Prospective Students
At USM we offer high quality accredited degree programs with the accessibility and convenience you need. Whether you want to finish your degree, improve your credentials, or simply take a class for personal enrichment, our new programs may be right for you!
Getting Started!
Before signing up for an online course or degree program, click on this link to see if you are ready for online learning.
Meet with an Advisor
An advisor can help you: clarify career and educational goals, identify degree and certificate options, and develop an educational plan. Contact us at online@usm.maine.edu or at (207) 780-5921.
Be sure to check out USM's Advising Network where you will find an advising timeline, learning modules, links and forms most often used by students and academic advisors.
Apply for Admissions
If you are looking to matriculate in to an undergraduate or graduate degree program, you can apply for admission online.
If you are interested in one of our online/blended Graduate Certificate programs, and you are a non-matriculated USM student, all you need to do is fill out this application form.
Apply for Financial Aid
If you are interested in applying for Financial Aid, you should submit the Free Application For Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) through the mail or online. Filing online can significantly speed up the FAFSA process: www.fafsa.ed.gov
Make sure you include a title IV code:
USM 009762
After your FAFSA is received by the federal aid processor, you will receive a student aid report (SAR).
After admission to a degree program, the USM Financial Aid Office will send you an award letter offering an aid package for the academic year.
For more detailed information about the Financial Aid process, visit the USM Financial Aid Office website.
Transferring Credits?
For more information regarding the transfer credit evaluation process, contact the Office of Transfer Affairs at (207) 780-5340 or at transfer@usm.maine.edu.
Register for Classes
Non-Matriculated Students need not apply to USM to take individual courses but may register as non-degree students. To register for a Summer courses as a non-dgree student, call the USM Summer Sessions Office at 207-780-5617. To register for Fall or Spring courses as a non-degree student, contact the Registrar’s Office 207-780-5230 or 1-800-800-4USM ext 5230.
Non-degree students will need an account activation code in order to activate their email accounts. This code will be available 24 hours after registration and can be acquired by contacting the USM HelpDesk (780-4029 or 1-800-800-4USM ext 4029 or by email).
Currently matriculated USM students may self-register through MaineStreet according to the priority registration schedule set by the Registrar’s Office. Students must already have activated their University of Maine System email account in order to access MaineStreet. (activation video tutorial)
Returning USM students may also register through MaineStreet according to the priority registration schedule set by the Registrar’s Office. However, any returning USM student who has not activated his or her email account or has forgotten their username or password should contact the USM HelpDesk for assistance (780-4029 or 1-800-800-4USM ext 4029 or by email at helpdesk@usm.maine.edu). This information is needed to log in to Maine Street.
Click here for a schedule of online/blended courses: Summer 09 | Fall 09
Other Useful Resources
Tuition and Fees
USM Bookstore
Academic Calendar
Frequently Asked Questions
Tutorials (how to navigate your Blackboard site, forward e-mail, complete assignments online, and much more)
Useful Phone numbers
Students with Disabilities
Getting Your USM ID Card
