Welcome to the Maine College of Engineering and Computing!

Discover Your Future at the Maine College of Engineering and Computing at the University of Maine! Our graduates are changing the world all of the time! Engineering and computing graduates create innovative and practical solutions to some of the world’s biggest challenges and they work with other smart, inspiring people to invent, design and build things that matter and make a difference!

Maine College of Engineering and Computing (MCEC) offers an exceptional academic environment deeply rooted in research and innovation. With cutting-edge research focus areas such as Advanced Materials for Offshore and Infrastructure, Ocean and Marine Engineering, Biorefining for Fuels, and Biomedical Engineering, MCEC provides students with the opportunity to engage in groundbreaking work that addresses real-world challenges. The college is also at the forefront of emerging fields like Artificial Intelligence, Human-centered Computing, and Big Data, making it an ideal place for students interested in the future of technology and its applications.

MCEC’s commitment to teaching excellence is evident through its faculty, who bring diverse expertise and global perspectives to the classroom. With a low student-to-faculty ratio, students benefit from personalized attention and mentorship, fostering a collaborative learning environment. Many faculty members are not only passionate educators but also active researchers, often recognized with prestigious awards.

Beyond academics, MCEC offers a vibrant campus life that promotes inclusivity and community. Students have access to a variety of clubs and organizations, allowing them to explore their interests and develop leadership skills. The college’s support resources provide comprehensive assistance for academic, financial, and mental well-being, ensuring that students thrive in all aspects of their lives. With an increasing number of international students, MCEC is a diverse and dynamic community that prepares students for global careers.

Choosing to study at the Maine College of Engineering and Computing means being part of a forward-thinking institution that values innovation, teaching excellence, and student success in a supportive and inclusive environment.


What is Engineering and Computing?

Engineering and computer science is the application of science, mathematics, and technology to solve real-world problems by designing, building, and maintaining structures, machines, devices, systems, and processes. It involves creativity, critical thinking, and innovation to develop solutions that improve lives, enhance safety, and advance society. Computer science is an integral part of modern engineering, focusing on the development and application of software, algorithms, and data processing techniques. Together, engineering and computer science enable the creation of sophisticated systems and technologies that drive progress in fields such as robotics, artificial intelligence, and telecommunications.

MCEC Advantage

  • 97% Job Placement: Within 6 months of graduation.
  • Top 3.7% US Research Institutions: R1 Classification for very high research activity.
  • 80% Internship Participation: Students intern with top organizations like NASA, IDEXX, General Dynamics, and more.
  • 12 ABET-Accredited Programs: Nationally recognized, ensuring quality graduates.
  • $100M+ in Research Awards Annually
  • 6 Advanced Research Facilities
  • Award-Winning Faculty
  • #1 in the Nation: Surveying Engineering Technology Program.
  • Fast-Track Programs: BS-MBA, BS-ME, CS, and SIE 4+1 Programs.
  • Safety First: Maine is the safest state in the U.S., according to US News.

Engineering Programs


MCEC’s engineering programs are renowned for their commitment to research, innovation, and hands-on learning. With a focus on real-world applications, students engage in cutting-edge research that drives technological advancements. UMaine provides an immersive educational experience, preparing graduates to be leaders in the engineering field, equipped with the skills to solve complex challenges and contribute to industry innovations.

Engineering Technology Programs


Engineering technology programs offer a hands-on, application-focused education, bridging the gap between theoretical engineering and practical implementation. These programs equip students with the technical skills and knowledge needed to design, develop, and improve systems, processes, and products. Graduates are prepared for careers in industries like manufacturing, construction, automation, and electronics, where they apply engineering principles to solve real-world problems, often working closely with engineers, technicians, and other professionals to innovate and optimize technology.

Computer and Infromation Sciences Programs


Computing education is vital in today’s digital world, equipping students with the skills to navigate, create, and innovate using technology. It fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity, empowering learners to contribute to various fields like science, engineering, and the arts. By understanding the principles of computing, students are better prepared for the future, where technology plays an increasingly central role in both personal and professional life.

Minors

Broaden your engineering education with another innovative field of engineering outside of your major. You will learn about the applications and systems in areas that will greatly enhance your skill set and college education. Meet students in other majors who may someday serve to be strategic business contacts and discover the world beyond where opportunities and adventure await to be explored.

  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Engineering Applications of Artificial Intelligence
  • Computer Engineering
  • Construction Engineering Technology
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Electrical Engineering Technology
  • Engineering Entrepreneurial
  • Engineering Leadership and Management
  • Environmental Engineering
  • Innovation Engineering (university wide)
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Nanotechnology
  • Ocean and Marine Engineering (new)
  • Power Engineering
  • Process Engineering
  • Renewable Energy Engineering
  • Renewable Energy Science & Technology
  • Robotics
  • Survey Engineering Technology

Minors are open to students who have completed; mathematics through differential equations; a year of physics and at least one course in Chemistry along with the prerequisites required for the individual engineering courses.

College-wide minors are open to all engineering students; however, students cannot receive a minor offered by their major department. The source for this information is the Undergraduate Catalog, where you can find further information for each minor.

Prior to enrolling in a minor a student must consult with the appropriate department chairperson to select the courses most appropriate to his/her background and career goals.

  • G. Peter van Walsum – Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Peter.vanWalsum@Maine.edu, 581-2277
  • Shaleen Jain – Civil and Environmental Engineering, shaleen.jain@maine.edu, 581-2420
  • Yifeng Zhu – Electrical and Computer Engineering, yifeng.zhu@maine.edu, 581-2224
  • John Thompson – Physics & Astronomy/Engineering Physics, thompsonj@maine.edu, 581-1030
  • Masoud Rais-Rohani – Mechanical Engineering, masoud.raisrohani@maine.edu, 581-2120
  • Will Manion – School of Engineering Technology, wmanion@maine.edu, 581-2184

Internships & Co-ops

More Programs

ONLINE Engineering Courses

Take online engineering courses from anywhere – home or office.  Don’t let geography stop you from furthering your engineering education. The College of Engineering at the University of Maine offers online engineering courses from ABET accredited engineering programs.

The online courses will use Adobe Connect Pro, which allows the courses to be received on any computer with a high speed internet connection. Students can text message the instructor during class, ask questions, and if the student’s computer has a camera, the instructor will be able to see them. No software is needed for the receiving computer – it is all web based.  Although this is a synchronous course and students are expected to attend during the class time, the lectures will be recorded so that students can watch them at a later time.

UMaine ONLINE is the place to check on all online course, certificate and degree programs.

Check Maine Street  for more information on current online courses.

Professional Science Masters in Engineering & Business – online masters program

UMaine Online tuition & fees


5-Year MBA Program

The Maine Business School revised its five-year MBA program in 2004, designed specifically for non-business students at the University of Maine. The program allows these students to complete the MBA in one academic year and two summer terms, incorporating required undergraduate prerequisites. Eligible students apply in their junior year with strict GPA and GMAT requirements and can take two graduate courses during their senior year. This program reduces the number of required graduate credits from 42 to 33 and aims to attract quality students from diverse backgrounds while fostering collaboration with other campus programs.

The following engineering departments offer the 5-Year MBA Program for their degree programs:

Please contact each department individually for more information on this opportunity.

Background:

Before the MBA program revision in 2004, the Maine Business School had agreements with several units on campus to offer a “5-Year MBA.” This was little more than telling the students to get a business minor and apply for the MBA in their senior year. At that time, our MBA was a 30-credit program.

Because of the increased number of graduate credits (42) in our MBA program and the reduced, more streamlined undergraduate foundation, a 5-Year MBA with the revised program involves a new approach.

Summary Description:

The Maine Business School five-year MBA provides UMaine non-business students the opportunity to complete the MBA program in one academic year, two summer terms, and the incorporation of required undergraduate prerequisites during the students undergraduate program of study. Students will be advised to take certain courses during their undergraduate program. Students will apply for admission into the MBA during the spring semester of their third year with strict minimums on GPA and GMAT, and then as seniors, accepted students are allowed to take two graduate courses along with their undergraduate courses. The program is NOT open to business undergraduates. The graduate courses do not count toward a student’s undergraduate requirements. This program is only available to students who will be starting the MBA studies following a May graduation.

Eligible Programs:

The five-year MBA only applies to students in non-business programs or colleges with which we have an agreement. Interested students will be asked to fill out a “declaration of interest” form as soon as they decide to pursue the program, so that we can advise them and keep them informed of any program changes. It also allows us to inform students if they do not qualify. The form is not an application or an agreement for admission, but is intended to identify students interested in considering the MBA in the fifth year. By accepting the form, the Maine Business School implies nothing about possible admission to the MBA program in the future.

Undergraduate Preparation:

Students will be required to complete ECO 120 (Principles of Microeconomics) and ECO 121 (Principles of Macroeconomics), a statistics course (MAT 215 or 232 or their own program’s equivalent), BUA 201 (Financial Accounting) and 202 (Managerial Accounting), and 350 (Principles of Finance) during their undergraduate program. Students will take our online tutorials after graduation for any other foundation areas not covered in their classes.

Admissions:

Students in the five-year MBA program are eligible to apply for admission in the spring semester of their junior year, provided they have completed 75 credits toward graduation. At the time of application, they must have a minimum GPA of 3.2, and they must maintain this GPA in order to retain eligibility to take two graduate courses as a senior. Prior to an admissions decision, the student must take the GMAT and achieve a minimum score of 550. (Students who do not meet these minimums may have their applications held for consideration for the normal post-baccalaureate admission process.)

Except for the timing, students will follow the normal application process (GMAT, letters of recommendation, transcripts and submission of the online application form.)

Accepted Students:

If accepted into the five-year MBA program and thus “pre-approved” for MBA admission, students are eligible to take two graduate-level courses during their senior year. Course selection will be limited to a few options, and will be decided upon in consultation with the business school graduate program director.

After the students complete their undergraduate requirements and successfully complete their one or two MBA courses, they will be officially admitted into the MBA program (prior to this they are accepted but not admitted) and can proceed with no limitations.

What this accomplishes:

This program allows students from non-business undergraduate programs to end their senior year needing 33 graduate credits (rather than 42). May graduates who are accepted into this program will take Residency Week, one or two summer electives, online tutorials for any needed foundation courses, and possibly an internship during the first summer.

We gain quality students from a diverse set of backgrounds and renew our commitment to work with other programs on campus.


Dual Degree Program

The MCEC’s dual degree program, in partnership with the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, offers a unique opportunity for students to excel in a wide range of careers. This program combines a rigorous engineering education with a comprehensive understanding of societal issues, equipping students with the versatility needed in today’s dynamic workplace.

Students who bring a liberal arts background to their engineering and computing studies gain a deeper appreciation for the human elements inherent in every challenge, alongside their technical expertise. Professionals who have combined both fields of study often speak to the expanded opportunities and richer perspectives their education has provided. Moreover, they bring added dimensions to their careers, whether it’s a passion for the opera, fluency in foreign languages, or a broader cultural awareness—making them both knowledgeable and engaging.

Honors College

The University of Maine Honors College is especially well-suited for engineering majors who are interested in interdisciplinary courses and interaction with students outside the field of engineering. Honors course work expands the educational experience in the humanities and social sciences and also allows engineering students to explore their own majors in greater depth than is possible with a traditional schedule. The Honors curriculum satisfies all of UMaine’s general education requirements except math and science.

To graduate with Honors, students must complete a minimum of seven HON courses. The Honors Thesis is built around HON 498 and 499 taken in the senior year. Typically, Umaine engineering students build a thesis around research conducted within their home department. Some majors allow credit for an Honors Thesis in engineering to replace engineering electives or some of the capstone requirements.

Study Abroad

Broaden your engineering education with an international perspective. You will learn about the people, cultures, landscapes and languages of other lands. Meet life-long friends in other countries who may someday serve to be strategic business contacts overseas. And you will Discover the world where opportunities and adventure await!

Contact the Office of International Programs:

Office of International Programs
5727 Estabrooke Hall, Room 240
Orono, ME 04469-5727
Phone: (207) 581-3437 | Fax: (207) 581-2920
Email: internationaladm@maine.edu

Deadlines for application: April 1 for fall or full year; October 15 for spring.