UMPI is now also a grad school, as it launches first master's degree program

Courtesy / University of Maine System The University of Maine at Presque Isle is part of the University of Maine System.

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By Renee Cordes

Embarking on its first foray into graduate education, the University of Maine at Presque Isle will offer a master's degree in the fast-growing field of organizational leadership, the school announced Monday.

A spokeswoman told Mainebiz that the first class in the grad program will consist of 15 students.

The school, which currently has about 1,200 undergraduate students and is part of the public University of Maine System, cited a recent report saying organizational leadership ranks fifth among the 30 most in-demand master's programs in New England. The subject is also a highly sought distance-education degree by adult learners nationwide, according to another source.

UMPI is launching its program this fall after receiving approval from the New England Commission of Higher Education, the university's accrediting body.

“This is a singular moment and historic milestone for our university,” UMPI President Ray Rice said in a news release Monday.

"We are so pleased to be able to provide this new offering to those looking for graduate level coursework that is both very affordable and designed with working professionals in mind."

At the start of the current academic year last September, Rice told Mainebiz in an "On the Record" interview that one of his goals was to ensure UMPI had programs to meet workforce needs, including those for Aroostook County as well as ones with national scope.

UMPI's new master's program will explore a multidisciplinary, organizational approach to leadership, stressing social responsibility and ethics, creativity and innovation and dynamic communication, as well as critical thinking critical thinking and data analysis that prepare students to lead organizations.

There are six start dates a year for the program. Individuals who complete it will earn a master of arts degree in organizational leadership.

The program will be part of UMPI's existing YourPace degree completion program through which adult learners can earn a bachelor's degree online in as few as 17 months for less than $10,000.

Carolyn Dorsey, University of Maine System associate vice chancellor for academic affairs, said the program provides a critical option for adult learners while reinforcing UMPI’s commitment to traditional-aged learners.

“With our Early College programming available, students can get a jump start on college by taking courses while in high school and then move seamlessly through their undergraduate and graduate work, all while being able to stay in Aroostook County and begin their careers,” she said.

She added that the new degree program allows the school "to build a strong set of career pathways in high-growth, high-demand fields. We are so pleased to be able to offer it starting this academic year.”

With the addition of UMPI's organizational leadership program, only two of the University of Maine System's seven universities — the University of Maine at Fort Kent and the University of Maine at Machias — do not offer graduate studies. However, the two schools do offer certificate programs and other coursework for students who already have bachelor's degrees.

More information

Those interested in learning more about the UMPI organizational leadership program or applying for the January session start should contact Shea Cushman, YourPace admissions coordinator, at shea.cushman@maine.edu or 207-768-9433.