A Maine university launches environmental engineering programs

Photo / Courtesy Unity Environmental University Unity Environmental University is a private university in New Gloucester that offers undergraduate and graduate education focused on environmental topics.

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By Alexis Wells

Unity Environmental University, a private liberal arts school, plans to launch two new bachelor of science degrees that target students' growing interest areas.

The New Gloucester-based university will begin offering an online degree in environmental engineering and environmental process engineering.

“These state-of-the-art programs, designed with unmatched accessibility and flexibility, fill a vital gap in environmental engineering,” said Melik Peter Khoury, president of Unity.

“By prioritizing cost-effective, adaptable and inclusive education models, we’re able to help dismantle the barriers that have long sidelined too many potential innovators, particularly those in marginalized groups from STEM opportunities. Widening that pathway is key to cultivating a more diverse, robust workforce capable of shaping a healthier, more sustainable future for everyone.”

The environmental engineering program teaches students about pollution remediation and sustainable urban development. The environmental process engineering program will prepare students for careers in designing, optimizing and managing processes in industries that prioritize environmental sustainability.

The university said both programs became available to students last month. The next term starts on Feb. 24.

Unity Environmental University, formerly Unity College, has an environmentally focused curriculum. The school was founded in 1965 in the Waldo County town of Unity.

On a list of the state’s largest colleges and universities in the 2025 Mainebiz Book of Lists, Unity was ranked No. 1. Rankings were based on full-time undergraduate enrollment in fall 2024. The current enrollment at Unity is 8,177.