Why stay inside when the most iconic landscapes in the country are waiting to teach you?
At the University of Maine System, we believe your education should be as vast as the terrain itself. From the granite peaks of the interior to the rugged Atlantic edge, we’ve turned the entire state into a living classroom for Tourism, Hospitality, and Outdoor Recreation (THOR).
The Maine Advantage: A Global Foundation
A degree here is more than a diploma—it’s a field guide to a life of purpose. The leadership, stewardship, and connection you master in Maine’s backyard are the same skills that will open doors across the globe.
- The Power of Seven: You aren’t limited by a single campus. As a UMS student, you have the freedom to follow your curiosity across all seven of our universities.
- Seamless Access: Benefit from specialized courses, expert mentorship, and hands-on experiences from the North Woods to the coast—regardless of which campus you call home.
- A Boundless Future: Whether you’re designing sustainable experiences, leading expeditions, or mastering the art of high-level hospitality, you’re building a career that knows no borders.
Start here. Go anywhere.
Specific Programs
“That thirst for adventure, first fostered at UMM, has led me all over the country…”
“I started this major in South Africa, and moving to USM has challenged me to think about the changes I would like to make in a leadership position and how to impact my community positively.”
“Living in Northern Wales was an amazing experience for me. It not only opened up new opportunities, such as learning a new language or playing a new sport called Gaelic football, but it also helped me connect with people from all over the world.”
Joining the THOR Network begins with choosing your “Home Base.” While you’ll have access to courses and faculty across the entire University of Maine System, you apply through the campus that best fits your primary goals—whether that’s the coastal beauty of Machias, the urban energy of USM, or the mountain vistas of Fort Kent.
Find Your Home Base
Not sure which campus or career track fits your vision? Let’s talk about your goals. We’ll help you map out a degree that turns Maine into your classroom and the world into your office. Contact us!
Start Your Journey
Select a campus to explore admission pathways, key deadlines, and the scholarships available to help you lead in the outdoors.
- UMA Application Requirements (External Site)
- UMF Application Requirements (External Site)
- UMFK Application Requirements (External Site)
- UMM Application Requirements (External Site)
- UMaine Application Requirements (External Site)
- UMPI Application Requirements (External Site)
- USM Application Requirements (External Site)
A cross-campus curriculum designed for the modern trailblazer.
Choose your track and master the skills that drive Maine’s experience economy.
Wilderness Leadership & Outdoor Science
Master the technical skills and leadership protocols required for the backcountry.
- Fundamentals of the Wild: Camping, Hiking, Paddling, Sailing, & Winter Sports.
- Emergency Response: Wilderness Expedition, Safety, & Search and Rescue.
- The Art of Guiding: Interpretation of Natural & Cultural Resources.
- Leadership Foundations: Outdoor Education & Leadership.
Modern Hospitality & Experience Design
Learn to manage world-class facilities and curate unforgettable moments.
- Operational Excellence: Lodging Operations and Hospitality Food & Beverage.
- Bespoke Planning: Tour Planning and Tourism Entrepreneurship.
- The New Frontier: Agritourism & Local Food Systems.
- Wellness Economy: Therapeutic Recreation & Wellness.
Global Perspectives & Sustainable Growth
Analyze the cultural and environmental impact of tourism on a global scale.
The Big Picture: Global Issues in Tourism and Hospitality.
Stewardship: Sustainable Tourism & Environmental Management.
Cultural Context: Cultural Tourism and Women, Arts & Global Tourism.
The THOR Advantage: Why Choose this Path?
More than a career—a lifestyle designed for impact, adventure, and expertise.
Environmental & Global Stewardship
Become a guardian of the places people love to visit.
- Climate & Conservation: Lead efforts to protect wildlife and conserve Maine’s iconic landscapes.
- Sustainable Innovation: Champion green practices that ensure the longevity of the experience economy.
- Global Citizenship: Build a global social network through cultural exchange and international travel.
The Adventure Office
Trade the cubicle for the coast, the mountains, and the world.
- The Great Outdoors: Make the wilderness your primary workspace.
- Expertise in Motion: Perfect your craft in outdoor sports and adventure travel.
- Cultural Immersion: Lead global and cultural expeditions that broaden your perspective.
Entrepreneurship & Experience Design
Turn your creativity into a viable, high-growth business.
- Experience Architecture: Design unique, “bucket-list” journeys that make dreams come true.
- Business Ownership: Gain the tools to become an entrepreneur and develop new products.
- Luxury & Performance: Master the standards of luxury brands and perform for the public on a global stage.
Community & Wellbeing
Impact lives by promoting health, education, and connection.
- Wellness Advocacy: Promote health and wellness as a core value for visitors and staff.
- The Art of Teaching: Engage the public and teach visitors about Maine’s rich heritage.
- Leadership Excellence: Manage staff and resources to build resilient, successful teams.
Lifestyle & Perks
Enjoy the unique rewards that come with the industry.
- Work-Life Integration: Find the balance between professional goals and personal passions.
- Industry Insider Access: Benefit from discounted luxury rooms, world-class meals, and exclusive travel perks.
Where THOR Takes You: Career Destinations
Explore the roles and earning potential within Maine’s $14 Billion experience economy.
Outdoor Leadership & Stewardship
Protect the land and lead the adventure.
| Role | Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Fish and Game Warden | $49,000 – $70,000 |
| Park Naturalist & Conservationist | $46,000 – $79,000 |
| Adventure & Sports Instructor | $28,000 – $83,000 |
| Ski Area & Mountain Operations Manager | $38,000 – $99,000 |
Hospitality & Resort Management
Design world-class stays and culinary experiences.
| Role | Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Hotel or Resort General Manager | $38,000 – $99,000 |
| Food & Beverage Director | $39,000 – $94,000 |
| Boutique Innkeeper or Airbnb Strategist | $30,000 – $80,000 |
| Brewery & Craft Beverage Manager | $45,000 – $65,000 |
Events, Culture & Tourism Strategy
Curate the moments that define a destination.
| Role | Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Destination Marketing Director | $75,000 – $100,000+ |
| Wedding & Corporate Event Planner | $37,000 – $83,000 |
| Museum Educator & Cultural Liaison | $31,000 – $47,000 |
| Cruise & Expedition Director | $56,000 – $87,000 |
Travel, Transport & Digital Media
Navigate the global flow of people and stories.
| Role | Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Airport Operations Manager | $57,000 – $75,000 |
| Travel Content Strategist (Influencer) | $40,000 – $75,000 |
| Custom Tour & Experience Operator | $28,000 – $65,000 |
| Sustainable Travel Consultant | $29,000 – $43,000 |