forensic Science will also have their pick of jobs, working in crime labs performing DNA testing and other tests to help solve crimes. For those wanting to work in Corrections, there should be plenty of openings for Correctional Officers throughout the state as well. Retiring officers along with the building of new jails and prisons across the state will create a number of jobs in this field.

Seasonal jobs in tourism and outdoor recreation will also lead to jobs with restaurants, hotels and other tourism-dependent spots in Maine. Jobs as servers, desk clerks and housekeepers will be plentiful especially during the spring and summer months. Jobs with commercial fishing companies will also be available as the demand for the fresh catch of the day continues. Those people willing to put in long hours on the high seas will always be needed by these companies. As Maine continues to grow its economy, workers can look forward to a variety of employment options.