Full-time tuition
In-state: $8,910;
Out-of-state: $26,250 (30 credit hours per year). New England residents may qualify for tuition breaks. See details and other costs
Financial aid
Average offer covers a large portion of tuition & fees.
In-state: nearly 100%;
Out-of-state: nearly 70%.
May include scholarships, grants, waiver, & work-study. Explore aid
Program duration
Typical completion time: 4 years. Flexible options may save time. Explore options
Admissions
SAT & ACT scores optional. Early action & year-round admissions. View application process & deadlines
Program Highlights
Hands-on learning
You’ll have the opportunity to gain practical planning and policy experience through participation in field-based courses and internships.
Career opportunities
Prepare for graduate school or for a variety of professional roles in federal, state, and local government; the private sector; nonprofit organizations; and citizen advocacy groups.
Program requirements
The program introduces students to the foundations of community and natural resource planning and trains them on policy development, formulation, and implementation through an in-depth examination of policy science, assessment, environmental impact analysis, and environmental economics.
Field immersion course
Our field immersion is designed to teach basic environmental science skills and build community in a long-weekend format. The course includes components on forest, land use, aquatic, wildlife, and human systems. Basic orienteering and map reading, topographical surveying, and GPS operation are emphasized.
Diverse learning spaces
Each faculty member runs a lab dedicated to their specific research, which includes an Aquatics Systems Lab, Aquaponics Lab, Chemical Ecology Lab, Entomology Lab, and Rural Resilience Lab.
Scholarship opportunities
Scholarships offer valuable financial aid that doesn’t need to be repaid. You’ll be automatically considered for Merit Scholarships when you apply for admission by the deadline. Additional opportunities are available.
Highly engaged faculty
Our faculty are environmental consultants and active researchers of small-scale forest ecosystems, insect chemical signaling, small-scale aquaponic systems, alewife behavior, stream buffers, freshwater monitoring, vernal pool policy, cubestattelitte systems, and the role of archeology in environmental planning.
Do you live in New England?
You may be eligible for a special reduced tuition rate, as part of the New England Regional Student Program (RSP).
Considering transferring to USM?
We welcome students who are transferring from another four-year university or community college. Our knowledgeable Admissions Counselors will help you to navigate the admissions and credit-transfer process.
Looking ahead to graduate school?
Our Accelerated Graduate Pathways to our Policy, Planning, and Management master’s program and to the University of Maine School of Law can save you time and money in earning your graduate degree.
Our helpful admissions counselors are here to answer your questions about the admissions process, our academic programs, and student support services. We also invite you to explore the many ways to visit campus or to engage with us through online experiences.