Your Career, Maine’s Backyard.
Imagine a classroom that stretches from the peak of Katahdin to the docks of Portland. Whether you’re dreaming of leading wilderness expeditions, managing a world-class resort, or shaping the future of sustainable travel, the THOR Institute is your gateway.
Why THOR?
In Maine, “Vacationland” isn’t just a license plate—it’s an economic powerhouse. One in five Maine jobs is in Tourism, Hospitality, or Outdoor Recreation (THOR). We don’t just study this industry; we lead it.
The Power of the System
You aren’t just enrolled at one campus; you’re plugged into a statewide network of experts and employers. The THOR Institute connects you to specialized courses and internships across the entire University of Maine System:
The Research Hub: University of Maine (Orono)
The Coast: University of Maine at Machias & University of Southern Maine
The Mountains & Lakes: University of Maine at Farmington & University of Maine at Augusta
The North Woods: University of Maine at Fort Kent & University of Maine at Presque Isle
*Source: Maine Office of Tourism
Explore THOR: Where Maine Is Your Classroom and the World is Your Office.
Why sit in a lecture hall when you can learn on the trail, in the kitchen, or at the resort? At the University of Maine System, your degree is more than a diploma—it’s a field guide to your future.
THOR Fellowship: Make Your Mark
Put your skills to work where they matter most. From sustainable trail development to revolutionizing local hospitality, the THOR Fellowship matches your passion with real-world projects that shape the future of Maine’s communities.
THOR Minor: 18 Credits. Infinite Possibilities.
One minor. Seven campuses. 18 credits. Mix and match your passions in Tourism, Hospitality, and Outdoor Recreation to create a degree as unique as Maine itself.
Vacationland: Your 1.3 Million-Acre Lab
Why stay on campus? Our Vacationland Courses take you into the heart of Maine’s iconic landscapes. From the bustling hospitality of Portland to the remote trails of the North Woods, you’ll tackle real-world challenges alongside the people who shape our state’s future.
Course Listings: Unlock the UMS Network.
Ready to go beyond your home institution? Search our unified course listings to discover specialized THOR programs across Maine. Access unique disciplines and expert faculty from Kittery to Fort Kent with just a few clicks.
The People Behind the Program
Our committee isn’t just a list of names—it’s a statewide team of experts dedicated to your success. From veteran wilderness guides to world-class hospitality professors, we’ve brought together the best minds in Maine to help you launch your career.
The Roadmap to Maine’s Next Decade
Want to know where the jobs are going to be? Our 2023–2026 Strategic Report outlines exactly how we’re building a powerhouse workforce for Maine’s top industries. Dive into the data, see our vision for the future, and find out how we’re clearing the path for your career.
The THOR Network: Your Career Ecosystem
We don’t just teach; we connect. Tap into a statewide web of industry giants, academic experts, and local legends dedicated to launching your career.
The THOR Dispatch: Reports from the Field
Get the latest dispatches from the trails, the coast, and the heart of Maine’s hospitality scene. Twice a year, we bring you student breakthroughs, industry shifts, and exclusive opportunities delivered straight from the front lines of Vacationland.
THOR in the Wild: Headlines & Highlights
We’re making news from the North Woods to the coast. Click the stories below to see how the University of Maine System is leading the way in Tourism, Hospitality, and Outdoor Recreation.