UMF offers new online degree program in public policy

Courtesy / UMF The University of Maine at Farmington is a public liberal arts college with over 1,000 undergraduate students.

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By Alexis Wells

The University of Maine at Farmington is expanding its offerings to include an online, interdisciplinary bachelor’s degree program in public policy.

The program prepares students to analyze policy problems and develop, evaluate and implement government solutions, according to the school. It says the curriculum is designed for students entering or advancing careers in public service, business, communications and government.

“UMF’s new online public policy program was created for today’s students to open a variety of career paths in the public and private sector,” said UMF President Joseph McDonnell.

“State and local municipalities seek employees with a public policy background as well as many private sector jobs that work with governments. Well-informed public policy professionals have a huge impact on businesses, local and state government and inspire positive change in a community.”

Students will work with faculty in core courses on public policy, policy analysis and statistical methods. The coursework is based on the areas such as health care, education, gender and development, human rights, climate change and environmental policy in general.

“A Public Policy program emphasizes problem-solving skills, which are valuable in multiple fields,” said Scott Erb, professor of political science and program chair. “Problem-solving includes the ability to logically analyze a number of variables with a creative approach to considering alternatives and taking into account a variety of interests and goals.”

The program will launch in December and be available to online and on-campus students.

UMF is also partnering with the Maine Municipal Association to offer the program to local government employees and elected municipal officials.

To be eligible for the benefit, applicants must verify employment or status as an elected official with an MMA member municipality. Students are responsible for all mandatory university-wide fees and course-specific fees. UMF will provide a 10% discounted tuition rate to all eligible members of the Maine Municipal Association.

The University of Maine at Farmington is a public liberal arts college offering programs in teacher education, human services and other fields.

UMF was ranked No. 13 among Maine's largest colleges and universities in the 2024 Mainebiz Book of Lists, based on full-time undergraduate enrollment of 1,008 in fall 2023.