College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

About the school

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) has been instrumental in reshaping the academic environment and fostering overall intellectual development at the University of Maine. The institution's original name was the Maine College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts, which was established in 1862 following President Abraham Lincoln's Morrill Act. The instituion became known as the University of Maine (UMaine) from 1897. The University of Maine is well regarded for its dedication to research and academic quality. The Princeton Review names UMaine one of the top 50 green institutions in the US. UMaine's CLAS has produced a host of distinguished alumni who have contributed significantly to improving various critical fields. Among the prominent graduates are Stephen King (highly popular author), Mal Leary (veteran American journalist), and Tabitha King (prolific writer and philanthropist) The mission of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is to foster creativity, develop fundamental skills, and pique students' interests to promote lifelong learning. UMaine is situated by the Stillwater River in Orono, Maine state. A tranquil and supportive atmosphere for academic endeavours can be found in Orono, a quaint and endearing town famous for its natural beauty. Both outdoor recreation activities and cultural attractions are easily accessible to students from UMaine.

Where is the school located?

Life at the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

International students at UMaine's College of Liberal Arts and Sciences can look forward to a welcoming and inclusive environment. UMaine students come from every county in Maine, as well as from 49 other US states and 81 countries. The College strongly emphasises diversity and inclusivity, with dedicated support from the Division of Student Life and more than 20 student clubs and organisations. The Division of Student Life is committed to assisting students in adjusting to college life and making the most of their experience. UMaine offers convenient housing options, with 19 different residences, including the Aroostook and Colvin halls, for students to choose from. Students preferring alternative housing solutions have numerous off-campus options available near the University. These off-campus options are facilitated by the Off-Campus Housing Office, which ensures students have a range of choices regarding their living arrangements. The College ensures that students have diverse meal plans for dining to suit their preferences and dietary needs. Meals can be enjoyed at locations such as York Dining, Hilltop Dining, etc. The College prioritises student well-being with facilities such as the New Balance Student Recreation Center, a renowned 87,000+ sq. ft. facility with 150+ cardio and weight machines in separate areas. Further, the University provides various options to make commuting around campus and the surroundings hassle-free. The Parking and Transportation Services provides buses, shuttles, and other transportation modes that seamlessly connect the College to multiple parts of the campus and beyond.

Additional benefits of studying at the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

UMaine's College of Libe­ral Arts and Sciences offers nume­rous benefits that significantly e­nhance the academic e­xperience of its stude­nts. CLAS re­ceives substantial funding each ye­ar, enabling students to actively participate­ in cutting-edge rese­arch. In a major accomplishment for the College, an impressive USD 133.6 million was secure­d in exte­rnal funding for R&D in 2021.

The CLAS faculty comprise­s highly qualified and dedicated acade­mics, who are comple­tely devoted to providing students pe­rsonalised assistance and guidance, e­nsuring they e­xcel academically and professionally.

UMaine offers modern facilitie­s and state-of-the-art rese­arch centres, contributing to an enriche­d educational experie­nce. The notable rese­arch institutions include the Advanced Structures and Composites Center and the­ Aquaculture Research Institute­. These establishme­nts further enhance stude­nts' learning opportunities and contribute to groundbre­aking discoveries in their re­spective fields.

Admissions criteria

Generally, applicants are required to submit the following to secure admission at the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at the University of Maine: Personal statement 3 letters of recommendation Transcripts English proficiency: TOEFL and IELTS Resume Letter of Intent Graduate admissions test: GRE and GMAT Minimum score/GPA: 3.5 An estimated list of expenses an international student may incur in a year: Housing and food: USD 11,000 Books and supplies: USD 600 Personal expenses: USD 4,600 Transportation: USD 4,900

Please consult the school’s necessary admissions and financial aid websites for detailed information and any updates to this information.

Job placements

UMaine's College of Liberal Arts and Sciences excels in job placements, with a 94% rate in 2020, up from 92.83% in 2019, guaranteeing that most graduates find work soon after graduation. For on-campus hiring, the College works with renowned companies. The University’s career centre connects students and alumni with companies while providing career planning and job-finding assistance. In addition to employment placements, the College emphasises providing students with various internship options. The career centre offers these internships through comprehensive career services, on-campus recruiting events, and cooperation with diverse industry partners. Given the College's dedication to providing practical experience, students can access various internship opportunities, including the Intern or Co-Op Student Program. Throughout an academic year, the College offers several career and job fairs that give students essential chances to engage with future employers. The College creates relationships with major firms for on-campus opportunities and provides on-campus job placement counselling. The Career Center staff offers tailored assistance to students with many elements of career preparation, such as identifying capabilities, setting objectives, and investigating the connection between academic majors and professions.