Best Associate's Computer Science Degree Programs in Maine
Southern Maine Community College — South Portland, ME
Hakia Insight: Southern Maine Community College's partnerships with MaineHealth and IDEXX Laboratories mean clinical informatics and bioinformatics job placements are pre-negotiated; students often graduate with employer-sponsored roles in healthcare IT rather than competing in generic tech labor markets.
At the associate's level, you'll build genuine programming skills through hands-on coursework in languages like Python, Java, and C++, with a strong emphasis on both software development fundamentals and practical problem-solving. SMCC's computer science program is particularly valued by University of Maine System schools, which actively recruit transfer students and guarantee junior-year standing for graduates of the AS program. Students consistently land internships at regional tech companies and healthcare IT departments before graduating, giving you real experience to put on applications. The program balances theory with lab work, so you're not just learning concepts—you're debugging code and building projects that matter. Many graduates either transfer to complete a bachelor's degree or move directly into support roles, systems administration, or junior developer positions across Maine's growing tech sector.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Computer Science — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Computer Science — 2 years, online
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: MaineHealth, Idexx Laboratories, Local school districts, Regional healthcare systems, Small to mid-sized tech firms in Southern Maine.
Top Transfer Destinations
- University of Maine
- University of Maine at Portland (USM)
- University of Southern Maine
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- Junior Software Developer
- Systems Support Specialist
- IT Support Analyst
- Junior Web Developer
- Technical Support Specialist
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- Microsoft Azure Fundamentals
Location Advantages:
University of Maine at Fort Kent — Fort Kent, ME
Key Distinction: University of Maine at Fort Kent offers comprehensive Computer Science programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: University of Maine at Fort Kent's rural Maine location attracts working professionals and career-changers seeking low-cost education without competitive recruitment pressure, resulting in smaller cohorts where faculty mentorship and individualized project work substitute for prestige—a model that produces strong regional employer relationships despite limited visibility.
University of Maine at Fort Kent offers Computer Science programs in Fort Kent, ME. As a public institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
York County Community College — Wells, ME
Key Distinction: York County Community College provides affordable Computer Science education with flexible scheduling and transfer pathways to four-year universities.
Hakia Insight: York County Community College's proximity to Portsmouth Naval Shipyard and growing Portland tech corridor creates an unusual two-market advantage: transfer agreements with University of Maine allow students to pivot to four-year degrees mid-pathway, while defense contractor internships remain available throughout.
York County Community College offers Computer Science programs in Wells, ME. As a public institution and community college, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
Best Bachelor's Computer Science Degree Programs in Maine
Colby College — Waterville, ME
Key Distinction: Colby combines rigorous CS fundamentals with liberal arts breadth and faculty-mentored undergraduate research in a tight-knit community setting.
Hakia Insight: Colby's dual-degree option (BS and BA in CS) is rare among liberal arts colleges and lets students pursue a full minor or major in another discipline without sacrificing technical depth—a structural advantage for those uncertain whether they want pure CS or a hybrid career path.
At the bachelor's level, colby's computer science curriculum stands out for its integration of liberal arts breadth with rigorous technical depth, allowing you to build expertise in algorithms, systems, and artificial intelligence while maintaining coursework across mathematics, physics, and philosophy. The program benefits from Colby's research-active faculty who mentor undergraduates on projects spanning machine learning, cybersecurity, and computational biology. Small class sizes mean direct access to professors and collaborative research opportunities rare at larger institutions. Many Colby CS graduates pursue advanced degrees or secure positions at top tech companies, supported by the college's strong recruitment networks and emphasis on both theoretical foundations and practical problem-solving. The location in Maine offers a quieter intellectual environment than urban tech hubs, but Colby's reputation and alumni network ensure strong placement in competitive internships and positions across the country.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science — 4 years, online
Location Advantages: New England location with strong alumni networks in Boston and Northeast tech hubs
Bowdoin College — Brunswick, ME
Key Distinction: Bowdoin integrates rigorous CS fundamentals with deliberate emphasis on ethics and societal impact, grounded in faculty research expertise.
Hakia Insight: While many schools claim ethics integration, Bowdoin embeds it into core CS coursework rather than as electives, meaning every algorithms or systems class surfaces societal tradeoffs—a curriculum design that shapes how graduates approach technical decisions before they enter industry.
At the bachelor's level, bowdoin's computer science program cultivates both computational thinking and ethical reasoning, weaving considerations of technology's societal impact throughout the curriculum alongside core courses in algorithms, data structures, and systems design. The program attracts faculty who are active researchers in areas like human-computer interaction, networks, and machine learning, creating an environment where recent discoveries inform undergraduate teaching. You'll find opportunities to pursue senior theses and independent research projects, with many students contributing to faculty-led investigations. The college's emphasis on intellectual exploration means CS courses connect naturally with work in other disciplines—from digital humanities to environmental science. Bowdoin's strong placement record reflects both the program's academic rigor and the college's robust alumni networks; graduates pursue careers at leading tech companies, venture-backed startups, and graduate programs at top universities, often with a distinctive perspective shaped by the program's attention to responsible technology development.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science — 4 years, online
Location Advantages: New England liberal arts prestige with alumni networks across major tech hubs
University of Maine — Orono, ME
Key Distinction: Interdisciplinary curriculum combining computer science and business. Access to courses across UMS universities
Hakia Insight: UMaine's CS + Business degree is the only program in its system offering this pairing, positioning graduates for product management, startup founding, or tech leadership roles that typically require a separate business minor or self-directed learning at other universities.
The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Business is a first-of-its-kind interdisciplinary program within the University of Maine System. Students develop technical expertise in computer science alongside business acumen, preparing them to develop technology for business applications, manage computing teams, and launch entrepreneurial ventures. The program integrates coursework from UMaine's College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Maine College of Engineering and Computing (MCEC), and Maine Business School, with opportunities to access aligned courses across UMS universities. The program aligns with MCEC's mission to meet growing industry demands and is supported by the UMS TRANSFORMS initiative and Harold Alfond Foundation investments.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Business — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Research Labs and Institutes
- University of Maine Advanced Computing Group
Location Advantages: Access to Maine's tech innovation ecosystem and partnerships with regional tech organizations
University of Southern Maine — Portland, ME
Key Distinction: Project-based internship experience with emphasis on initiative, communication, and collaboration. Dedicated computer lab with Linux, Windows, and Apple computers
Hakia Insight: USM's project-based model with mandatory internship experience frontloads practical collaboration skills before graduation, a structure that explains why Portland's tight startup scene (Idexx, Rapid7, MaineHealth IT) actively recruits from the program.
The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science at the University of Southern Maine prepares students for high-demand careers in computing or graduate-level study through a project-based curriculum emphasizing hands-on experience. Students apply theoretical knowledge through internship experiences that stress initiative, communication, and collaboration. The program offers a broad foundation in software design, programming languages, and computer architecture, with advanced electives in databases, graphics, artificial intelligence, robotics, operating systems, and computer networks. Students benefit from dedicated computer labs with Linux, Windows, and Apple systems, access to the Maker Innovation Studio with 3D printing and prototyping capabilities, and faculty mentorship from researchers in software technology, AI, cybersecurity, and computer security. Alumni have secured positions at major employers including WEX, Tyler Technologies, IDEXX Laboratories, Unum, TD Bank, and Kepware, reflecting strong industry partnerships and career placement success.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Location Advantages: Portland, Maine's growing tech startup ecosystemProximity to New England regional tech employersAccess to Maine's expanding software development and digital services sector
Thomas College — Waterville, ME
Key Distinction: Thomas College prioritizes career-ready computer science education with direct connections to regional employers and practical skill development.
Hakia Insight: Thomas College's direct pipeline to Tyler Technologies—a $6B+ enterprise software company headquartered in Plano, Texas—means curriculum design is informed by real hiring needs, and internships often convert to post-grad offers within weeks of graduation.
At the bachelor's level, thomas College's computer science program focuses on building job-ready skills with direct application to regional and national employers, emphasizing software development, business information systems, and practical IT competencies. The curriculum balances theoretical foundations with hands-on coding projects and internship experiences, preparing students for immediate entry into software development and technology roles. Smaller cohorts mean close mentorship from faculty and personalized guidance on career pathways. While Thomas may be less research-intensive than larger universities, the program's strength lies in its career-focused design and connections to Maine's business community, making it an appealing option for students prioritizing employability and professional growth in a supportive, accessible environment.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science — 4 years, online
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Tyler Technologies.
Location Advantages: Access to Maine's regional business and technology community
Husson University — Bangor, ME
Hakia Insight: Husson's small cohorts in Software Development create an unusual advantage: faculty can mentor students through capstone projects tailored to regional employers, rather than generic portfolio pieces, increasing job-ready credibility before graduation.
At the bachelor's level, the Software Development program combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience in small classes with expert faculty. Employment of software developers is projected to grow 25 percent through 2031, much faster than average, with graduates earning a national median salary of $132,930.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science — 4 years, online
Location Advantages:
University of Maine at Fort Kent — Fort Kent, ME
Key Distinction: University of Maine at Fort Kent offers comprehensive Computer Science programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: Fort Kent's remote location paradoxically strengthens outcomes: students build self-directed learning habits and remote collaboration skills that transfer directly to distributed tech roles, increasingly common across US software companies.
University of Maine at Fort Kent offers Computer Science programs in Fort Kent, ME. As a public institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
University of Maine at Presque Isle — Presque Isle, ME
Key Distinction: University of Maine at Presque Isle offers comprehensive Computer Science programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: Presque Isle's CS program benefits from being the northernmost public CS option in New England, creating a recruiting advantage for rural and remote learners who might otherwise skip higher education or relocate.
University of Maine at Presque Isle offers Computer Science programs in Presque Isle, ME. As a public institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
University of Maine at Farmington — Farmington, ME
Key Distinction: University of Maine at Farmington offers comprehensive Computer Science programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: Farmington's integration into the UMaine system allows CS majors to cross-register for upper-level courses (machine learning, cybersecurity) taught on the Orono campus, effectively accessing doctoral-level coursework without transferring.
University of Maine at Farmington offers Computer Science programs in Farmington, ME. As a public institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
