Our Accelerated Graduate Pathways link undergraduate and graduate programs that are within complementary areas of study. To satisfy credit requirements for both your undergraduate degree program and your future graduate degree program, you’ll be required to earn a high grade in specific courses.

You’ll receive an outstanding education, guided by expert faculty, while earning two degrees.

Where To Begin

The best place to start is to browse the Accelerated Graduate Pathway offerings.

  • First, check to see if the graduate degree you’re interested in offers an Accelerated Graduate Pathway.
  • Then, check to see if your intended or current major can enroll in the Accelerated Graduate Pathway.

How to Enroll

Prospective Undergraduate Students

You can select an Accelerated Graduate Pathway when you apply to USM for undergraduate study.*  If you have questions about the pathway or the University application process, please contact our Office of Admissions.

Current Undergraduate Students

Contact your Academic Advisor to learn more about how the pathway can work with your current academic progress, or complete the Electronic Change of Major form (login required).

Continuing Enrollment in an Accelerated Graduate Pathway

While enrolled in an Accelerated Graduate Pathway, you must maintain a certain GPA and complete specific courses. In addition to other requirements, this ensures that you’re academically prepared for your future graduate program.

Upon completing your undergraduate degree, you are required to begin graduate study in the semester immediately following graduation. For most programs, this means you’ll begin graduate school in the fall semester. Our Leadership Studies graduate program begins in the summer.  

To review the specific enrollment requirements of each Accelerated Graduate Pathway, browse the list of Accelerated Graduate Pathway offerings.


*The following Graduate Programs allow you to select the pathway when you apply to the University of Southern Maine:

  • Athletic Training (MS)
  • Law (JD)
  • Leadership Studies (MA)
  • Occupational Therapy (MOT)
  • Policy, Planning, and Management (MPPM)
  • Public Health (MPH)
  • Social Work (MSW)
  • Statistics (MA)
  • University of Maine: Business Administration (MaineMBA)

The following Accelerated Graduate Pathways can be declared once you’ve enrolled at the University of Southern Maine: 

  • Counseling (MS)
  • Education:
    • Teacher Education — Extended Teacher Education Program (ETEP) (MS)
    • Special Education (MS)
  • University of Maine: History (MA)