Get College Credit with AIO’s Advanced Session
Get a head start on college credits with AIO and University of Maine’s regional campus in Machias!
AIO is proud to partner with the University of Maine’s Early College Program to offer rising juniors and seniors the opportunity to earn four college credits through the University of Maine. This course is an interdisciplinary, hands-on introduction to oceanography that follows right along with our non-credit Advanced Session but with required, graded work.
The schedule consists of several field-based lessons in oceanography, formal lectures, and laboratory exercises. Students will engage in a variety of physical, chemical, biological, and geological oceanography activities which require them to complete written assignments, lab reports, a lab practical exam, and a final exam.
Students will get the opportunity to learn real-world sampling techniques in order to study coastal and nearshore ecosystems. Some lessons include studying rocky intertidal zones, beach deposits, and Somes Sound. Lecture topics include biological, geological, physical, and chemical oceanography topics like the ecological importance of the Gulf of Maine. Laboratory exercises will focus on specific topics such as the anatomy of cartilaginous fishes and cellular development of echinoderms. This is a graded course and, generally, a C- or higher is transferrable. Upon course completion, transcripts can be requested from the University of Maine.
What are the costs associated with the college credit program?
The base tuition for this program is $3,400, which includes a $100 service fee, payable to AIO. There is an additional fee for the four credits due to the University of Maine before the program begins through their system.
The cost for the four credits was $596 in 2025 and is likely to be slightly higher in 2026. The fee is paid directly to UMaine prior to the start of the program. Students accepted into this program will be required to attend a video meeting with the University of Maine’s Early College Program in order to set up an UMaine online account.
How do I apply for the college credit program?
Choose the Advanced Session for College Credit on your AIO application on CampMinder when you go to register. You’ll be sent the link to create an account at the University of Maine when they have the summer courses available in the spring.
Scholarship Available at College of Atlantic for AIO Students
You may also be interested in a scholarship to College of the Atlantic (COA). Any student who receives a recommendation from AIO and is admitted to College of the Atlantic (COA) will receive a scholarship of $10,000 per year for up to four years.