Master's of Science in Adult and Higher Education Admissions

Minimum Requirements: Applicant must have a Bachelor’s degree and have earned a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale) in a baccalaureate degree program;  Applicants who do not have a 2.5 overall GPA must enclose a letter asking for special consideration, in which they provide evidence of an ability to complete graduate studies successfully. Without such a letter, applicants who fail to meet eligibility requirements may be automatically denied. A formal interview is required.

Application Deadline: Rolling with priority deadlines. May 1 for Fall matriculation, October 15 for spring matriculation, and March 15 for summer matriculation.

APPLICATION MATERIALS – Send in your application and fee as soon as possible!

Candidates should submit all other application materials to the USM Office of Graduate Admissions, 39 Exeter Street, Portland, ME 04104-9300 by the application deadline.

A complete application consists of:

• a submitted online application
• the application fee of $65.00
• two sets of official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended, including USM
• three recommendations (pdf)
• essay (see below for specific essay questions)
• current resume
• certification of finances (international students only)
• TOEFL scores (international students whose first language is not English)

The admissions process requires a formal interview. Candidates to be interviewed will be selected on the basis of the above information. During the interview, issues relating to the following topics will be covered: a) self-awareness; b) awareness of social issues; c) awareness of others as persons; d) communication skills; and e) commitment to the field.

Special Essay Instructions
Candidates should provide an integrated essay of approximately 1,000 words that includes:

1. Brief autobiography, referencing study in master's degree andn related experience, professional training, and credentials
2. Overall goal to be accomplished through the program
3. Future aspirations and professional development needs
4. Tentative list of proposed coursework for the 36 credit hour credential

The admissions process requires a formal interview. Candidates to be interviewed will be selected on the basis of the above information. During the interview, issues relating to the following topics will be covered: a) self-awareness; b) awareness of social issues; c) awareness of others as persons; d) communication skills; and e) commitment to the field.                  

Testing Requirement : Submit official TOEFL scores of 550 or higher on the paper-based test, 79 or higher on the Internet-based test, or 213 or higher on the computer-based test if the applicant is an international student whose first language is not English. International students who have received their undergraduate degree from an English-speaking institution may apply for a waiver of this requirement.

Transfer Credit:  A maximum of 12 credit hours of graduate-level study may be approved as transfer credit provided these credits were not used as part of another degree or certificate program, were earned no more than five years prior to matriculation, are in subject areas related to adult education, and that students received grades of B or better in the classes. In rare situations and when compelling evidence is provided, the program faculty reserves the right to expand the number and age of credits transferred into the M.S. in adult and higher education program beyond the 12 credit, five-year rule.

Graduate students in master’s level adult education programs at other universities may transfer into the program if they take their final 12 hours, including directed study or internship and graduate seminar, in USM’s adult education program. A maximum of 9 credits in self-designed coursework may be counted toward this degree.