Engineering Pathways

What is the purpose of the 1+3 Engineering Pathways program?

The program is designed to allow students to begin their careers as undergraduate students in Machias, then transfer to either UMaine or USM in  their second year of study. The degree can be completed in four years provided satisfactory academic progress requirements are met.

There are many reasons to choose a 1+3 program, including:

• Staying closer to home, for students that live in Washington County
• Enjoying the outdoor recreation opportunities and coastal environs of Down East Maine
• Spending a year on a campus with more affordable tuition and residence hall rates, so you save on the total cost of your college education (read more about tuition and fees)
• Having access to the academic and social supports that come with living and learning in a small-campus community
• Spending a year improving your GPA, so you can enter your second year prepared with a stronger academic foundation

Engineering Pathways students also have the opportunity to participate in the 10-day Science Bridge Program at UMaine Machias before the beginning of their first semester.

What will I take in the first year?

Students enrolled in the Engineering Pathways program will typically take the following courses in their first year:

• Introduction to Engineering
• Chemistry
• English Composition
• Computer Programming
• An elective course in the humanities

Additional courses are determined by the student’s chosen track. Students pursuing an engineering degree will typically take:

• Calculus I & II*
• Physics for Engineers and Scientists I & II 

Students pursuing an engineering technology degree typically take:

• Pre-Calculus & Calculus I*
• Trigonometry-based Physics

*Some students may need to take additional math course(s) to prepare them for pre-calculus or calculus courses.

After my first year, then what?

During your year at UMaine Machias, you can decide on the area of engineering you are most interested in and then enroll in an accredited engineering program at either the University of Maine or the University of Southern Maine.

 Your faculty advisor at Machias will work closely with you throughout both semesters, and will help you take advantage of a robust academic support system to ensure that you’re able to make satisfactory progress in your first year of study.

What are the requirements to transfer to UMaine or USM? 

You must successfully complete a minimum of 30 credits at UMaine Machias. You should have earned a C or better in Calculus I & II, Chemistry I, and Physics for Engineers and Scientists I & II.  Transfer of students who are missing one or more of these courses will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

The minimum overall GPA requirement to transfer to a UMaine engineering program is 2.5.  Students with a cumulative GPA greater than 2.0 may transfer to one of UMaine’s four engineering technology programs. 

The minimum overall GPA requirement to transfer to a USM engineering program is 2.0.

What is the cost of education at UMaine Machias and UMaine/USM?

Students in the Engineering Pathways program pay UMaine Machias’ affordable tuition rate for the first year, allowing them to save on the total cost of their education. Tuition and fee information is available on the Admissions website. You may also qualify for merit-based first-year scholarships while attending UMaine Machias.

Once you transfer to UMaine or USM, your annual tuition costs will change. For more information about tuition costs, visit the following pages:

UMaine estimated cost of attendance
UMaine estimated cost of attendance (international students)
USM estimated cost of attendance

Please note that when you transfer to UMaine or USM, you may be offered a new scholarship based on your updated academic record. For more info about available funding:

UMaine transfer scholarships
UMaine transfer scholarships (international students)
USM transfer scholarships
USM transfer scholarships (international students)

Any scholarship funding that you may receive from UMaine Machias will apply to your first year only and cannot be combined with merit scholarships offered by UMaine or USM during years two, three and four.