Admissions

At USM, there are more than 100 areas of study among our majors, minors, and programs. Undergraduates can choose from over fifty majors, with many opportunities to learn through research, internships, and engagement with the community. 

With numerous programs offered entirely or partially online, there are many ways to shape a brighter future through your studies at USM. As you begin that process, we’re here to help.

Undergraduate Admissions

The University of Southern Maine (USM) is an academic community that welcomes applications for admission from qualified candidates with various backgrounds and interests regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin or citizenship status, age, physical or mental disability, or veteran status. The University seeks candidates whose academic achievement and motivation indicate potential for success in an undergraduate program.

The Office of Admissions invites prospective students to visit the campus to discuss their educational interests. The Office will provide information about academic programs, discuss admission requirements and procedures, process unofficial transfer credit evaluations, arrange campus tours, and support prospective students. Prospective students are encouraged to contact the Office of Admissions at 1 (800) 800-4USM, (207) 780-5670, or admitUSM@maine.edu.

Admission Requirements

Except for direct admission applicants, a high school transcript or GED/HiSET is required for admission to the University. Although secondary school preparation may vary, please find below the minimum college preparatory subjects required for regular admission to the University. In addition to these, further requirements may be imposed by individual University schools and colleges.

General subject minimum requirements (University-wide)

Additional requirements for majors in a particular college or program

College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences:

School of Music

• Successful completion of a music audition administered by the Dr. Alfred & D. Suzi Osher School of Music

Theatre

• Interview with the department

College of Science, Technology, and Health:

Nursing

• Biology and chemistry courses with labs. In addition, nursing candidates must also satisfy specific academic standards to qualify for the clinical portion of the degree program. For further details, please refer to the School of Nursing section of this catalog.

Admission Procedures and Policies

First-Year Application Requirements

• Completed application form: University of Maine System application or the Common Application
• Official transcript sent directly from the high school, listing all courses and grades received to date or official GED/HiSET scores

Transfer Applicantion Requirements

• Completed application: University of Maine System application or the Common Application
• Official transcripts from all universities attended, whether or not credit was earned, sent directly from each institution
• Nursing applicants only: supplemental application. Visit the Office of Admissions’ website for more information: https://usm.maine.edu/office-of-admissions/apply/undergraduate-admission/  (under Adult & Transfer Applicants)

International Application Requirements

• Completed application: University of Maine System application or the Common Application

• $50.00 application fee (Canadian applicants are exempt)

• Official secondary school transcripts, exam certificates, and university-level transcripts including certified English translations; official transcripts from all universities attended, whether or not credit was earned, sent from the institution

• International university transcript evaluation: official evaluation of college-level transcripts from a USM-approved transcript analysis agency. For a list of approved agencies, go to https://www.naces.org/members or https://aice-eval.org/endorsed-members/. Evaluations done by the agency must be course-by-course evaluations

• Official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS), Pearson Test of English (PTE), or Duolingo English Test (DTE) scores (may be required of those applicants whose primary language is not English)

• Declaration of Finances accompanied by the appropriate financial documentation

Reactivating or Readmission Applicant Requirements

Students should only complete the Reactivation of Application/Readmission Application if one of the following two categories applies:

• Reactivation of Application: You applied to USM within the last year but did not enroll in classes as a degree (matriculated) student.
• Readmission: You received an undergraduate degree from USM and are pursuing a second undergraduate degree, OR you began your studies at USM as a degree (matriculated) student and stopped attending for two or more consecutive years.
  • Fresh Start: Students requesting readmission to the University after an absence of five or more years may be treated as external transfers in the determination of credits and grade point average. Credit is allowed for all University of Southern Maine courses passed at the level of C- or higher. All grades remain on the academic transcript but are removed from the calculation of the cumulative grade point average. To be eligible for Fresh Start, students must have a minimum of 30 credits remaining toward degree completion and must complete those 30 credits in residence at the University of Southern Maine. Fresh Start may impact a student’s eligibility for financial aid due to the Satisfactory Academic Progress policy.

Application to Undergraduate Certificate Programs

Candidates for admission must submit:

• Online application for Certificate Program;
• Official transcripts from secondary school and/or all universities from which you attended, or received a degree
• Additional or other special admission requirements specified by the program.

The application for certificate programs is available online at the Office of Admissions Website at usm.maine.edu/office-of-admissions/apply/certificate-program/. Please note, that students enrolled solely in an undergraduate certificate program are not eligible for Federal financial aid.

Application Materials Should Be Sent To:

University of Maine System Application Processing Center
PO Box 412
Bangor, ME 04402-0412

Colleges and universities that participate in electronic submission of transcripts can send official transcripts to edocs@maine.edu.

For a complete listing of application instructions, go to: usm.maine.edu/office-of-admissions/apply/​.

Application Deadlines

Applications are reviewed throughout the year on a rolling admission basis, however, some programs have limited space and applicants are urged to submit their documents as soon as possible to receive consideration. Offers of admission may be revoked because of unsatisfactory performance in the final semester of high school or college.

Admission to the University is offered for a specific semester. Anyone choosing to defer their offer of admission may do so by submitting a written request to the Office of Admissions before August 20 (fall); January 15 (spring); May 1 (summer), and paying a $100 nonrefundable enrollment deposit. Deferments are granted for up to one year. Students attending another college are not eligible to defer.

Admission Decisions

The University recognizes that its prospective students may come with differing academic backgrounds. The following categories of admission exist to accommodate this wide range of applicants.

Regular Admission

Applicants whose academic backgrounds demonstrate the ability to pursue regular, entry-level coursework may be granted regular acceptance to the University. This admission decision is based upon a comprehensive evaluation of the student’s educational record, as well as individual talents and activities.

Admission as an Undeclared Major

Applicants who are undecided regarding their major may request admission as an “Undeclared Major.” Undeclared students have the opportunity to explore a variety of majors under the guidance of an University advisor. Undeclared students are encouraged to explore their options during the first 60 credits of coursework.

Admission to the Admissions Pathway Program

Students applying to the University who meet regular admission requirements but whose English language proficiency, previous coursework and/or TOEFL, IELTS, PTE or DTE scores fall below the required level may be eligible for admission to the University through the Admissions Pathway Program offered through the ESOL Department.

Admission to the Intensive English Language Program with Conditions

The Intensive English Language Program with Conditions is for students whose primary language is not English and who are seeking admission to USM. Students are considered for this program if they are academically qualified, may or may not have taken the TOEFL, IELTS Pearson PTE, or Duolingo exam, and still need a semester or two of English language instruction. Students will be admitted with the condition that they successfully complete at least one semester of Intensive English courses prior to enrolling in other courses offered at USM.

Enrollment as a Non-matriculated Student

The University encourages members of the local community to take advantage of its diverse course offerings. Non-matriculated students (those not admitted or enrolled in a degree program) may take regular credit courses for self-interest and enrichment. Non-matriculated students are enrolled each semester on a space-available basis and are not eligible for student financial aid awards, guaranteed student loans, veteran’s benefits, campus housing, or participation in intercollegiate athletics. Interested persons are invited to contact the Office of Registration and Scheduling Services or the Academic Advising Office.

Non-matriculated students are required to meet the same academic progress standards as matriculated students. In order to apply degree credits earned at the University of Southern Maine, the student must be admitted into a degree program as a result of the application process.

Appeal of Admissions Decisions

Applicants may appeal an admissions decision by submitting a written appeal to the Director of Admissions within ten working days of receipt of the admission decision letter. The appeal will be reviewed and the director will notify the student of action taken on the appeal, within ten working days of receipt of the appeal. For further information about the appeal process, please contact the Office of Admissions at (207) 780-5670 or email admitUSM@maine.edu.

Transfer Admission

Applicants who have attended a postsecondary institution beyond the secondary school level are considered transfer students and must submit official copies of collegiate and secondary school records. Quality points and grade point average do not transfer. Students applying for transfer from institutions of higher education must have a cumulative grade point average of at least a 2.0 (on a 4.0 scale) to be considered for admission. 

Trustee policy is to provide the maximum opportunity for transfer within the University of Maine System. When a student is accepted for transfer, all undergraduate credits successfully completed with a grade of C- or better at any unit of the University System will be transferable to any other unit of the University System, but will not be automatically applied to the specific academic degree program to which the student has transferred. Each student will be expected to meet the established requirements of the academic program into which transfer is made, and the appropriate application of transfer credit is to be the responsibility of the particular academic unit.

Transfer Credit within the University of Maine System

1. All undergraduate courses successfully completed with a C- or higher, including P grades, will transfer from one UMS institution another. Grades will be recorded on the student’s transcript but not computed into the Grade Point Average (GPA). Semester and cumulative grade point averages reflect only those courses taken at the home institution. Students who are enrolled in multi-university degree programs should inquire about any exceptions that may apply.

2. To facilitate transfer within the University of Maine System, a general education transfer block is in effect beginning Fall 2015. Students who complete a block of at least 35 credit hours of specified general education requirements with a grade of C- or better on any University of Maine System campus will satisfy a corresponding block on any other UMS campus. Up to 10 additional credits may be required by the receiving campus. For students with a verified completed block, USM requires no additional credits, except the capstone and any specific courses required by the student’s major. Students transferring TO USM should complete the Transfer to USM General Education Block Verification Form. Students transferring FROM USM to another system campus should complete the Transfer FROM USM General Education Block Verification Form.

3. Additional grade or credit requirements may exist at the institution or program level of the receiving institution. 

Transfer Credit from External Institutions

1. Transfer students must request to have official transcripts sent directly from all previous institutions to the UMS Shared Processing Center. Electronic transcripts may be sent to edocs@maine.edu or paper copies may be sent to Application Processing, University of Maine System, P.O. Box 412, Bangor, ME 04402-0412.

2. Effective July 1, 2025 in order to qualify for transfer credit at the University, undergraduate courses must be successfully completed with a C- or higher at an accredited institution of higher learning which is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or the United States Department of Education (USDE). Grades will be recorded on the student’s transcript but will not be computed into the Grade Point Average (GPA).

3. Credit may be awarded for high school Advanced Placement (AP) exams, College Level Examination Program (CLEP) exams, or college-level knowledge gained through life experience (e.g., prior learning, such as military or other training) when validated through the approved Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) processes.

4. Courses taken under a Pass/Fail grading basis at an institution external to the UMS must have the “Passing” grade defined as being equal to a C- or higher in order to qualify for transfer within the UMS.  

5. Course credit originating from international institutions may qualify for transfer consistent with established University policies.

6. Transfer students are required to satisfy USM’s residency requirements.

7. Students transferring from the Maine Community College System (MCCS) into the UMS, who have completed the General Education Transfer Block (as noted on their MCCS institution’s official transcript), will be regarded as having completed the UMS general education requirements, with the exception of up to 10 credits of general education coursework to be specified by the University.

Transfer Credit Evaluation

1. Transfer credit evaluations will be completed for admitted students and will be available to view within the Student Center in Mainestreet. The applicability of transfer credits to USM’s Core Curriculum and to a student’s intended major field of study shall be determined by the Office of Transfer Services in conjunction with the appropriate academic department, school, or college.  

2. Students with coursework from schools which are not recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or the United States Department of Education (USDE) as being accredited institutions of higher learning may inquire into the possibility of validating some or all of their learning through testing and/or approved Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) processes.  

3. Coursework defined as developmental or remedial by the receiving institution is considered preparatory to college-level work and will not be awarded transfer credit at the University.

4. Transfer students will be expected to meet the established requirements of the academic program, college and/or degree plan into which they are transferring. Since transfer credits do not necessarily count toward these requirements, students should consult the University’s academic catalog and/or meet with an appropriate advisor to determine requirements regarding the number and distribution of credits that must be completed to earn the desired degree.  

5. Students may also confer with the appropriate transfer contact at their home institution and/or their advisor regarding possible flexibility in the application of their credits through approved institutional processes. Appropriate application of transfer credit is the responsibility of the particular academic unit (college or department).

6. In rare exceptions, courses for which credit is awarded through another institution’s credit-by-examination policy may be granted transfer credit provided both earned credits and grades appear on the transcript and the course is applicable to the student’s work at this University. Students should consult with an appropriate advisor.

7. If a student has concerns with a decision made in regard to the evaluation of their transfer credits they may reach out to the Office of Transfer Services (transferaffairsusm@maine.edu).  

8. Current UMS students who plan to take courses at another institution, inside or outside of the UMS, are required to seek prior approval of their plans by completing a Domestic or International Study Away Form at the institution where they are matriculated.

9. Transfer evaluations are assumed to be correct if a student does not direct questions to or enter an appeal with the Office of Transfer Services within one year of the completion of the evaluation. At that time, the evaluation becomes permanent and will not be changed.

Articulation Agreements

The University of Southern Maine has formal agreements and transfer maps in certain academic disciplines with other institutions of higher education. These agreements facilitate transfer to USM for graduates from specific degree programs. For more information, students should contact their Transfer Coordinator or the USM Office of Admissions.

Placement Exam

Placement Examination Program

All newly admitted degree candidates without SAT scores, or those who have a SAT mathematics score below 570 or an ACT mathematics score below 22 are required to take the Math Placement Test to determine enrollment in math and related courses. Many majors at USM have specific math requirements, so completing the Math Placement Test allows students to be placed in the most appropriate course. Only SAT or ACT test results administered within the past five years are valid. 

TOEFL, IELTS, Pearson PTE and Duolingo scores are used for course placement in English. Only TOEFL and IELTS test results administered within the past three years are valid and only Pearson PTE and Duolingo scores are valid for two years. Students who transfer credits from another institution may meet college readiness in mathematics as determined by the Office of Transfer Services. Non-matriculated students are encouraged to take the placement examination and should contact the Office of Academic Assessment for details.

For more information on the Placement Examination Program, go to https://usm.maine.edu/office-academic-assessment/usm-math-placement-test/. Note: The math placement exam results will not be used in place of SAT/ACT test results for admission purposes.

Credit for Prior Learning (CPL)

The Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) office helps University of Southern Maine students earn academic credit for college-level learning acquired outside of the classroom through work and life experience.  Options to earn credit include exams, credential review, and academic portfolios.  The awarding of CPL credit is based on students’ demonstration and documentation of college-level learning, not on experience or positions held. Prior learning options are not eligible for Federal Financial Aid, and credits earned through CPL do not affect GPA. Successfully completed academic portfolios and challenge exams may count toward the Credits in Residence (Academic Residency) requirements.

For more information, please visit our website or contact the CPL office at priorlearningusm@maine.edu or 207-780-4663.

Advanced Placement

USM awards credit for AP scores of 3 or higher.  USM must receive an official score report directly from College Board in order to post credit.  

International Baccalaureate

USM awards credit for SL and HL exams with scores of 4 or higher. USM must receive an official score report directly from International Baccalaureate in order to post credit.  

Cambridge Advanced International Certificate of Education

USM awards credit for AS-level exams with scores of “e” or higher and A-level exams with scores of “E” or higher. USM must receive an official transcript directly from Cambridge AICE in order to post credit.

Seal of Biliteracy

USM recognizes the knowledge demonstrated by students who have earned the Seal of Biliteracy, both in and outside the state of Maine. Students matriculating at USM who have earned the seal will be eligible for credits in the target language, or general language credits in the case of languages that are not taught at USM.

Documentation of the Seal of Biliteracy must appear on the student’s high school transcript and/or received from the appropriate school/state agency in order to post credit.

Other Examinations

The CPL office posts credit to student transcripts for documented passing scores for several other exam programs including: 

CLEP, DSST, BYU FLATS, ACTFL OPI, HSK (Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi) Chinese Proficiency Test, American Sign Language Proficiency Interview (ASLPI), Challenge exams designed by USM faculty.

Credential Review

USM students may be able to earn credit for some licenses, certificates and other credentials from organizations outside the University, if these credentials represent learning that is comparable to that encountered in the college classroom.  Students who have earned credentials or certifications from work or life experience may submit them to the CPL office for review. Credits from credential review are awarded if they are applicable to a student’s degree progress. Students requesting an exception to this policy should contact the CPL office.

The submission of credential documentation does not guarantee the awarding of credit.

Academic Portfolio Assessment

Academic portfolios are documents degree-seeking students create to show how learning from their professional experiences, community work, or their own personal interests meets one or more of their degree requirements. Depending on the degree plan, portfolios may be used to fulfill major, USM core, or general elective credit requirements and usually take the form of independent writing projects. In certain cases, visual or oral demonstrations may be approved by appropriate faculty and/or the CPL Director. 

Military Credits

Official military transcripts are reviewed by USM’s Military-Affiliated Student Hub. 

NOTE: USM’s Credit for Prior Learning office reserves the right to revise, amend, or change items set forth in our policies, procedures, and equivalencies at any time.

Pre-professional Programs

Pre-Law

There is no specific course of study required of students who are planning to apply to law schools. Since the practice of law covers all fields, the only recommendation that law school admissions officers give to students is that they pursue challenging courses in areas of interest to them and that they do well in these courses. Participation in an honors program definitely enhances a student’s admission as does a well-written senior thesis or an independent study.

• Students must be able to write clearly. They should take upper-level, writing-intensive courses in English or other fields.
• Students must be able to think clearly and critically. Courses in philosophy, science, and language will be helpful.
• Students should understand the social and political context within which the law exists. Courses in sociology, history, and political science are appropriate.
• Students may wish to take substantive courses in the law and in legal reasoning. Courses in law and society, civil liberties, civil rights, constitutional law, business law and the rule of law-some of which are offered as undergraduate courses by professors from the University of Maine Law School-may be of interest.

Students who are interested in law should be advised that their overall academic record and performance on the LSAT are much more important than a specific undergraduate major for law school admission.

Students should meet with USM’s pre-law advisor early in their undergraduate careers to discuss the legal profession and design a path to law school admission. Students should also become active members of USM’s Pre-Law Society. For more information, contact Ronald Schmidt, associate professor, at (207) 780-4581 or email rschmidt@maine.edu.

Pre-Pharmacy Program

A two-year, non-degree program of study is offered to prepare students to apply to a four-year doctoral program in pharmacy (a 2 + 4 program). Most schools and colleges of pharmacy require 60-75 credits in their two-year pre-pharmacy phase, depending on the number of general education credits required. Individual programs vary in the general education courses they require, e.g., economics, social science, humanities, and fine arts, so students should consult those programs accordingly. The pre-pharmacy concentration is a time-intensive program that students will need to commit to upon entering the University. Students are encouraged to take summer courses to reduce the number of credits taken each semester. If students choose not to take summer courses, they should consider extending the program to three years. If they do well in this program of study, they will be competitive with students from other universities applying for entry into professional pharmacy programs. If students decide not to transfer after two years, they will be well along the path toward earning a B.S. in biology degree. For further information, biology majors can contact a pre-health professions advisor within the biology department: David Champlin, champlin@maine.edu, Rachel Simons, rsimons@maine.edu, or Jeff Walker, walker@maine.edu.

Pre-Medical, Pre-Dental, Pre-Veterinary

Many universities have a major in pre-medical, pre-veterinary, or pre-dental studies. USM offers a degree in biology with a concentration in human biology. By completing the concentration in human biology a student will have completed all the required courses for admission to professional school and many of the recommended courses. Pre-veterinary students should complete the general biology degree.

Most students who are accepted in a professional school majored in biology or a specialized area of biology. However, a student does not have to major in science to be accepted to medical, dental, or veterinary medicine school. Approximately one-third of all students accepted to professional schools took the required science courses as electives while pursuing their undergraduate degrees in non-science fields.

Every undergraduate course taken is important regardless of its subject area. Admissions officers in professional schools pay particular attention to the overall academic record and performance on entrance exams when evaluating a candidate’s application for admission.

It is also important to have ‘hands-on’ experiences in the field of the professional school to which you apply. For example, most veterinary schools require some type of animal care experience, e.g., volunteer work in an animal hospital. Many medical schools require some type of patient-care experience, e.g., Emergency Medical Technician training or volunteer work in an emergency room.

As minimum entrance requirements, most professional schools recommend:

• One year of college biology with labs (BIO 105  , BIO 106 ; BIO 107 )
• One year of general chemistry with labs (CHY 113 , CHY 114 ; CHY 115 , CHY 116 )
• One year of organic chemistry with labs (CHY 251 , CHY 252 ; CHY 253 , CHY 254 )
• One year of physics with labs (PHY 111 , PHY 114  or PHY 121 , PHY 114 )
• One semester of mathematics (statistics recommended)

Some recommended courses are:

Psychology (PSY 100 )
Genetics (BIO 201 )
Microbiology and lab (BIO 311 , BIO 282 )
Comparative or Vertebrate Anatomy (BIO 309 )
General Physiology and lab (BIO 401 /BIO 402 )
Human Physiology and lab (BIO 221 , BIO 112 ; BIO 223 , BIO 114 )

For more information, biology majors can contact a pre-health professions advisor within the biology department: David Champlin, champlin@maine.edu, Rachel Simons, rsimons@maine.edu, or Jeff Walker, walker@maine.edu. Pre-veterinary biology majors can contact Chris Maher, cmaher@maine.edu.

New England Regional Student Program

In cooperation with the New England Board of Higher Education (NEBHE), the University offers undergraduate and graduate programs of study at reduced rates of tuition to qualified candidates from the New England states. Because the listing of programs varies from year to year, candidates should check the most up-to-date listings, which can be found at https://usm.maine.edu/office-of-admissions/new-england-regional-student-program. Further information is available at nebhe.org/tuitionbreak.

Immunization Requirement

Maine State law requires all individuals born after December 31, 1956, who plan to enroll in a degree program or plan to take twelve or more credits, to show proof of immunity against measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, and tetanus before registering for classes. Immunization Records should be sent to: Shared Processing Center, P.O. BOX 412, Bangor, ME 04402. Immunization records must be on file with the University before students will be allowed to register for classes. Specific information about immunization requirements can be found at https://usm.maine.edu/university-health-and-counseling-services/.

Professional Licensure and Certification Notice

Students who are pursuing degrees leading to application for professional licensure or certification, and/or who will be participating in clinical placements, internships, or practica through their USM program should be aware that their host facility may require a criminal background check, fingerprinting, or drug screening. In such situations, each student is responsible for obtaining and paying for the background check or other screening process and for delivering required documentation to the facility. Although the University will make reasonable efforts to place admitted students in field experiences and internships, it will be up to the host facility to determine whether a student will be allowed to work at that facility. Students should further be aware that a criminal record may jeopardize licensure by the state certification body. Students may consult the certification body corresponding to their intended occupation for more details. Successful completion of a program of study at USM does not guarantee licensure, certification, or employment in the relevant occupation.

Students enrolled in or changing their major to one that leads to licensure should visit the UMS State Authorization & Licensure page to learn more about their specific program and the licensure requirements in other states and territories, in addition to the contact information needed to inquire further into the licensure requirements associated with this program. Students should carefully review the information on licensure at https://www.maine.edu/licensure/ 

Email Communication Policy

In order to meet the academic and administrative needs of the University community, the University has established email as an official and primary means of communication with its students admitted and/or enrolled. In some cases, email may be the only form of communication. Official University assigned email accounts are created for all admitted and/or enrolled students. Students are responsible for reading all information sent to them via their University assigned email account. The University has the right to expect that such communications will be received and read in a timely fashion.

It is imperative that students understand that a majority of University information will be communicated to them via their assigned email account. Confidential information will not be sent via email. If the University needs to convey sensitive information to the student and the information cannot be conveyed using the password-protected student self-service venue, the University will send the information via United States Postal Service.

The University reserves the right to notify students via e-mail when any action on the student’s part may be necessary. Some actions can be accomplished using the University’s Student Information Systems, made available through special password-protected links. Students should activate their assigned email accounts at mail.maine.edu. For assistance in activating your University account, visit usm.maine.edu/information-technology/it-help-desk or contact the HelpDesk at (207) 780-4029, or help@maine.edu. The complete Email Communication Policy can be found at usm.maine.edu/information-technology.