51Ʒ the 51ƷCollege of Business

The 51ƷCollege of Business offers degrees to prepare you for a rewarding career of innovation. Be a part of our business school on the coast of Maine — gain the knowledge, skills, and ethical grounding to play a leadership role within a public or private company, nonprofit organization, or as an entrepreneur.

Maine’s Innovation Business School

Launch your business career at 51Ʒin 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.

Welcome to the College of Business at UNE

College of Business Majors

Where time-tested meets future-forward

P.D. Merrill Makerspace

Two students discuss a project in the 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.

Explore the Makerspace

Office of Innovation

Two students work on a project in the makerspace

In the Makerspace and across campus, the Office of Innovation team partners with students, faculty, and professional staff from virtually every unit at UNE.

Discover the Office of Innovation

Moustafa Abu El Fadl

Moustafa Abu El Fadl, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Finance and Innovation

The business department here is growing, and I’m excited to be a part of that. With the accounting classes or the finance classes — we need to have a structure. We need to build them in a way where you build up management, marketing, and other skills and add those all together so that when someone says, “I have a bachelor’s degree in Business from UNE,” you have all that you need to compete for jobs. That potential drew me here to UNE, especially when I met the people who work in the Makerspace.

The way that they work with students to try to innovate with new techniques is impressive. I see opportunity there in ways that could be linked to business. You can link business applications to the Makerspace where we can then sell products. We see students who want to create or innovate a project, we give them the tools and help them, and then we show them the application and market for it. I would be happy to see those links happen at UNE.

Interprofessional Education

The fact that we have a campus in Morocco and a new program in Iceland adds a whole other element for our students. Also having a medical school is extremely unique. It’s the only one in Maine. Having that on the same campus with undergraduate students is very special. There is opportunity there to leverage business in medical applications as well.

You see these other schools that are really good in one thing — engineering, business, communication, medical — and then you have UNE, which is great in many areas and so is in a league of its own.

When you have a bachelor’s degree in business from UNE, you have all that you need to compete for jobs.

Business Student Success By The Numbers

95%

of undergrads employed or in ongoing higher education within one year of graduating

2016-2022 51Ʒgraduate surveys
#1

in Maine for getting a job

Zippia 2023

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. 

Business Degrees Accreditation

The 51Ʒ’s Business Administration and Sport Leadership and Management programs are accredited .

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 . As Maine’s economy expands, the demand for business school graduates increases. This is why 51Ʒlaunched 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 (51ƷOnline), 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 , 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 51Ʒstudents 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.

51Ʒin Maine offers eight undergraduate majors within its College of Business to prepare students for a rewarding career in business and innovation:

UNE’s College of Business also offers seven minors that serve as excellent complements to many of our undergraduate majors:

If you are interested in a B-school in Maine, you can apply to 51Ʒvia the or our . 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.

Learn more about how to apply to 51Ʒin Maine

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 51Ʒin 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.

Explore our site to discover why UNE’s College of Business is the right choice for your business education

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 , 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, 51Ʒis the #1 college in Maine for increasing career earnings. 51Ʒis also consistently ranked as 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 51Ʒin 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 51Ʒeducation helps create a more inclusive and vibrant community.

Learn more about grants and scholarships available to students at UNE