Exploring Degree Paths at UMPI: Your Guide to Competency-Based Education

The University of Maine at Presque Isle (UMPI) offers a unique and flexible approach to higher education through its competency-based degree programs. Designed for students seeking affordable, self-paced, and career-focused education, UMPI’s programs cater to diverse learners, from working professionals to those transferring credits from platforms like Sophia.org. This article introduces UMPI, its innovative educational model, and the wide array of degree paths available, highlighting their career potential and how they prepare graduates for success.

What is UMPI?

Located in the scenic town of Presque Isle, Maine, UMPI is part of the University of Maine System and is known for its commitment to accessible, student-centered education. UMPI’s YourPace competency-based education (CBE) model allows students to progress through courses by demonstrating mastery of skills and knowledge, rather than adhering to traditional semester schedules. This approach is ideal for non-traditional students, those balancing work and study, or learners with prior credits from sources like Sophia.org (see UMPI Sophia Transfer Equivalents for details).

UMPI’s affordability, with flat-rate tuition for YourPace programs, and its flexibility make it a standout choice. Whether you’re pursuing a bachelor’s degree or a minor (see UMPI !Minors), UMPI provides a roadmap to success, including resources like the UMPI !General Education Requirements Roadmap and Simplified GEC Requirements.

UMPI’s Competency-Based Degree Programs

UMPI offers a variety of bachelor’s degrees under two main umbrellas: the Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Liberal Studies (BLS), Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS), and Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration (BABA). These programs are designed to align with career goals, offering practical skills and knowledge that employers value. Below, we explore the degree paths available, grouped by category, with insights into their earning potential and career prospects based on data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and industry reports.

Business-Oriented Degrees (BABA and BLS)

UMPI’s business-focused degrees prepare students for high-demand, well-paying careers in industries like technology, finance, and logistics. These programs emphasize practical skills and often align with professional certifications.

• BABA Accounting / BLS Accounting (UMPI BABA Accounting Degree Plan, UMPI BLS Accounting Degree Plan)
  Ideal for those pursuing roles like accountant or financial analyst, with average salaries of $81,660 (BLS, 2023). Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) can earn $100,000+. Job growth is steady at 4% through 2032.

• BABA Management & Leadership / BLS Management (UMPI BABA Management & Leadership Degree Plan, UMPI BLS Management Degree Plan)
  Versatile for roles like HR manager ($74,394) or general manager ($98,580). With 5% job growth, these degrees suit leadership-focused careers.

• BABA Marketing (UMPI BABA Marketing Degree Plan) Perfect for creative and analytical minds, with marketing managers earning $147,240 on average. The field is growing at 7%, driven by digital marketing trends.

• BABA Project Management / BLS Project Management (UMPI BABA Project Management Degree Plan, UMPI BLS Project Management Degree Plan)
  Prepares students for project manager roles ($98,580), with PMP certification boosting salaries to $120,000+. Job growth is strong at 6%.

• BABA Supply Chain Management (UMPI BABA Supply Chain Management Degree Plan) A fast-growing field (18% growth) with logisticians earning $79,400 and supply chain managers reaching $100,000+.

• BLS Management Information Systems (UMPI BLS Management Information Systems Degree Plan) Combines business and tech for IT manager ($164,070) or business analyst ($82,000) roles. With 15% growth, this is UMPI’s highest-earning degree path.

Liberal Arts and Social Sciences Degrees (BA and BLS)

UMPI’s liberal arts and social sciences degrees offer flexibility and a foundation for diverse careers, often requiring further education for top salaries.

• BA Criminal Justice (UMPI BA Criminal Justice Degree Plan)
  Leads to roles like detective ($91,610) or police officer ($70,000). Federal positions can pay $100,000+, but growth is slower at 3%.

• BA English (UMPI BA English Degree Plan)
  Versatile for writers ($73,000) or technical writers ($81,470). Starting salaries are lower (~$50,000), with 4% growth.

• BA History (UMPI BA History Degree Plan)
  Suits archivists ($61,900) or historians ($72,000). Often requires advanced degrees for high pay; growth is slow at 3%.

• BA Political Science (UMPI BA Political Science Degree Plan)
  Prepares students for policy analyst ($70,000) or political scientist ($128,020) roles. A strong foundation for law school, with 7% growth.

• BA Psychology (UMPI BA Psychology Degree Plan)
  Leads to social worker ($61,420) or HR specialist ($67,650) roles. Graduate study unlocks higher pay; growth is 6%.

• BLS Educational Studies (UMPI BLS Educational Studies Degree Plan)
  Ideal for teachers ($65,220) or education administrators ($103,460). Requires certification; growth is slow at 1%.

Applied and Flexible Degrees

• Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) (UMPI Bachelor of Applied Science, BAS Degree Plan)
  A flexible degree for technical or managerial roles like operations manager ($98,580). Pairing with minors like MIS enhances earning potential.

Why Choose UMPI?

UMPI’s YourPace model is a game-changer for students seeking flexibility. Key benefits include:

• Self-Paced Learning: Complete courses as quickly as you demonstrate competency, accelerating degree completion.
• Affordable Tuition: Flat-rate pricing makes UMPI cost-effective, especially for transfer students.
• Transfer-Friendly: Credits from Sophia.org, any community college, or other sources are easily integrated.
• Career Alignment: Degrees are designed with industry needs in mind, offering paths to high-paying, in-demand roles.

Which Degree is Right for You?

Choosing a degree depends on your career goals, interests, and willingness to pursue certifications or advanced study. Here’s a quick guide:

• Maximize Earnings: Opt for BLS Management Information Systems ($80,000-$160,000) or BABA Marketing ($147,000 for managers) for top salaries and strong job growth.
• Stable and Versatile: BABA Accounting or BABA Project Management offer clear career ladders and solid pay ($80,000-$120,000).
• Public Sector or Social Impact: BA Criminal Justice or BLS Educational Studies provide stable, rewarding careers with moderate pay.
• Graduate School Path: BA Political Science or BA Psychology are strong foundations for law or clinical psychology careers.

Explore UMPI’s degree plans and resources to find your fit. Whether you’re aiming for a tech-driven career in Management Information Systems or a creative role in Marketing, UMPI’s competency-based programs empower you to achieve your goals on your terms.

Get Started with UMPI

Ready to take the next step? Visit the University of Maine at Presque Isle website to learn more about admissions, tuition, and the YourPace program. Check out detailed degree plans and transfer guides to start your journey today.

Last updated: May 12, 2025