Frequently Asked Questions

Who is this program for?

CLASS is intended for students who have a strong interest in teaching at the elementary or middle school level. First year students, transfer students, current USM students are eligible to apply. CLASS is a selective program, and most students in the program have had experience working with school age children and have a commitment to the teaching field. This program is designed for both part-time and full-time students.

Do you accept CMCC students?

Yes, we do accept CMCC students. Ideally a student who wishes to attend CMCC, with the goal of becoming teacher certified, should join the JETT program at CMCC as well as joining USM's CLASS program. You concurrently complete courses at CMCC as well as field experiences at USM. Once you earn your Associate's degree from CMCC, you then transfer completely to USM and will have 2.5 years left to finish the CLASS program and earn your bachelor's degree through USM. If you have already completed a degree at CMCC or have significant credits from CMCC, you may be eligible to apply to CLASS as a "Modified" student. See next question for more information on this option.

Can I still join CLASS if I have previous college experience and how long will it take me to complete the program?

CLASS is 4.5 year undergraduate program for students coming in with little to no previous college credits. It's possible, depending on the number and type of previous credits that you transfer to USM, to complete the CLASS program in 3.5 years as "Modified" student. CLASS faculty and advisors will review your previous college credits and determine whether or not you would need to complete the traditional 4.5 year program or if it is possible be a "Modified" student and complete the program in a shorter amount of time.

What will my major be?

CLASS students have a liberal arts major, and graduate with a degree in that field, rather than in education. At the end of the program, you will have earned a bachelor's degree, teacher certification, and some graduate credits toward a master's degree in education. Most CLASS students choose one of the following four interdisciplinary majors offered at LAC:

Arts and Humanities
Natural and Applied Sciences
Social and Behavioral Sciences
Leadership and Organizational Studies

All of the required coursework for these majors are offered at LAC. More detailed information about these programs is available from the College.

What courses will I take?

Students take a variety of courses which meet USM's Core curriculum, your major requirements, CLASS course requirements, and teacher certification requirements. The exact courses you take will depend on what major you choose. Click here for a sample course listing for students completing the Social and Behavioral Sciences major.

What will my schedule be like?

The CLASS program can be pursued on a part-time basis with the exception of the final year, full-time internship. Most students will take at least four and one-half years to complete all the requirements. CLASS students are busy taking classes on campus and doing seminars and other work off-campus at the partner schools in Lewiston and Auburn.

Does USM offer other options in elementary and middle school education?

A similar program is also offered at the Gorham campus. This is a full-time program designed for first year students and transfer students with fewer than 30 college credits. USM also offers its nationally recognized Extended Teacher Education Program (ETEP). For more information on these programs, please call the College of Education and Human Development's Admissions and Advising Office in Gorham at (207) 780-5306, or toll free at 1-800-800-4876, ext. 5306.

Students applying to CLASS must complete an "Application for Teacher Education." All applicants meeting the entrance requirements will be invited to the campus for an interview with appropriate faculty.

How do I apply for financial aid? CLICK HERE

If you still have questions regarding the CLASS PDS Program or would like more information, please call Jim Bradley at (207) 753-6618. You can also email us at LacCLASS@usm.maine.edu