University of New England
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University of New England
The University of New England is a private non-profit independent university based out of Biddeford, Maine. Its mission is to provide a highly integrated educational experience that encourages excellence through interdisciplinary partnership and innovation in education, research, and service. It offers over 40 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in liberal arts, health sciences, natural sciences, education, business, human services, and osteopathic medicine. Its programs are student-centered and foster experiential learning, critical thinking, and lifelong service to the community. The U.S. News & World Report has recognized the University of New England as one of the “Best Universities in the North that offer a full range of undergraduate and master’s programs.”
The University of New England offers online education programs to better serve both traditional and non-traditional students. The online programs are offered through individual departments in a variety of areas including education with concentrations in literacy, curriculum and instruction strategies, educational leadership, and inclusion education; medical education leadership; program development in academic medicine; leadership development in academic medicine; public health; and social work. Programs are offered at the post bachelor’s, master’s degree and certificate of advanced graduate study levels. Online courses are delivered asynchronously via the Blackboard Learning System. Blackboard features multimedia presentations, downloadable course content such as syllabi and assignments, assignment drop box, online grade book, online quizzes and tests, and round the clock technical support. Students are able to regularly communicate with instructors and fellow classmates through discussion forums, email, and chat. Students are able regularly interact with advisors and support service administrators.
The University of New England’s history began when the College Seraphique was formed in 1939 as a high school and junior college for boys of Quebecois decent. In 1952, the college became a four-year liberal arts institution and changed its name to St. Francis College. The New England College of Osteopathic Medicine merged with the college and the institution became the University of New England in 1978. In 1996, Westbrook College merged with the university. Currently, the university enrolls nearly 7,500 students including degree and non-degree seeking and campus-based and online students.
Accreditation
The Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges accredits the University of New England.
Schools of Education
College of Arts and Sciences: committed to helping students find and accomplish their own unique potential and reach their academic and professional goals. Offers programs in various areas such as biology, business, education, English, history, liberal studies, marine sciences, and psychology.
College of Pharmacy: strives to provide an appropriate learning environment to effectively present a modern pharmacy curriculum designed to graduate competent pharmacy practitioners. Offers programs in pharmacy practice, pharmaceutical sciences, and social and administrative sciences.
College of Osteopathic Medicine: committed to providing quality education for osteopathic physicians and other health professionals. Areas of study include anatomy, nutrition, family medicine, aging, community health, internal medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, pathology, pediatrics, and surgery.
College of Graduate Studies: provides an academic structure for graduate students in interdisciplinary programs that are focused on research. Offers programs in public health, biochemical sciences, and marine and coastal sciences.
Westbrook College of Health Professions: provides students with vigorous academic experiences that focus on an integrated and interdisciplinary outlook on health and healing. Offers programs in dental hygiene, nursing, occupational therapy, physician assistant, physical therapy, and social work.
Scholarships Offered
The University of New England offers a variety of scholarships including the University of New England Scholarship, University of New England Nor’Easter Scholarship, UNE Endowed Scholarships, UNE Annual Fund Scholarships, Sibling Grant, Legacy Grant, CIC Tuition Exchange Program, and Resident Assistant Stipend.
Financing Options
The University of New England participates in various financial aid programs such as the Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant, Maine State Grant, Federal Stafford Subsidized Loan, Federal Stafford Unsubsidized Loan, Federal Perkins Loan, Nursing Student Loan, Educators for Maine Program, Federal Work Study, Federal Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS), and alternative loans. The university also accepts other state grant programs and offers a Ten-Pay Payment Plan and Four-Pay Payment Plan.
Credit Earning Options
The University of New England accepts transfer credits for previous courses completed at other regionally accredited institutions of higher education. In majority of cases, transfer coursework must have been completed with a grade of a C- or better and some programs require higher grades and time restrictions. The university also grants credit for examinations such as the College Level Examination Program (CLEP), DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST), Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Exams (CAPE), and Advanced Placement (AP) exams as well as military training and prior experiential learning. For prior experiential learning students must present a portfolio documenting experiences. Students are able to earn up to eight credits for prior experiential learning. Students must submit official transcripts and fill out a transfer of coursework form.