Best Bachelor's Software Engineering Degree Programs in Maine
Colby College — Waterville, ME
Key Distinction: Colby's computer science program uniquely combines software engineering research with social impact applications, while being integrated with the first cross-disciplinary AI institute at any liberal arts college.
Hakia Insight: Colby's Davis Institute for Artificial Intelligence is the first cross-disciplinary AI institute at any liberal arts college, meaning undergraduate software engineers work alongside sociology and ethics faculty on research that shapes responsible AI policy—an opportunity unavailable at most peer institutions.
At the bachelor's level, colby College's computer science program has experienced significant growth and recognition, with two faculty members, Naser Al Madi and Stacy Doore, receiving tenure in 2024. The program is distinguished by its focus on responsible computing and innovative research applications. Al Madi specializes in software engineering, developing eye-tracking methods to understand how people read and comprehend code, with applications for both education and industry. His work extends to clinical rehabilitation and human-computer interaction through his 2023 visiting scholar position at Harvard University's School of Engineering and Applied Sciences and the Schepens Eye Research Institute. Doore focuses on responsible computing and human-computer interaction, specifically spatial information systems and multimodal information access that helps vulnerable and underserved communities. Her work includes developing mobile-accessible navigation frameworks for people with visual impairments and autonomous vehicle assistant technology that won third prize in the U.S. Department of Transportation's Inclusive Design Challenge in 2022. The program emphasizes real-world impact, with Al Madi founding a Colby chapter of e-NABLE for 3D-printed prosthetics and helping develop computer science modules for CAPS (Colby Achievement Program in the Sciences), while Doore founded Colby's Coding Club for community outreach with local public schools. The department is positioned to benefit significantly from the new Davis Institute for Artificial Intelligence, led by Amanda Stent, which represents the first cross-disciplinary AI institute at a liberal arts college, funded by a $30 million gift from Andrew Davis '85. The institute launched in fall 2024 with over 20 AI-integrated courses and positions Colby at the forefront of AI education in the liberal arts context.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Software Engineering — 4 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- Davis Institute for Artificial Intelligence
- Autonomous Vehicle Research Group
- Halloran Lab for Entrepreneurship
- Buck Lab for Climate and Environment
- Bram Public Policy Lab
Industry Partners
- Bloomberg L.P. (collaborator)
- Yahoo Labs (collaborator)
- AT&T Labs–Research (collaborator)
- Harvard University School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (collaborator)
- Schepens Eye Research Institute (collaborator)
- U.S. Department of Transportation (sponsor)
- e-NABLE (partner)
- National Science Foundation (sponsor)
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Naser Al Madi — Software engineering and eye-tracking methods for code comprehension
- Dr. Stacy Doore — Responsible computing and human-computer interaction with spatial information systems
- Amanda Stent — Natural language processing and artificial intelligence
Location Advantages: Access to Maine's unique environment for interdisciplinary researchFive minutes from Interstate 95 with access to Atlantic Ocean and Appalachian MountainsProximity to vibrant Waterville arts scene and farm-to-table culture
Bowdoin College — Brunswick, ME
Key Distinction: Bowdoin's Computer Science program emphasizes interdisciplinary research combining AI with sociology, economics, and arts, supported by dedicated endowed fellowships for undergraduate research.
Hakia Insight: Bowdoin's interdisciplinary research combining AI with sociology and economics, backed by endowed fellowships specifically for undergraduate research, attracts students who want computer science depth without abandoning humanistic inquiry—a rare institutional position among STEM-focused schools.
At the bachelor's level, bowdoin College's Computer Science Department is housed in the Searles Science Building and offers strong interdisciplinary research opportunities. The department has nine faculty members with diverse research specializations ranging from quantum computation and machine learning to computational creativity and algorithmic efficiency. Sean Barker serves as department chair. The program benefits from several endowed fellowships, including the Freedman Summer Research Fellowship in Computer Science established by Dr. Alan M. Freedman '76 and his wife Nancy in 2006, and the Gerald J. Weinberger Fellowship in Computer Science established in 2019. These fellowships support undergraduate research in areas like artificial intelligence, robotics, cognitive modeling, human-computer collaboration, decision-making, speech processing, geographic information systems, and network security. The department emphasizes faculty-student research collaboration with summer research opportunities paying $425-$480 per week for 8-10 weeks of full-time research. Faculty research strengths include distributed systems and cloud computing (Sean Barker), machine learning in financial markets and federated learning (David Byrd), quantum algorithms (Bobak Kiani), computational creativity and human-computer interaction (Sarah Harmon), and efficient algorithms for spatial data (Laura Toma). The program supports interdisciplinary work combining computer science with sociology, economics, arts, and education through dedicated fellowships and research programs.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Software Engineering — 4 years, online
Notable Faculty
- Sean Barker — Smart buildings data analytics, distributed systems, cloud computing
- David Byrd — Machine Learning in Financial Markets, Privacy-Preserving Federated Learning
- Jeov Farias — Statistical Learning and Spectral Techniques for Image Processing
- Cibele Freire — Resilience problem in databases, computational complexity
- Sarah Harmon — Computational Creativity, Human-Computer Interaction, Narrative Intelligence
- Mohammad Irfan — AI applications in sociology, economics, and arts
- Bobak Kiani — Quantum computation, quantum algorithms, machine learning theory
- Jeff Knockel — Security and privacy, censorship measurement, surveillance measurement
- Christopher Martin — Computer Science Education, EdTech, Intelligent Tutoring Systems
- Laura Toma — Efficient algorithms and data structures for large data
Location Advantages: New England location with access to Boston technology sector and Northeast research institutions
University of Maine — Orono, ME
Key Distinction: Business-oriented capstone project with actual business clients. Undergraduate research option with business mentorship
Hakia Insight: University of Maine's integration with the Climate Change Institute and forestry partnerships creates domain-specific computing research opportunities (spatial data, environmental modeling) that tech-focused programs cannot offer, building competitive advantage in climate tech recruitment.
The Computer Science and Business bachelor's program at the University of Maine combines technical computing skills with business strategy understanding. Students complete 68 major credits within a 120-credit degree, taking required courses in both computer science (including programming, data structures, and software engineering) and business (covering management, finance, marketing, and operations). The program features a 6-credit capstone requirement with three options: a business-oriented group project with actual business clients, undergraduate research with business mentorship, or strategic management coursework. Students develop critical problem-solving skills in data analysis, AI, and business operations while learning to create tech solutions for real-world business challenges. The program is housed within the Maine Business School, which is AACSB-accredited and ranked among the top 170 business schools nationally by U.S. News & World Report. Graduates are prepared for roles bridging technology and business sectors.
Programs Offered
- Computer Science and Business — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Spatial Computing Laboratory
- Data Visualization Laboratory
- High Performance Computing Laboratory
- Cybersecurity Research Laboratory
- Machine Learning Laboratory
- Computer Graphics and Image Analysis Laboratory
- Human Computer Interaction Laboratory
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Intel.
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Penny Rheingans — Data visualization and computing education
- Dr. Silvia Nittel — Geosensor networks and real-time spatio-temporal data processing
- Dr. Nicholas Giudice — Spatial computing and human-computer interaction
- Dr. Yifeng Zhu — Data storage, deep learning, high performance computing
- Dr. Sepidah Ghanavati — Data privacy and security
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Access to Maine's 90% forested landscape for environmental computing researchIntegration with Climate Change InstituteProximity to forest-based industries for bioproducts research
University of Southern Maine — Portland, ME
Key Distinction: 4+1 Bachelor's/Master's Accelerated Pathway allowing completion of both degrees in 5 years. Hands-on experience in software development and databases
Hakia Insight: USM's 4+1 accelerated pathway lets students compress a bachelor's and master's into five years while working with industry partners like IDEXX and WEX, effectively converting tuition savings into accelerated career advancement compared to traditional five-year sequential paths.
The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science at USM emphasizes core computing principles including algorithms, data structures, and operating systems, while exploring advanced fields like AI, machine learning, and natural language processing. The curriculum combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience in software development, databases, and theory of computation. Students gain a strong foundation in mathematics, problem-solving, and programming in a collaborative, inclusive learning environment. The program offers a unique 4+1 accelerated pathway allowing high-achieving students to earn both bachelor's and master's degrees in just five years. Located in Portland, Maine, the program follows USM's 'student-focused every day' motto, preparing graduates for diverse, evolving tech industries with transferable skills and technical expertise in areas like AI, cybersecurity, data analysis, and software engineering.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Artificial Intelligence and Information Retrieval (AIIR) Lab
Industry Partners
- WEX (employer)
- Tyler Technologies (employer)
- Cash Star (employer)
- IDEXX Laboratories (employer)
- Unum (employer)
- TD Bank (employer)
- Quantrix (employer)
- Kepware (employer)
- Pratt & Whitney (partner)
- Texas Instruments (partner)
- Bath Iron Works (partner)
Notable Faculty
- Scott J. Eaton — Mechanical Engineering
- Mariusz Jankowski — Electrical and Computer Engineering
- Carlos Lück — Electrical and Computer Engineering
Accreditations and Certifications
- EAC (Engineering Accreditation Commission) of ABET
Location Advantages: Access to Southern Maine engineering firmsProximity to major employers like IDEXX and Bath Iron Works
Thomas College — Waterville, ME
Key Distinction: Thomas College's software engineering program stands out for embedding real-world agile development practices and industry partnerships into core coursework rather than treating them as supplements.
Hakia Insight: Thomas College's dual B.S./B.A. structure in software engineering is unusual for a regional program—it allows students to customize their technical depth while maintaining liberal arts flexibility, a rare advantage for those uncertain whether they want pure engineering or a broader tech career path.
At the bachelor's level, thomas College's software engineering program emphasizes hands-on development from day one, integrating real-world project work throughout the curriculum rather than relegating it to capstone courses. The program balances theoretical computer science fundamentals with applied software development practices, preparing students for immediate contribution in professional environments. Students engage with modern development frameworks, version control systems, and agile methodologies in coursework designed around industry workflows. The college's location in Maine's tech corridor and partnerships with regional software companies create internship and job placement pathways that many graduates follow directly into employment. Faculty bring practical development experience alongside academic credentials, and the small class sizes mean mentorship extends beyond office hours. Graduates report strong job placement in mid-market and startup environments across the Northeast, with particular strength in financial services and healthcare software roles.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Software Engineering — 4 years, online
Location Advantages: Proximity to Maine's growing tech sector and regional software development companies
Husson University — Bangor, ME
Key Distinction: Hands-on experience with professional technology. Small class sizes with expert faculty
Hakia Insight: Husson's Extended Reality Lab partnership with regional employers like Aisling Cloud Technologies and Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center means undergraduates aren't just learning XR concepts—they're solving production problems for hospitals and enterprises, compressing years of junior-level experience into four years.
Husson's Bachelor of Science in Software Development prepares students for careers in a rapidly growing field projected to grow 25% through 2031. The program combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience, focusing on enterprise software development, user experience, and database design. Students develop critical thinking and communication skills alongside technical expertise. The curriculum emphasizes both IT topics and communications courses to enable developers to translate technical concepts for non-technical audiences. Graduates emerge prepared for diverse roles including applications developer, frontend/backend developer, web developer, and hardware engineer. The program boasts a 96% employment or graduate school placement rate within one year of graduation, with graduates earning a median salary of $132,930 annually according to 2022 Bureau of Labor Statistics data. With a 26,000+ alumni network and 99% of students receiving financial aid, Husson provides accessible, career-focused education in software development.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Software Development — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Research Labs and Institutes
Industry Partners
- Aisling Cloud Technologies (employer)
- Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center (employer)
- Dev Bangor Hospitality, LLC (employer)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN. Top Employers: intel.
Location Advantages: Located in Bangor, Maine
University of Maine at Presque Isle — Presque Isle, ME
Key Distinction: University of Maine at Presque Isle offers comprehensive Software Engineering programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: As Maine's northernmost public software engineering program, UMPI serves a region where tech talent is scarce; graduates gain immediate market advantage in a labor-constrained area where competition is minimal.
University of Maine at Presque Isle offers Software Engineering 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 Software Engineering programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: UMF's location in rural Farmington paradoxically becomes a strength—small cohorts mean students aren't competing with hundreds of peers for internships and mentorship, and regional employers actively recruit from programs this size.
University of Maine at Farmington offers Software Engineering programs in Farmington, ME. As a public institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
