Maine may not be the first place to pop into your mind when you think about business schools but don't cross it off your list just yet. While Maine business schools may not have the same nationwide recognition of other institutions, they do offer a solid education and at what may be a significantly lower price than what's charged by the big names.
Plus, if you're unable to travel to the Maine school of your choice, you may be able to take classes online and earn your degree from the comfort of your own home. Undergraduate online business degrees may let you log in at whatever time is convenient for you while MBA programs may require that you be online at specific times to participate in class activities or discussions.
Regardless of whether you want to invest in a short-term certificate or earn you master's degree, Maine business programs may be right for you.
Online Business Programs in Maine
You can pursue a business education in Maine at community colleges, private schools and public universities. Two large Maine business schools can be found at the University of Maine and the University of Southern Maine.
Among the draws of the Maine Business School at the University of Maine is that it allows undergrads to help manage a $2.3 million portfolio. It has also been accredited by The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, an honor the university says only a quarter of business schools nationwide receive.
At the school, students can select from a bachelor's degree in business administration that offers five majors or the following MBA options.
- Essential MBA (available on-campus or fully online)
- Accounting MBA
- 5-Year MBA
- Joint MBA + JD
The School of Business at the University of Southern Maine is located in Portland, and it too has AACSB accreditation. Its business programs include 5 business certificates, 11 bachelor's degrees and 5 MBA options.
Other schools offering business programs in Maine include Husson University, St. Joseph's College and Thomas College. A number of online schools, such as Ashford University, also enroll Maine students in their business programs.
What is the Job Outlook in Maine?
Employment numbers for many business jobs in the state are expected to remain steady during the years to come. The chart below looks at some of the business and management occupations employing the largest numbers of Maine residents, along with those jobs' average salaries and expected growth.
| Position | Employment in Maine (2014) | Average Salary in Maine (2014) | Expected Job Growth (2012-2022) |
| General and Operations Managers | 11,120 | $88,450 | 2.1% |
| Business Operations Specialists | 2,710 | $59,870 | 1.9% |
| Financial Managers | 2,550 | $96,080 | 2.5% |
| Administrative Services Managers | 1,460 | $72,740 | 5% |
| Compliance Officers | 1,020 | $63,970 | 1.7% |
| Management Analysts | 1,030 | $67,010 | 8% |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (2014)
Maine has several major metropolitan areas - including Portland, Bangor and Lewiston - and incomes can vary depending on where a person works within the state. For example, general and operations managers in Bangor earned average salaries of $82,280 in 2014. However, in Portland, they earned significantly more. Managers working in that city had average salaries of $100,230 in 2014.
What are Business Specializations in Maine?
While earning your business degree, you will likely have the opportunity to specialize in a specific area of study. Popular options include the following.
- Accounting
- Finance
- Human resources
- Management
- Taxation
- Marketing and advertising
Once you graduate, you may also be eligible to earn professional credentials from an industry organization. While some certifications, such as that of a Certified Public Accountant, are required to perform certain job functions, most are voluntary. However, employers may prefer to hire certified workers who have proven expertise in a specific area of business. The following are a few of the credentials available to business and finance professionals.
- Certified Financial Planner
- Certified Associate Business Manager
- Professional in Business Analysis
- Professional Certified Marketer
Whether you are earning your first degree or moving on an advanced education, Maine business schools offer a number of options. You can enroll in an on-campus program for a traditional college experience or look for online programs that allow you to study when and where you want. The choice is yours.
To get started, request information from a few of the Maine business programs listed below to learn more about how they may help further your career goals.
Sources:
1. Maine Business School, University of Maine, https://umaine.edu/business/
2. Long-term projections, Projections Central, http://www.projectionscentral.com/Projections/LongTerm3. School of Business, University of Southern Maine, https://usm.maine.edu/sb
4. Occupational Employment Statistics, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Department of Labor, http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_me.htm