For Students

For Students

Information for Students who entered USM Prior to Fall 2011

Information for Students matriculated in Lewiston Auburn College

USM Core Requirements Fall 2011 and beyond

USM’s nationally recognized Core Curriculum offers distinctively integrative, practical, and active learning experiences that will prepare you for successful citizenship in a complex and dynamic world.  The USM Core provides opportunities for you to connect your major with your Core education and build knowledge and skills throughout your academic career.  Whether you’re honing your analytical skills in your Entry Year Experience  course, exploring important questions in your Ethical Inquiry, Social Responsibility and Citizenship course, or demonstrating your accomplishments in your major Capstone course, the USM Core provides you with a world class education which will serve you well on the job, in your community, and beyond.

USM Core Diagram

USM Core Requirements and Credit Hours

USM Core Sequencing and Pre-requisites

To find the most up-to-date information on courses that satisfy USM's Core curriculum requirements, use the general education drop-down menu at the bottom of the page in Course Search in Maine Street.  All old and new Core requirements are listed in this menu. Instructions below.

How to Find a Core Course in Maine Street

USM Course Descriptions-- Catalog

When you meet with an advisor, you will fill out a tracking sheet like this one: USM Core Tracking Sheet

Transfer Students and the USM Core

Students may meet any of their USM Core requirements through transfer, with the exception of the Ethical Inquiry, Social Responsibility, and Citizenship requirement, and the Capstone.  Students transferring 84 or more credits may submit for consideration a course that they regard as equivalent to the Ethical Inquiry, Social Responsibility, and Citizenship course.  This course must have been completed at a 4 year college or university and must be at the intermediate level or above.  Submissions should be sent to the Assistant Provost for Undergraduate Programs and Core Curriculum at smcwilms@usm.maine.edu. Students complete their Capstone as part of the usual 30 credit residency requirement and normally as a part of their major requirements.

Information on transferring credits to USM is available on Maine Street in the Transfer Course Equivalencies list. To use this list:

 1. click on the Transfer Course Equivalencies button under quick links.

2. click on Transfer courses or test credit to the Univ. of Maine System. 

3. Select USM from the menu. 

4. Click on the letter that corresponds to the first letter of the institution from which you are transferring credit (e.g., "S" for Southern Maine Community College).

5. Find the transfer-from institution on the list and click on it.  A list will come up with  courses and their transfer equivalence to USM courses and requirements. Core equivalents are listed in the far right column.

Waivers and Petitions:

Instructions on requesting a waiver or petitioning for a substitution.