Maine’s Innovation Business School
Launch your business career at UNE in a community of difference-makers who seek to do well by making a positive impact. UNE’s College of Business, on the coast of Maine, produces graduates with the relevant skills and understanding needed to thrive in today’s evolving business world. We offer a range of programs from Business Administration and Marine Entrepreneurship to Accounting and Marketing degrees.
As a student in UNE’s College of Business, you are engaged with experiential learning opportunities and prepared for rewarding, enriching careers and leadership positions with some of Maine’s and the nation’s largest employers, from private entities, nonprofit organizations, professional sports organizations, manufacturers, and more.
You also benefit from many internal and external opportunities afforded to you including internships, mentorship, and interdisciplinary fellowships offered through UNE’s Office of Innovation and the P.D. Merrill Makerspace.
College of Business Majors
College of Business Dean Norm O’Reilly
UNE is proud to announce Norm O’Reilly, Ph.D., a leading scholar in the business of sports, inaugural dean for the University’s recently established College of Business. O’Reilly joins UNE with two decades of leadership experience in higher education, including his most recent role as dean of the Portland-based Graduate School of Business at the University of Maine (UMaine).
In his time at UMaine, O’Reilly oversaw the establishment and growth of business programs for Maine’s public universities, notably the MaineMBA which now numbers more than 400 students. He enhanced interdisciplinary education opportunities by growing its MBA concentrations and increasing dual degrees with partnerships within many sectors, including law, engineering, and public policy. He also spearheaded multi-university fundraising initiatives and significant projects, including the highly successful MaineMBA Academy and the Maine Brand Study.
Where time-tested meets future-forward
P.D. Merrill Makerspace
The P.D. Merrill Makerspace is a fully equipped laboratory for creating and building, turning ideas into reality, and developing solutions to real-world problems.
Office of Innovation
In the Makerspace and across campus, the Office of Innovation team partners with students, faculty, and professional staff from virtually every unit at UNE.
Natalie Ippolito ’20
Why UNE
When I was a kid, my family used to vacation on Hills Beach. I was so young then that I later didn't even remember that there was a college campus right there. When I was looking around at different colleges, my mom said to me, “What about the one we used to pass by?” I remember looking into UNE then, but I wanted to go to UMass Lowell because that’s where a lot of my friends were going. Then one day I was hiking with my brother, and he told me that I should challenge myself to go somewhere that none of my friends were going. I took that challenge, and it led me here to UNE.
We have a very different setup than other schools because the Business Department is small compared to the health science majors here. It’s close-knit because of that. All of the professors tailor their classes to the students and what the students want to learn. I think that is the coolest part. Rather than just following a set curriculum, they'll see what the students are interested in and try to engage us more.
Welcoming Community
Everyone is very friendly here at UNE. When you pass by people, you don't even have to know them, they’ll smile and wave. I think that's really cool. It’s a very welcoming environment, and I really appreciate that. It's very much geared toward getting students involved in different things, and I think that allows for a lot of freedom and opportunity.
I learned a lot about myself from being here at UNE. I remember coming into college…I thought, “Oh, I'm just going to do my classes, study hard, and not do anything aside from that.” I got sucked into the culture, though. There is so much community here. It started with my involvement in [the undergraduate theater club] UNE Players and went from there.
I remember when I first came to UNE, I thought it was pretty, and I liked it here. It was a shallow interpretation of the place. After a few years at UNE, though, I have a much deeper connection. I think that UNE Players helped me feel that way and find my place. I developed friends through participating in the plays.
All of the professors tailor their classes to the students and what the students want to learn. I think that is the coolest part.
Business Student Success By The Numbers
of undergrads employed or in ongoing higher education within one year of graduating
in Maine for getting a job
A Business School on Maine’s Coast
As a student in one of our Maine-based Business degree programs, you study on UNE’s scenic Biddeford Campus, where the waters of the Saco River flow into the Atlantic Ocean. Over the years, this location has inspired students and faculty from around the world. Recently named the youngest city in Maine, Biddeford and its twin city, Saco, boast an up-and-coming, hip downtown offering delicious eateries, exciting social and cultural events, and more. With the transformation of the old Biddeford/Saco mills into restaurants, breweries, housing, fitness facilities, salons, and retailers, there is something for everyone to explore in downtown. Looking to try a new type of food, grab a coffee, or shop for locally-made clothes? Biddeford/Saco has it all.
News
Business Degrees Accreditation
The University of New England’s Business Administration and Sport Leadership and Management programs are accredited Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs.
Report to Communities of Interest and Student Achievement (PDF)
College of Business Frequently Asked Questions
Are there good business schools in Maine?
Maine leads New England in academic growth, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA). As Maine’s economy expands, the demand for business school graduates increases. This is why UNE launched our Maine business school to meet that growing need and prepare students to lead anywhere in the world.
UNE’s College of Business is located on the shore in Biddeford, Maine, where the Saco River meets the Gulf of Maine. Situated in New England and close to Portland, Maine’s largest city, our business school benefits from proximity to a vibrant business hub. What sets UNE’s business school apart is our focus on active, experiential learning. This includes select internships with a network of regional, national, and global business partners, as well as hands-on concept development in our award-winning P.D. Merill Makerspace, where you can bring your ideas to life with expert guidance.
We leverage relationships between UNE’s established business programs with other departments and colleges across the University, including UNE’s College of Professional Studies (UNE Online), College of Arts and Sciences, and health professions colleges, to cement the University’s status as a leader in the fields of business and entrepreneurship and the best business school in Maine.
Why choose business school?
Business is a versatile group of majors, ideal for students seeking a comprehensive education in business with the option to specialize. Studying business leads to many opportunities, including career flexibility, leadership skills, networking, higher salary, and self-employment if you want to start your own business.
Wages in many business-related jobs are well above average, providing a strong sense of financial security and motivation for students considering business school. Students who choose business school are generally satisfied with their decision. According to ZipRecruiter, business is the second-least regretted college major—just behind computer science and ahead of engineering—with only 16% of respondents expressing regret.
As a student in UNE’s Maine-based business school, you can earn a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in any of our eight College of Business majors. Our business students link their education to their career success.
Learn more about what UNE students say about our College of Business programs
Which business major should I choose?
A business school education is valuable across many industries and offers diverse career paths. To succeed in a field you're passionate about, like marketing, sustainability, finance, or entrepreneurship, choose the concentration that best aligns with your interests and goals. When selecting a business school, consider the majors they offer and research which ones best fit your skills, career goals, and work-life balance.
UNE in Maine offers eight undergraduate majors within its College of Business to prepare students for a rewarding career in business and innovation:
- B.S. in Accounting
- B.S. with a Major in Business Administration
- B.S. in Finance
- B.S. in Marine Entrepreneurship
- B.S. in Marketing
- B.S. in Outdoor Business and Innovation
- B.S. in Sport Leadership and Management
- B.S. in Sustainability and Business
UNE’s College of Business also offers seven minors that serve as excellent complements to many of our undergraduate majors:
- Minor in Accounting
- Minor in Business Administration
- Minor in Economics
- Minor in Finance
- Minor in Marketing
- Minor in Sports Leadership and Management
- Minor in Social Innovation and Leadership
If you are interested in a B-school in Maine, you can apply to UNE via the Common Application or our UNE application. We use a test-blind admissions policy, which means we will not consider ACT or SAT scores for general admission. Instead, we will review your high school experience as a whole.
What will I study in business school?
Specific classes in business schools and business colleges can vary depending on the institution. While most programs include core courses like accounting, finance, marketing, and management, the exact curriculum and available electives can differ. Some business schools may offer unique concentrations or specializations, such as supply chain management or sustainable business practices, each with its own set of requirements and elective options.
At UNE in Maine, students enjoy a well-rounded education with business school core classes and electives. As a student in UNE’s College of Business, you will benefit from these classes, additional hands-on learning experiences, and networking opportunities.
The following are just some examples of the exciting courses that UNE’s College of Business offers:
- Business and Society Relations
- Innovation through Technology
- Financial Markets and Institutions
- Strategic Business Marketing
- Data Analytics in Accounting
- The Marine Economy
- Outdoor Entrepreneurship
- Athletic and Sport Administration
- Ecological Economics
What career benefits can I gain from attending business school in Maine?
A career in business today offers opportunities beyond the cubicle, and UNE’s extensive network of business partnerships ensures you gain real-world experience and make valuable connections. Business impacts every part of society, and at UNE’s College of Business on the Maine coast, we apply business principles to interdisciplinary projects—from building a sustainable economy to leveraging big data in health. Our program also offers special focus areas like sports management and marine entrepreneurship, with concentrations tailored to your passions and goals.
After attending business school, students can pursue advanced degrees such as an MBA (Master of Business Administration) or specialized graduate programs to enhance their skills, shift their career focus, or advance to higher-level positions. One of the goals of UNE’s College of Business is to thoroughly prepare students for advanced studies, ensuring a seamless transition to graduate education.
How do I choose the right business school for me?
There are many benefits to attending business school, and there are plenty of New England business colleges to choose from. Remember to do the research and search for a B-school that aligns with your goals and discover what sets UNE’s College of Business apart.
Faculty
Evaluating the faculty at a business school is important for ensuring a quality education. Assess based on teaching style and feedback, industry connections, credentials and experience, and more.
The mission of UNE’s College of Business is to deliver exceptional education through a dedicated, experienced faculty and a dynamic curriculum designed to equip students with the skills necessary to excel in a rapidly evolving global environment.
Meet faculty and professional staff at UNE’s College of Business
Curriculum
Evaluate each business school curriculum based on your preferences and areas of specialization. Also, look at what internships and practical experience opportunities each business school department offers.
UNE’s business school offers a range of business degree programs, from accounting, business administration, finance, and marketing to marine entrepreneurship, outdoor business and innovation, and sustainability and business. Business Administration and Sport Leadership and Management programs are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs, an organization offering accreditation to business programs focused on teaching and learning.
Learn more about each of the different College of Business majors at UNE
As a student at UNE’s College of Business, you’ll gain hands-on experience and be ready for fulfilling careers with major employers in Maine and beyond. You’ll also have access to internships, mentorships, and fellowships through UNE’s Office of Innovation and the P.D. Merrill Makerspace, both of which have been the catalyst for many student- and alumni-founded businesses and other entrepreneurial endeavors in New England and beyond.
Career Goals
Choose a business school with programs that align with your career aspirations and goals. Explore the available resources to help you plan your path forward.
According to the Brookings Institute, UNE is the #1 college in Maine for increasing career earnings. UNE is also consistently ranked as Zippia’s best college in Maine for finding a job.
UNE’s business school provides students with experiential learning opportunities and prepares them for rewarding, enriching careers and leadership positions with some of Maine’s and the nation’s most important employers, including private entities, nonprofit organizations, professional sports teams, manufacturers, and more.
In addition, UNE’s Academic and Career Advising Center has a team of professionals dedicated to helping you achieve your academic and career goals. We assist with:
- Understanding major and degree completion requirements
- Exploring careers and majors to align learning with career objectives
- Preparing for the job market
- Guiding internships, global experiences, and research opportunities
Learn more about Career Advising at UNE
Location and Environment
A business school’s location can influence your networking opportunities, internship availability, and overall college experience. Assess the climate, culture, and lifestyle of the area to ensure it aligns with your personal and professional goals.
UNE’s vibrant New England campus community, centered on people and purpose, offers countless opportunities to explore, connect, and learn. We provide the resources and facilities of a large university while maintaining a small-college feel, making sure to get to know you personally.
Maine’s business climate is thriving and growing, and business professionals are in demand. Where you learn inspires what you learn. UNE’s College of Business is located on the scenic coast of Maine, near the state's economic hub of Portland.
Learn more about UNE’s campuses and how you can visit us
Financial aid
Consider whether the B-school you're interested in provides financial aid or scholarships to support your business education.
At UNE in Maine, we believe everyone should have access to higher education. Even with tuition rising around the country, we have kept tuition below the national average and 16% below the average for private universities in New England.
We offer generous financial aid packages for business school students, including around $47 million annually in scholarships, and we collaborate with each family and student to make education affordable. Expanding access to UNE education helps create a more inclusive and vibrant community.
Learn more about grants and scholarships available to students at UNE