The University of Maine System offers many pathways for you to match your passion with your career.
There are currently over 50,000 jobs available in Maine’s tourism, hospitality, and outdoor recreation (THOR) sectors! In the University of Maine System, students will benefit from the courses, mentorship, connections, and internships available from any of our universities – regardless of which you attend.
Specific Programs
University of Maine – Orono | Kinesiology and Physical Education – Outdoor Leadership BS in Parks, Recreation & Tourism | |
University of Maine at Augusta | Classes in Public Administration and Business Management | |
University of Maine at Farmington | BA in Outdoor Recreation Business Administration Certificate in Alpine Operations | |
University of Maine at Fort Kent | Classes in Winter Recreation | |
University of Maine at Machias | BS in Outdoor Recreation and Leadership AS in Conservation Law and Outdoor Management Minor in Outdoor Recreation Minor in Wilderness Therapy Minor in Conservation Law Wilderness Therapy Certificate | |
University of Maine at Presque Isle | BA in Business Administration – Recreation concentration | |
University of Southern Maine | BS in Recreation & Leisure Studies BA in Tourism and Hospitality Minor in Hospitality Management Minor in Environmental Recreation Minor in Holistic and Integrative Health Event Management Certificate Sustainable Tourism Development Certificate |
Sample Classes Include
- Fundamentals of Camping, Hiking, Paddling, Sailing, & Winter Sports
- Outdoor Education & Leadership
- Recreation Site and Facility Planning
- Therapeutic Recreation & Wellness
- Wilderness Expedition, Safety, & Search and Rescue
- Agritourism & Local Food
- Event Management
- Hospitality Food & Beverage
- Hospitality Management
- Hospitality Law
- Hospitality Rules & Regulations
- Hospitality Finance
- Resort Management
- Cultural Tourism
- Women, Arts & Global Tourism
- Event Management
- Global Issues
- Green Meetings
- Interpretation of Natural & Cultural Resources
- Sustainable Tourism
- Tourism Entrepreneurship
- Tour Planning
- Catering
- Lodging Operations
Student Testimonials
Prepare for a career as a…
- Fish & Game Warden – $49,000-$70,000
- Park Naturalist – $46,000-$79,000
- Sports Instructor – $28,000-$83,000
- Ski Resort Manager – $38,000-$99,000
- Recreation Director – $39,000-$125,000
- Brewery Manager – $45,000-$65,000
- Airbnb or Innkeeper – $30,000-$80,000
- Airport Manager – $57,000-$75,000
- Wedding & Event Planner – $37,000-$83,000
- Food & Beverage Manager – $39,000-$94,000
- Hotel General Manager – $38,000-$99,000
- Travel Agent – $29,000-$43,000
- Tour Operator – $28,000-$65,000
- Museum Educator – $31,000-$47,000
- Travel Influencer – $40,000-$75,000
- Cruise Director – $56,000-$87,000
- Destination Marketing Director – $75,000-$100,000+
*Maine salaries from National Center for O*NET Development. O*NET OnLine (2023).
Benefits and Perks
Work outdoors Engage the public Teach visitors Become an entrepreneur Promote health & wellness Manage staff & resources New product development Become an entrepreneur Conserve the environment Protect wildlife Promote sustainability Design unique experiences Make dreams come true Adventure travel Global/cultural travel Perfect a sport Perform for the public Engage with people Discounted rooms & meals Experience luxury brands Global social network Balance work/life goals |
How to Apply
For specific questions on application requirements of the individual campuses, please visit the following webpages:
- UMA Application Requirements
- UMF Application Requirements
- UMFK Application Requirements
- UMM Application Requirements
- UMaine Application Requirements
- UMPI Application Requirements
- USM Application Requirements
About the THOR Institute
The Tourism, Hospitality, and Outdoor Recreation (THOR) Institute is a collaboration among all seven of Maine’s public universities to strengthen workforce development and educational efforts related to the tourism, hospitality, and outdoor recreation industries.
Participating campuses are the University of Maine at Augusta, the University of Maine at Farmington, the University of Maine at Fort Kent, the University of Maine (Orono), the University of Maine at Machias, the University of Maine at Presque Isle, and the University of Southern Maine.
The THOR Institute is working to address needs highlighted by the tourism, hospitality, and outdoor recreation industries in terms of education access, professional development, training programs, internships, co-ops, and apprenticeships. These efforts will enrich Maine’s talent pool in THOR related industries.
You can find more information about the THOR Institute here.