Undergraduate applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, as they become complete. Applicants can expect a decision approximately four to six weeks after all documentation has been received. Counselors initially evaluate applications for entry into the first choice major, if applicable. If an applicant does not meet this major's qualifications or no space is available in the first-choice major, they will be considered for a second major, an undeclared major, or an alternate program.

USM is a member of the Common Application. We accept this form in lieu of our own, giving equal consideration to both. You can also apply using our paper application.

First-Year Students

• Completed application form: Common Application or paper
• $40 application fee payable to the University of Southern Maine. Maine residents apply for free.
• Official transcript sent by your high school, listing all courses and grades received to date or official General Education Diploma (GED)
• Official SAT or ACT test scores sent directly from the testing agency or included on official high school transcript
• Completed school counselor statement and/or letter of recommendation
• Completed personal statement/essay (recommended)
• Official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores (may be required of those applicants whose primary language is not English)

Transfer Students

If you have attempted any college credits since graduating from high school/earning a GED, you are considered a transfer student.

• Completed application form (or paper application if necessary).
• $40 application fee payable to the University of Southern Maine. Maine residents apply for free.
• Official final high school transcript that certifies the date of high school graduation or official General Education Diploma (GED) results (not required if you have completed an associate's or bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution at the time the application is submitted)
• Official transcripts from all colleges attended, whether or not credit was earned, sent directly from each institution
• Completed personal statement/essay (recommended)
• Official SAT or ACT scores. These scores are not required if you have completed more than 12 post-high school college credits or if you are at least 20 years old at the time you submit your application. Please Note: Students who earned college credits while in high school through early studies/dual enrollment courses must still submit SAT or ACT scores.
• Official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) scores may be required of applicants whose primary language is not English
• International College Transcript Evaluation: Official evaluation of college-level transcripts from a USM-approved transcript analysis agency.
• Nursing Transfer applicants only: Supplemental application
• Accelerated Nursing applicants only: Supplemental application

Adult Students

• Completed short application
• $40 application fee payable to the University of Southern Maine. Maine residents apply for free.
• Official final high school transcript that certifies the date of high school graduation or official General Education Diploma (GED) results (not required if you have completed an associate's or bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution at the time the application is submitted)
• Official transcripts from all colleges attended, whether or not credit was earned, sent directly from each institution
• Completed personal statement/essay (recommended)
• Resume: If you have had a significant gap (three or more years) since your last experience in education, it is recommended you submit a resume or list of life experiences.
• Official SAT or ACT scores. These are not required if you have completed more than 12 post-high school college credits or if you are at least 20 years old at the time you submit your application.
• Official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) scores may be required of applicants whose primary language is not English
• International College Transcript Evaluation: Official evaluation of college-level transcripts from a USM-approved transcript analysis agency.
• Nursing Transfer applicants only: Supplemental application
• Accelerated Nursing applicants only: Supplemental application

Homeschooled Students

Homeschooled applicants must be at least 17 years old at the start of their first semester. A personal interview may be required.

• Completed application form: Common Application or paper
• $40 application fee payable to the University of Southern Maine. Maine residents apply for free.
• Official final high school transcript that certifies the date of high school graduation or annual assessment of courses completed; transcripts should be signed by the person responsible for homeschooling the student
• Completed personal statement/essay (recommended)
• Official SAT or ACT test scores sent directly from the testing agency
• Completed letter of recommendation from someone outside the student's family

International Students

• Completed application form:
  • If you are a first-year student who just completed high school: Common Application or paper
  • If you are an adult or transfer student: UMS Short Application or paper
• $40 application fee payable to the University of Southern Maine
• Official secondary school transcripts, exam certificates, and college level transcripts including certified English translations
• Official transcripts from all colleges attended, whether or not credit was earned, sent from the institution
• International College Transcript Evaluation: Official evaluation of college level transcripts from a USM approved transcript analysis agency
• Completed personal statement/essay (recommended)
• Declaration of Finances form accompanied by the appropriate financial documentation
• Optional: official SAT or ACT scores (If you have completed more than 12 college credits or are age 20 or older at the time you submit your application, SAT or ACT test scores are not required.)
• Nursing Transfer applicants only: Supplemental Application
• Official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) scores may be required of applicants whose primary language is not English

Reapplication or Reactivation Students

• Completed Reactivation/Readmission Form
• $20 application fee payable to the University of Southern Maine. Maine residents apply for free.
• Completed personal statement (essay)
• Official final high school transcript or GED results
• Official college transcripts from any colleges attended since applying to or attending USM

Priority filing dates indicate when information should be received by the University. The dates upon which we receive your application and then enrollment deposit may impact other factors, including financial aid awards, priorities for on-campus housing, orientation dates, and course selection. Please note the following dates, references, and deadlines.

Fall Semester

• January 15 – transfer Nursing deadline
• February 15 – priority filing application date and first year Nursing deadline
• May 1 – priority enrollment deposit date
• July 1 – international student application deadline
• August 15 – application and supporting materials must be received by Admissions

Spring Semester*

• November 15 – international student application deadline
• December 1 – priority filing application date
• January 2 – priority enrollment deposit date

*Admission will not be granted to nursing applicants (with the exception of RN to BSN program) for the spring semester.

Summer Semester

• May 1 – Priority deadline
• October 1 – accelerated nursing application deadline

Rolling Admissions

Applications are reviewed on a rolling admission cycle. For students who want to enroll for the fall semester, applications are accepted throughout the year and applicants will be notified of their admission decision beginning in October.

Although applications will be reviewed throughout the year, we recommend students complete their applications by the priority filing date of February 15. All students who want to be considered for academic scholarships must have their completed application on file by the February 15 scholarship consideration deadline.

Nursing program applicants: transfer students must submit applications by the January 15 Transfer Nursing Application Deadline. First-year Nursing applicants must submit an application by the February 15 First-Year Nursing Application Deadline.

• January 15 – FAFSA application filing deadline
• Beginning March 15 – financial aid award notification

In order to be considered for financial aid, you must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This form should be filed either electronically or through the mail by January 15 in order for the federal data to be received by Student Financial Services on schedule.

Application for financial aid submitted after the stated deadlines will be reviewed only to the extent that funds remain available throughout the spring. For more information, visit Student Financial Services or call (207) 780-5250.

A nonrefundable fee of $40 must be submitted with your application for admission. Maine residents apply for free. Checks should be made payable to the University of Southern Maine. If submission of this fee causes a financial hardship, please contact the Office of Undergraduate Admission.

SAT & ACTs

USM generally requires official SAT or ACT test scores. If you have completed more than 12 college level credits or are age 20 or older at the time you submit your application, these scores are not required. Please Note: Students who earned college credits while in high school through early studies/dual enrollment courses must still submit SAT or ACT scores.

Applicants may submit SAT or ACT scores as reported on official high school transcript or directly from the Educational Testing Service (ETS) or the American College Testing Program (ACT). If you did not previously request your scores be sent to USM (CEEB code #3691) from ETS or ACT, you may do so by calling ETS at (609) 921-9000 or collegeboard.com or ACT at (319) 337-1313 or actstudent.org.

TOEFL

International and non-native English speaking students should submit their Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) scores. SAT or ACT scores may be submitted to us as reported on the official high school transcript or directly from the Educational Testing Service (ETS) or the American College Testing Program (ACT).

Advanced Placement Tests and International Baccalaureate

The University of Southern Maine recognizes the Advanced Placement Tests and the International Baccalaureate program, and may grant placement and credit toward graduation for superior performance. Please contact the Prior Learning Assessment Office for additional information at (207) 780-4663, or toll-free 1-800-800-4876, ext. 4663.

Send all Undergraduate Admissions transcripts and other supporting materials to:

Application Processing Center
University of Maine System
P.O. Box 412
Bangor, ME 04402-0412

Colleges and universities that participate in electronic submission of transcripts can send official transcripts to edocs@maine.edu.

Standard Application Materials

• Electronic application submitted online.
• Application fee of $65.00 paid online. Maine residents apply for free.
• Resume.
• Official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended, excluding the seven campuses of the University of Maine system. A transcript is official when it comes directly from the institution. If an applicant is submitting an official transcript, it must be in a sealed envelope from the institution indicating that it is an official document. If the envelope has been opened prior to arriving at the Office of Graduate Admissions, it is no longer considered an official transcript.
• Essay.
• Standardized test scores, if required by program. Official copies of standardized test scores often take four weeks or longer to arrive from the testing agency. Please plan accordingly. USM's school codes for submitting official reports of your standardized test scores directly to our office are:
  • 3691 for computer-based GRE, GMAT, or Praxis test scores. 03691 for paper-based GRE, GMAT, or Praxis test scores.
  • 1280 for MAT test scores
• Recommendations (number determined by individual program) are easily submitted using our online application form. You will simply need to provide the name and email address for each of your recommenders during the application process. Once you submit your application, an email will be automatically generated to your recommenders directing them to fill out the electronic letter of recommendation. References should be from individuals who are qualified, through direct experience with your academic or professional work, to comment on your ability to undertake graduate study and your chosen profession.
• Declaration of Finances (international students only).
• TOEFL scores, required by all programs for international students whose first language is not English.
• Other items as may be required by the individual program.

Applications for admission and all supporting materials must be postmarked by the deadlines determined by the individual graduate programs.

If we receive application materials such as test scores or recommendations before your application arrives, we will keep them in a holding file to add to your folder once the application is submitted. If you choose to collect all application materials yourself and mail or deliver everything to us at once, do not open any official transcripts or recommendation letters. Once submitted, all application materials become USM property and will not be returned.

International Applicants

In addition to the standard application materials, international students must also provide the following materials before their application will be reviewed:

• College transcript evaluation: official course-by-course evaluation of college level transcripts from a USM-approved transcript analysis agency
• Declaration of Finances form accompanied by the appropriate financial documentation
• International students whose first language is not English are required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and submit official scores as part of the application process. Only applicants with TOEFL scores of 550 or higher on the paper-based test, 213 or higher on the computer-based test, or 79 or higher on the internet-based test; or IELTS scores of 6.5 or higher will be considered for admission to a graduate program.

Special instructions for MFA Low-Residency International Students

Adult and Higher Education

May 1 for fall, October 1 for spring, and February 1 for summer

Biology

February 1 priority filing deadline for funding for fall; October 15 for spring

Business Administration

Rolling

Counseling

November 15 for fall

Creative Writing (Stonecoast MFA)

March 1 for summer residency, September 1 for winter residency

Educational Leadership

Priority filing deadlines: May 1 for fall matriculation, October 15 for spring matriculation, and March 15 for summer

Educational Psychology

• Applied Behavior Analysis Concentration: Rolling with reviews conducted monthly
• School Psychology Concentration: March 15

Extended Teacher Education Program (ETEP)

Deadline: December 1 first round deadline; January 30 second round deadline

Leadership Studies

Rolling

Literacy Education

Rolling

Music

Rolling

Nursing (RN-MS and BS-MS programs)

April 1 for fall, October 1 for spring

Nursing (MS Option Program)

November 1 for summer

Nursing DNP

May 31 for fall

Occupational Therapy

October 1 for fall

Policy, Planning, and Management

Rolling

Professional Educator

Priority filing deadlines: May 1 for fall matriculation, October 15 for spring matriculation, and March 15 for summer

Public Health

Rolling

Public Policy Ph.D.

April 1, 2018 for Fall 2018 cohort start date

School Psychology PsyD

December 1 for summer

Social Work

October 15 for fall

Special Education

Priority filing deadlines: May 1 for fall matriculation, October 15 for spring matriculation, and March 1 for summer

Statistics

Rolling

TESOL

Rolling

Certificates of Graduate Study and Certificates of Advanced Study

Reviewed on a rolling basis

• Adult and Higher Education
• Biology
• Business Administration (MBA)
• Certificates of Advanced Study
• Counseling
• Creative Writing (MFA)
• Educational Leadership
• Educational Psychology
• Extended Teacher Education Program (ETEP)
• Leadership Studies
• Literacy Education
• Music
• Nursing – Master of Science in Nursing
• Nursing – Doctorate of Nursing Practice
• Occupational Therapy
• Policy, Planning, and Management
• Professional Educator
• Public Health
• School Psychology PsyD
• Social Work
• Special Education
• Statistics
• TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages)

Adult and Higher Education

Deadlines: Rolling admission

Standardized Test Requirement: None

Essay: Candidates should provide an integrated essay of approximately 1,000 words that includes:

1. Brief autobiography, referencing study in master's degree and related experience, professional training, and credentials
2. Overall goal to be accomplished through the program
3. Future aspirations and professional development needs
4. Tentative list of proposed coursework for the 36 credit hour credential

The admissions process requires a formal interview. Candidates to be interviewed will be selected on the basis of the above information. During the interview, issues relating to the following topics will be covered: a) self-awareness; b) awareness of social issues; c) awareness of others as persons; d) communication skills; and e) commitment to the field.

Biology

Deadlines: Rolling admission

Standardized Test Requirement: Graduate Record Examination general test is required GRE subject test in biology is recommended but not required. Please note official test scores often take several weeks to reach the Office of Graduate Admissions, applicants should plan to take any admission test two months prior to an application deadline.

Essay: Submit a brief essay (300-500 words) stating your reasons for pursuing graduate study, your professional goals, and how you think this program of study will contribute to these goals. You may include a statement of any special interest you would like to pursue in your study.

Please note: The Admission to the M.S. program in biology is competitive and has two basic requirements. First, applicants should have earned a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution, preferably in some area of biology, with a minimum GPA equivalent to 3.0. Second, admission is also dependent upon a faculty member agreeing to serve as the primary faculty advisor to the student. Therefore, before applying to the program, students must become acquainted with the research interests of individual faculty in or adjunct to the Department of Biological Sciences and contact those faculty members to discuss the possibility of working with them in the M.S. program in biology and identify the faculty member(s) in their essay.

Business Administration (MBA)

Deadlines: Rolling admission

Standardized Test Requirement: Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT). (Note: Candidates with terminal degrees normally are not required to take the GMAT. However, the LL.B. from outside the United States is not an acceptable terminal degree, a condition which may also exist for other non-U.S. degrees. Please note official test scores often take two or more weeks to reach the Office of Graduate Admissions, applicants should plan accordingly.

Essay: In a brief essay (300-500 words), please state your reasons for pursuing graduate business education, your professional goals, and how you think this program of study will contribute to these goals. Make sure to touch on the following points, as applicable: performance in outside activities, evidence of creativity and leadership, and record of accomplishment.

Certificates of Advanced Study

Deadlines vary by program. Please consult the Graduate Catalog.

Essay: Submit a brief essay (500-700 words) which includes the applicant’s reason(s) for pursuing advanced graduate study: the proposed focus of the applicant’s program, including specific courses if known; and an explanation of how the proposed program fits the applicant’s personal and professional goals.

Counseling

Deadline: November 15 for fall

Standardized Test Requirement: Graduate Record Examination or Miller Analogies Test. Please note official test scores often take several weeks to reach the Office of Graduate Admissions, applicants should plan to take any admission test two months prior to an application deadline.

Essay: Candidates to the master’s program should provide a narrative, preferably typed, in the form of a brief autobiography that relates the applicant’s experiences that have led to an interest in counseling and application to the counselor education program. Candidates are also asked to address the following statement: “As counseling professionals, we are constantly seeking areas in ourselves that bear examination and change. As future practitioners, you will be witness to a wide variety of client experiences.” Please discuss areas in yourself that may block your ability to empathically listen to client experiences that are different than your own. The entire narrative, including the autobiography and the statement, should be limited to three typewritten, double-spaced pages which will be evaluated in terms of clarity of expression, grammatical construction, and other facets of English composition, as well as the quality of responses.

Creative Writing (MFA)

Deadlines: September 1 priority filing deadline for winter residency; March 1 priority filing deadline for summer residency

Standardized Test Requirement: None

Essays: 1) Please submit a one to two-page essay describing your writing background, your reasons for attending the M.F.A. program, and your goals following graduation.

2) Additionally, all applicants need a 500-750 word statement discussing the work of at least three writers in the genre in which you are applying who have influenced your own writing. This statement may involve close readings, critical analysis, and/or a more personal discussion of why and how you value these writers. Ideally, it should convey a sense of the literary heritage in which you situate your own work and of your skill as a reader.

Writing Sample: Applicants to the Stonecoast MFA in Creative Writing are required to submit a writing sample of your fiction, poetry or nonfiction. (Popular Fiction for this program does not include romance or children's literature.) Submitted material should be clearly marked to indicate applicant's name and the specific genre in which a student is applying. Send copies only, not originals. For Fiction, submit a short story or novel excerpt, maximum of 20 pages. For Poetry, submit a maximum of ten poems. For Creative Nonfiction, submit an excerpt from a memoir, a personal essay or a piece of literary journalism, a maximum of 20 pages. (Creative Nonfiction for this program does not include book reviews, letters, feature journalism or job-related documents such as memos, legal briefs, etc.) For Popular Fiction, submit a piece of science fiction, fantasy, horror, a mystery, or a thriller, maximum 20 pages.

Special Instructions for International MFA Students.

Educational Leadership

Deadline: Rolling admission

Standardized Test Requirement: None

Essay: Submit a brief essay (300-500 words) stating your reasons for pursuing graduate study, your professional goals, and how you think this program of study will contribute to these goals. You may include a statement of any special interest you would like to pursue in your study.

Please note: Educational Leadership program applicants should submit evidence of at least three years of teaching experience.

Educational Psychology

Deadline: Rolling admission

Standardized Test Requirement: Graduate Record Examination or Miller Analogies Test. Please note official test scores often take several weeks to reach the Office of Graduate Admissions, applicants should plan to take any admission test two months prior to an application deadline.

Essay: A narrative essay that answers this question: “Why do you seek training in applied behavior analysis?” This narrative is evaluated in terms of clarity of expression, grammatical construction, and other facets of English composition, as well as the quality of information given about the following: how the study of behavior analysis aligns with your professional goals and your understanding of and commitment to the field of applied behavior analysis.

Extended Teacher Education Program (ETEP)

Deadline: December 1 first round deadline; January 30 second round deadline

Standardized Test Requirement: Praxis Core. Please note official test scores often take several weeks to reach the Office of Graduate Admissions, applicants should plan to take any admission test two months prior to an application deadline.

Please note: ETEP applicants should consult the ETEP Application Guide for full admission application details. In addition to the admission application materials, applicants must complete a free Tk20 Application in order for your application to be reviewed. View the Tk20 Application instructions.

Leadership Studies

Deadline: Rolling admission

Standardized Test Requirement: None

Essay: A two-part essay containing a) an Academic Statement and b) a Personal History Statement according to the following criteria:

• The Academic Statement should include a description of why you want to study leadership, why you want to study at the University of Southern Maine, and how our program can help you achieve your professional goals.
• The Personal History Statement should convey how a combination of life experiences, idealism, role models, education, and work experiences have influenced your decision to apply. You may also include any educational, familial, cultural, economic or social experiences, and challenges or opportunities relevant to your academic journey.
• Both parts of your essay combined may not exceed 1200 words.

Literacy Education

Deadline: Rolling admission

Standardized Test Requirement: None

Essay: Submit a brief essay (300-500 words) stating your reasons for pursuing graduate study, your professional goals, and how you think this program of study will contribute to these goals. You may include a statement of any special interest you would like to pursue in your study.

Please note: Literacy Education program applicants should submit evidence of current teacher certification.

Music

Deadline: Rolling admission

Standardized Test Requirement: None

Essay: Submit a brief essay (300-500 words) stating your reasons for pursuing graduate study, your professional goals, and how you think this program of study will contribute to these goals. You may include a statement of any special interest you would like to pursue in your study.

Please note: Applicants with specific concentrations should visit the Graduate Catalog or the Music website to find additional application requirements.

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Deadline: RN-MSN, BSN-MSN, and CAS – April 1 for fall admission; October 1 for spring admission. Nursing OPTIONS deadline: November 1 for summer admission.

Standardized Test Requirement: Graduate Record Examination or Miller Analogies Test. Please note official test scores often take several weeks to reach the Office of Graduate Admissions, applicants should plan to take any admission test two months prior to an application deadline.

Essay: Please develop a 500 word essay which addresses the following topics:

1. Your understanding of the nurse practitioner role, and your reasons for becoming a Family Nurse Practitioner.
2. Your professional goals that will be supported by the Master of Science degree.
3. The experiences, capacity and abilities you bring to a master’s program.
4. Why you have chosen USM for this program.

Additional Application Materials:

• Completed Program Selection Form.
• Two letters of recommendation reflecting professional practice and academic achievement.
• Evidence (photocopy) of unencumbered current licensure as a registered professional nurse in Maine (not required for Master's Option applicants).

Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Deadline: May 31 for fall admission

Essay: The completed DNP application must include an essay describing the candidate's motivation for pursuing this degree and the vision he/she has for the role. The essay is an important part of the application since it demonstrates the applicant's ability to think, organize ideas, and express him/herself well in writing. Special essay instructions: maximum three typed double-spaced pages.

• Discuss your specific career goals for pursuing the DNP.
• Identify prior experiences that have contributed to your decision to apply to a DNP program.
• Discuss how the goals, objectives, and curriculum of USM's program will enable you to meet your post-DNP career goals.
• Identify a specific clinical problem or issue that could be the focus of your capstone project.

Additional Application Materials:

• Current Resume.
• Three letters of reference reflecting professional practice and/or academic achievement.
• Evidence (photocopy) of unencumbered current RN licensure as a registered professional nurse.
• Evidence (photocopy) of current national certification in advanced practice specialty and state certification in which currently practicing if applicable.
• Completion of the "Verification of Post-Baccalaureate Clinical and Practice Hours" form.
• Two sets of official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended, including USM if applicable.

A scheduled formal interview with graduate faculty from the School of Nursing will be required following a preliminary review of all required admission materials. Individual consideration will be given to each applicant based upon the total profile presented.

Occupational Therapy

Deadline: October 1 priority filing deadline for fall admission

Standardized Test Requirement: None

Essay: Please submit a 2-3 page essay that introduces yourself, describes why you are interested in Occupational Therapy, and outlines the strengths and experiences you bring to the Occupational Therapy profession. You may consult the MOT application instructions for further assistance.

Policy, Planning, and Management

Deadline: Rolling admissions; February 1 for tuition waiver consideration

Standardized Test Requirement: None

Essay: Submit a brief essay (300-500 words) stating your reasons for pursuing graduate study, your professional goals, and how you think this program of study will contribute to these goals. You may include a statement of any special interest you would like to pursue in your study.

Professional Educator

Deadline: Rolling admission

Standardized Test Requirement: None

Essay: Teaching is a learning profession. "When teachers stop learning, so do their students." (Roland Barth). How do you envision yourself as a teacher and a learner in the Professional Educator program?

Please note: Professional Educator program applicants should submit evidence of teaching experience.

Public Health

Deadline: Rolling admission

Standardized Test Requirement: Graduate Record Examination. Please note official test scores often take several weeks to reach the Office of Graduate Admissions.

Essay: Submit a brief essay (300-500 words) explaining how your academic preparation and/or professional experience has led you to seek a degree in public health. Also, please describe any career aspirations you may have upon completion of the program.

School Psychology (Psy.D.)

Deadline: December 1 for summer admission cycle.

Update: As of November 7, 2016, the Doctorate of Psychology in School Psychology (Psy.D.) has changed its testing requirements for the Graduate Record Exam (GRE). This may impact your application. Due to this change the PsyD program is offering a second admission deadline of March 1, 2017, for this application cycle only.

The change in testing requirement is allowing a letter of consideration by the applicant for those who do not meet the minimum 300 score on the GRE.

Standardized Test Requirement: Graduate Record Examination. Please note official test scores often take several weeks to reach the Office of Graduate Admissions, applicants should plan to take any admission test two months prior to an application deadline.

Essays:

1. The USM School Psychology Program embraces a behaviorally-based model for assessment and intervention. Briefly describe your understanding of behavioral theory and how comfortable you are working with that model.
2. Describe what is meant by the term "evidence-based practice." What role should evidence-based practice play in the delivery of school psychological services?

The Psy.D. program requires an interview of all finalists as part of the admissions process. You will be contacted if an interview is required. Interviews will be held as follows:

• To be determined.

Social Work (MSW)

Deadline: October 15 for fall admission cycle

Standardized Test Requirement: None

Essay: Personal statement of no more than 750 words addressing the following questions:

1. What are the reasons you want to be a social worker?
2. How do the mission and goals of the M.S.W. program at the University of Southern Maine School of Social Work fit with your career goals?
3. Describe your experiences with diversity, discrimination, and/or oppression.
4. What social issue is of particular concern to you, and why?

Please note: Social Work applicants should submit a Program Selection Form.

Special Education

For those applying to the In-Service strand (gifted and talented, teaching all students, self-design in special education), additional admission requirements include:

Deadlines: Rolling admission

Standardized Test Requirement: None

• Completed and signed Teacher Credential Summary form
• Special Essay Question (for In-Service strand)

Special Essay Questions:

Describe why you are enrolling in this program.

1. What goals do you have for yourself by obtaining a master's in Abilities and Disabilities Studies in this concentration?
2. What is at least one aspect of your teaching that you feel you will strengthen through earning this master's degree?

Describe your past experience with youth, either in teaching or in another capacity.

1. What did you learn about youth through this experience?
2. What did you learn about yourself through this experience?

For those applying to the Pre-Service strand (teaching students with mild to severe disabilities), additional admission requirements include:

Application Deadline: Rolling admission

• Praxis Core exam passed based on Maine’s standards
• Special Essay Question

Special essay question:

A free appropriate public education for students with disabilities represents our democratic society’s commitment to educating all its children. A teacher lives out this commitment in his/her daily instruction and professional activities as an educator. Please describe what you think it means as a teacher to provide equitable learning opportunities for all students, including those with disabilities.

Statistics

Deadline: Rolling admission

Standardized Test Requirement: Graduate Record Examination. Please note official test scores often take several weeks to reach the Office of Graduate Admissions, applicants should plan to take any admission test two months prior to an application deadline.

Essay: Submit a brief essay (300-500 words) stating your reasons for pursuing graduate study, your professional goals, and how you think this program of study will contribute to these goals. You may include a statement of any special interest you would like to pursue in your study.

TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages)

Deadline: Rolling admission

Standardized Test Requirement: None

Essay: Submit a brief essay (300-500 words) stating your reasons for pursuing graduate study, your professional goals, and how you think this program of study will contribute to these goals. You may include a statement of any special interest you would like to pursue in your study.

Please send all application materials to the following address:

Application Processing Center
University of Maine System
P.O. Box 412
Bangor, ME 04402-0412

Electronic transcripts and other application materials can be emailed to edocs@maine.edu.

It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that his or her application is complete by the applicable deadline date.

• Check Status-Account Activation Required: If you have submitted an application and have received your account activation letter from our office, follow the link below to activate your account.
• Check Status-Account Activation Complete: If you have already activated your account, and you wish to check on the status of your application, follow this link to MaineStreet.