Data Science Degree Programs in Maine
For a list of measurable reasons, Maine is an attractive landing spot for New England-based data scientists. The state’s largest city, Portland, is located on the coast just a short two-hour drive away from Boston. Lucrative job opportunities exist within a less competitive environment than further south towards more metropolitan areas between the topmost state and New York City. With several large employers headquartered in Maine, including L.L. Bean, IDEXX Laboratories, and Olympia Sports, data science is starting to play a larger role in Maine agriculture, marketing for Maine tourism, and Maine manufacturing—all of which are top earning and top producing industries in the state.
For those interested in pursuing careers in data science, there are cost-effective educational paths that help students develop the skills they need to succeed. In many cases, universities partner with local and regional employers to create opportunities for students to put what they learn in the classroom to use in the real world. Maine’s institutions of higher learning recognize the value of a data science education in today’s world and job field, and have responded by developing rigorous, yet relevant curricula.
Career Outlook for Data Scientists in Maine
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, data scientists in Maine are paid an mean salary of $90,410 per year as of May 2021. Though data scientists only make up 540 people in the state’s workforce, computer and mathematical occupations account for 12,150 jobs. Business and financial operations professionals, who often have backgrounds in data science, add another 30,000 jobs to Maine’s economy per BLS data.
If you are interested in pursuing a career in data science in Maine, there are several pathways through which you can gain essential math, computer science, and data manipulation skills. With both public and private Maine colleges and universities offering on-campus and online programs, there is no shortage of valuable academic options in the state.
On-Campus Undergraduate Data Science Programs in Maine
There are several colleges in Maine where students can develop fundamental skills that prepare them for job opportunities in data science based career fields. The University of New England is a private university with nearly 9,700 students. The state’s largest school, The University of Maine, has a total undergraduate population of 12,860 students. Although different, the universities adequately prepare students for success in data science careers across many sectors. Data science degrees in Maine are also available from the University of Southern Maine, Thomas College, and The University of Maine at Augusta.
University of New England B.S in Data Science
University of New England offers a Data Science B.S. program through its Department of Mathematical Science. The program requires 56 core program credits and 27 open elective credits. Core courses include data structures, data mining, and predictive analytics. Through the program, students gain mathematical modeling and computing skills. Additionally, they have opportunities to work on real-world problems with local employers. Students can also graduate with Honors by conducting relevant research or creative data science activity under the supervision of a faculty member.
Admission to the University of New England starts with a $40 application fee and submission of SAT or ACT scores with an official high school transcript. Applicants are assessed on a variety of criteria, including their test results, two recommendations, and a personal statement. University of New England costs 15% less than the average private institution in the region. For the 2021-22 school year, tuition costs were $38,420 before room and board. One of the most noteworthy aspects of the school is that it grants every full-time incoming student an award between $4,000-$20,000 based on GPA and SAT / ACT scores through the Merit Scholarship program. Overall, 98% of undergraduate students receive some sort of financial aid.
The University of Maine B.S. / B.A. in Computer Science
For those more interested in attending public colleges in Maine, The University of Maine offers both a B.S and B.A. in Computer Science. Both tracks prepare students for work in the computer industry. Core courses cover topics such as computer architecture, programming languages, and software engineering. Through electives, students can dive more deeply into data science-specific topics, including introductions to data structures and databases. To earn a major, students must earn 51 core course credits and 120 total credits. To earn a minor, students must complete 18-21 credit hours.
Currently, there is no application fee to apply to The University of Maine. Students need to provide a high school transcript, SAT or ACT scores, a letter of recommendation, and a personal statement. For Maine (and Canada) residents, 2021-22 tuition costs are $11,640. For out of state residents, tuition costs were $33,240. Any students accepted through Early Action are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships. For those admitted through the regular cycle, there are also other first-year scholarships available that are awarded based on high school performance.
Thomas College B.S. in Computer Information Systems
The Bachelor of Science in computer information systems from Thomas College features career-focused curriculum with key courses in Java programming, system analysis, project management, security essentials, database management, and hardware and software concepts. Requiring 121 credit hours, the program can be completed in 3 years, and features internships and leadership development.
Tuition at Thomas College for the 2021-2022 academic year is $28,110. One enticing aspect of attending Thomas College is that every student above a certain GPA is awarded a merit scholarship each year. Students with a GPA of at least 2.4 are awarded $10,000 a year, a GPA of at least 2.8 grants you $14,000, and students with a GPA greater than 3.2 can enjoy a scholarship of $18,000 each year.
The University of Southern Maine B.S. in Computer Science
The Bachelor’s in Computer Science requires 120 credit hours and a minimum GPA of 2.0 in the program. With a full computer science degree, students will get to experience a diverse range of courses in disciplines such as data structures, Java programming, software engineering, database systems, statistics, and calculus. For the 2021-2022 academic year, tuition is $288 per credit hour for those in-state (or from Canada) and $788 per credit hour for those from out of state.
On-Campus Graduate Data Science Programs in Maine
For those interested in furthering their data science skills and knowledge beyond an undergraduate education, there are several on-campus graduate schools that focus on data science disciplines.
On-Campus Master’s in Data Science Programs in Maine
The University of Maine’s on-campus master’s program in Spatial Information Science and Engineering offers two different methods of completion. Students can choose to pursue a thesis which requires substantial research and a strong background in computer science, math, and engineering. Alternatively, students can go down the project option route, which is better suited for those who would rather complete classroom course work. A minimum of 30 graduate course credits is required for students to complete the program following either course.
For those in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, or Rhode Island, NEBHE scholarships are available, which allow students to attend The University of Maine at a reduced rate. Anyone enrolled as an undergraduate at the university may also apply for the Four Plus One Program – a five-year accelerated path available for students with GPAs above 3.25.
The University of Southern Maine offers a 30-credit M.S. in Statistics program which prepares students for a diverse array of career opportunities that involve statistical analyses. The master’s includes four different tracks, one of which is focused on data science. Through this particular track, students complete courses in statistical data mining, biostatistical methods, and big data modeling. Like The University of Maine’s program, the school also has an accelerated option that enables students to complete both their undergraduate and their master’s degrees in five years. When submitting applications, students must provide their transcripts, resumes, a personal statement, three letters of recommendation, and have a GPA of 2.75 or higher.
On-Campus Data Science Ph.D. Programs in Maine
The University of Maine offers the only Ph.D. program for data science in the state. Students can pursue an on-campus Ph.D. in Spatial Information System Science and Engineering over a minimum two-year commitment. The program requires a thesis and a minor outside of the core coursework. In total, students must complete 30 hours of graduate courses and at least 12 thesis credits.
Most students who are accepted to the program have master’s degrees in engineering, computer science, cognitive science or mathematics from The University of Maine, although this is not a requirement. The university expects that students score have a cumulative undergraduate GPA above 3.0. Financial assistance is available in the form of graduate research assistantships through the School of Computing and Information Science. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis without strict deadlines though those applying for scholarships or financial aid must submit their applications by the end of January for the September term.
On-Campus Graduate Certificate Programs in Maine
The Certificate of Graduate Study in Data Science offered by the University of Southern Maine provides students with the analytical and technical skills to extract insights from large data sets. In total, the certificate requires 15 credit hours and students must take courses in statistical programming and linear modeling. To be admitted, students must have completed courses in statistics and calculus, in addition to a baccalaureate degree and cumulative GPA above 2.75 while a GPA of 3.00 or better is required to graduate.
The University of Maine also offers a graduate certificate in Information Systems which requires completion of five required courses, including information systems programming and design of information systems. The university recommends that prospective students apply to the Master of Science in Information Systems program first and only request the certificate if they are unable to complete the program in time. To have a high chance of being accepted, applicants should have an analytics GPA above 3/00 and a quantitative GRE score over 146.
Other online data science certifications in Maine include the Data Science Certificate from University of Maine in Augusta (available through their larger Data Science program) and the Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics from Husson University Online, requiring just 12 credits.
Online Data Science Degree Programs in Maine
Online programs are well suited for those who wish to further their education while retaining employment or flexible schedules. In Maine, most online degrees come from The University of Maine and University of New England. Both offer graduate certificates and master’s degrees in data science-related fields.
The University of Maine M.S. in Information Systems
The University of Maine’s Master’s in Information Systems graduate program is designed to prepare students to manage computer-based information systems in a variety of fields. The 30-credit program covers diverse topics, such as database system design, systems development, and human-computer interaction. Students must take five core courses and at least five electives. Courses are offered online and on campus.
Admission to the program is competitive. The university is looking for students who score above the mean on the GRE and had an undergraduate GPA higher than 3.0. Additionally, applicants must have a degree from a four-year bachelor’s degree and have completed a course in Algebra. Applications cost $65 to submit and must include three letters of recommendation, an official college transcript, and test scores for the GRE, GMAT, or MAT. Tuition for the 2021-2022 academic year costs $590 per credit ($17,700 total) for both in-state and out-of-state students.
University of Maine at Augusta B.S. in Data Science (and Computer Information Systems and Cybersecurity)
The University of Maine at Augusta’s completely online data science program is distinct from the computer science degree offered at the flagship campus located near Bangor and the Data Science Certificate offered at Augusta. A writing-intensive course, the data science program requires 120 credit hours (30 of which are residency courses, and 9 of which are upper-level residency courses) and minimum GPA of 2.0 both cumulatively and in the major itself. Tuition for the 2020-2021 school year was $245 per credit hour for those in-state (or from Canada) and $592 per credit hour for those from out of state
UMA also offers complete Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programs in Computer Information Systems and Cybersecurity which are offered on campus and online as well.
University of Southern Maine M.S. in Cybersecurity
The University of Southern Maine (USM) has teamed up with UMA to offer a fully online Master of Science in Cybersecurity that is flexible, affordable, and geared toward building a career. Students will graduate from the cybersecurity program at USM with technical skills that they can apply immediately on the job. The program also prepares students for certifications such as certified information systems security professional and certified forensic computer examiner.
University of New England M.S. in Health Informatics
The M.S. in Health Informatics master’s program at the University of New England is a 36-credit program delivered entirely online. The program is specifically designed to equip students with a technical skill set for careers in the healthcare space. There are three different focus areas offered through the program: health data analytics, healthcare leadership, and training and development. The health data analytics track includes courses in data mining, predictive modeling, and statistical computing.
Prerequisites for the program include a bachelor’s degree and a cumulative GPA greater than 2.75. To apply, students must submit an online application with a professional CV, personal statement, and college transcript, in addition to paying a $40 fee. 2021-2022 tuition fees for the program are $750 per credit.
Thomas College M.S. in Cybersecurity
Thomas College in Waterville offers an M.S. in Cybersecurity that can be completed 100% online with 30 credit hours. Thomas College’s career-focused curriculum includes courses in cyber engineering, managerial risk analysis and decision making, homeland security, and cyber investigation and data analytics.
BEST DATA SCIENCE PROGRAMS IN MAINE
Clearly, there is no shortage of great data science programs available in the Pine Tree State, for both online and on-campus students. Whether you’re looking for a Bachelor’s degree, a graduate certificate or a Master’s, we’ve gathered the most highly recommended Maine data science degrees for you to explore below.
2021 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and employment figures for data scientists reflect national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed January 2023.
