The University of Maine at Augusta

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Updated December 1, 2022 · 3 Min Read

Learn more about the various counseling degree programs available at The University of Maine At Augusta.

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The University of Maine at Augusta was formally established by the 102nd Maine Legislature in 1965 as a continuing education branch for daytime and evening classes. By 1971, the branch gained independence as a public, state-funded regional institution for Central Maine. Given Carnegie's Associate/Baccalaureate classification, UMA expanded in 1995 by acquiring the University College of Bangor. Now the lower-division academic powerhouse educates 6,000 students on its 159-acre campus in Maine's capital and online for the Maine Army National Guard. According to the U.S. News, University of Maine-Augusta offers the 48th best online bachelor's degrees nationally. Niche also ranked UMA as Maine's sixth top public school with the sixth best professors.

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The University of Maine at Augusta Accreditation Details

Reaffirmed in 2015 under President James F. Conneely, the University of Maine-Augusta holds regional accreditation at Level II from the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) Commission on Institutions of Higher Education (CIHE). Therefore, all 19 bachelor's, 15 associate, and 13 certificate programs are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education for Federal Title IV eligibility.

The University of Maine at Augusta Application Requirements

Although it's classified as "least selective" with a Fall 2015 acceptance rate of 97 percent, the University of Maine-Augusta upholds admission standards. Freshmen applying for A.S. or B.S. programs to learn psychology and counseling must have a high school diploma. Passing the GED or HiSET is also acceptable. UMA recommends completing a college-prep curricula with four years of English and three years each of math, science, and history. Admitted undergrads present a mean cumulative GPA of 3.13 in grades 9-12. On average, first-years achieve a New SAT score of 1220 and ACT score of 17. Undergraduate transfers from other accredited colleges need 15+ credits graded "C-" or greater to skip freshman criteria.

The University of Maine-Augusta has rolling admissions, but the priority deadlines are currently June 15th for Fall and October 15th for Spring start dates. Prospective social science or mental health & human services majors must submit the University of Maine System application online. Extra attachments may be mailed to 46 University Drive in Augusta, ME 04330. Don't forget to send the following:

  • Checks payable to UMA for the $40 fee
  • Official high school and college transcripts
  • Two required recommendation forms
  • Test scores, i.e. SAT, ACT, GED, or HiSET

Tuition and Financial Aid

The Student Financial Services Office charges Maine residents $228 per credit. Out-of-state undergraduates are billed $551 per credit. The exception is Canadian and New England students who pay a discounted $365 per credit rate. Online out-of-state students only pay $285 per credit. Full-time tuition totals would come to $7,448 (in-state) and $17,048 (out-of-state) yearly. Residential students must also budget $7,200 for room and board and $3,600 for additional living or travel expenses. Annual cost of attendance is estimated to be $19,448 for Mainers and $29,048 for non-New England residents.

According to the NCES, 93 percent of beginning, full-time UMA undergrads share $13.64 million in financial assistance for an average amount of $5,762 each. Students who file FAFSA forms could qualify for the Federal Pell Grant or FSEOG Grant. Low-interest borrowing is possible with Federal Perkins, Direct Subsidized, Direct Unsubsidized, and Parents PLUS loans. Living in Vacationland opens the NextGen Student Grant, Harold Alfond College Challenge, and Maine Community Foundation scholarships. Veterans benefits are available with the Montgomery G.I. Bill and Post-9/11 G.I. Bill. Federal Work-Study jobs pay at least $9.00/hour for part-time campus employment. Institutional awards, such as the M. Richard Cameron Scholarship, Bruce Collier Memorial Scholarship, President's Scholarship, Unified Fee Grant, and Futures Scholarship, are numerous.

Studying Psychology or Counseling at UMA

Chaired by Dr. Gregory Fahy from Jewett Hall, the College of Arts & Sciences offers one degree for psychology students. The College of Professional Studies, which has 100 full-time professors led by Dr. Brenda McAleer, confers two counseling-related programs too. Whether taken in Augusta, Bangor, or online with ITV learning, courses boast a 16:1 student-faculty ratio for close interaction. Students also benefit from clinical job shadowing within the Counseling Services Center in Eastport Hall and off-site with practicum partners like Maine General Medical Center. Prepare for the "helping" professions with these UMA degrees:

Associate of Science in Mental Health & Human Services

Unlocking a median early-career salary of $36,900 according to PayScale, the Associate of Science in Mental Health & Human Services at UMA is an introductory, lower-division major for starting undergrads to customize their skills for counseling clients toward optimal health. Requiring a 2.0 GPA, the 62-credit generalist degree integrates courses like developmental disabilities, chemical dependency, crisis counseling, psychosocial rehabilitation, and aging that are transferrable. During the fourth term, A.S. majors complete fieldwork practicum in settings like Kennebec Behavioral Health and Dorothea Dix Psychiatric Center. Graduates excel as community outreach workers, social work assistants, case management aides, homeless shelter coordinators, teacher's aides, and more.

Bachelor of Arts in Social Science

Offered in Augusta or online, UMA's Bachelor of Arts in Social Science is coordinated by Lorien Lake-Corral to give undergrads insights into the cognitive, emotional, and behavioral patterns of humans for better understanding on how society acts. Rooted in 21st century liberal arts, the 120-credit degree offers three concentrations for Gerontology, Psychology, or Administrative & Organizational Behavior. Courses will include human development, social problems, cultural anthropology, cross-cultural dynamics, social psychology, and conflict resolution. Students may also present research at the UMA Interdisciplinary Conference, join the Honors Program, receive TRIO Support, engage with Community Garden Club, and travel to Cuba.

Bachelor of Science in Mental Health & Human Services

Satisfying requirements for the Mental Health Rehabilitation/Community (MHRT/C) credential, the Bachelor of Science in Mental Health & Human Services helps budding counselors gather the therapeutic and case management skills to improve well-being for diverse clients. The 120-credit degree is offered at Augusta, Bangor, centers statewide, and online under the leadership of Director Frank Ellis. Three concentrations are offered for Adult Mental Health Rehabilitation, Addiction Counseling, or Child & Family Services. Along with taking courses like sexual abuse and childhood psychology, undergrads at the University of Maine-Augusta could attend MHHS Club activities, join People for Positive Action Club, and volunteer with Catholic Charities.

See also: The Top 10 Online Bachelor’s Degrees in Substance Abuse and Addictions Counseling

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