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BIDDEFORD, Maine

UNE ranked among top colleges and universities for marine science by 'Biology Explorer' and 'College Choice' websites

Graphic for Biology Explorer's Top Ten Marine Biology Colleges

UNE’s School of Marine Programs recently received two new accolades, making the top ten list of marine biology colleges in the U.S. from Biology Explorer and the top fifteen list of bachelor’s degree programs in marine biology from College Choice.

Biology Explorer, a website that provides science news and articles from the leading universities and research institutions around the globe, praised UNE’s marine science program for providing students a “well-rounded education in both academics and research,” noting the program’s emphasis on the “practical uses” of a marine science education. Additionally mentioned is the School of Marine Programs' “state-of-the-art research facilities and laboratories,” its focus on conservation, and its hands-on approach to learning.

College Choice, an online resource guide for students conducting college searches, also recognized UNE’s marine science program for its well-roundedness, its “cutting-edge” research facilities, and its “comprehensive training … in conservation.” Moreover, the website applauded the School of Marine Programs for its broad range of majors and minors, specifically noting  Marine Affairs, Aquaculture, and Marine Entrepreneurship, and highlighted students’ option to concentrate in marine biology or oceanography and the optional 4+1 bachelor’s and master’s combined track. UNE’s location was also extolled as idyllic for marine science students, with College Choice commenting that the program “is carried out in close proximity to some of the nation’s most gorgeous waterways.”

Furthermore, College Choice identified UNE as “one of the best for students seeking a small-campus vibe paired with the academic quality of a larger research institution,” remarking on the “dozens of student fellowships, research grants, and other projects” available to students and its partnerships with “prestigious marine-based organizations.”

Charles Tilburg, Ph.D., director of the School of Marine Programs, said that the rankings reflect the quality of the school’s offerings but are particularly indicative of the excellence of the faculty. “The faculty in the School of Marine Programs are dedicated to providing our students with exceptional educational experiences,” he commented.  “Whether they are in the classroom, in the lab, in the field, or on one our boats, our students are learning from the very best.  Yes, our location and facilities are amazing, but what our faculty do with these tools is what makes the School of Marine Programs so special.”

The rankings from Biology Explorer and College Choice follow College Magazine’s inclusion of UNE in its list of “The 10 Best Colleges for Marine Biology,” published in November of 2018.

Both “Biology Explorer’ and ‘College Choice’ lauded the high quality research facilities and laboratories dedicated to marine pr
Both “Biology Explorer’ and ‘College Choice’ lauded the high quality research facilities and laboratories dedicated to marine programs at UNE.
‘College Choice’ praised UNE’s location as idyllic for marine science majors, noting its “close proximity to some of the nation
‘College Choice’ praised UNE’s location as idyllic for marine science majors, noting its “close proximity to some of the nation’s most gorgeous waterways.” ‘Biology Explorer’ highlighted the School of Marine Programs’ hands-on approach to learning.

About the University of New England

The University of New England is Maine’s largest independent university, with two beautiful coastal campuses in Maine, a one-of-a-kind study abroad campus in Tangier, Morocco, and an array of flexible, accredited online degrees. In an uncommonly welcoming and supportive community, we offer hands-on learning, empowering students to make a positive impact in a world full of challenges. The state’s top provider of health professionals, we are home to Maine’s only medical college, Maine’s only dental college, a variety of other interprofessionally aligned health care degree programs, as well as nationally recognized programs for marine science degrees, natural and social sciences degrees, arts and humanities degrees, and business degrees.