USM Early College encompasses two distinct, future-focused academic programs that allow high school students to experience college-level learning and coursework and earn college credits. Through the Early College programs, students take college classes with USM professors at one of the university’s three campuses or online, or take an equivalent course taught by a trained and certified teacher at their high school.
On-Campus/Online
The On-Campus/Online program allows high school students to take college courses at any one of USM’s three campuses or online. Students have the opportunity to engage and participate in college courses and learn directly from USM faculty, while getting a sense of the university environment and earning college credits. On-Campus/Online students may take introductory USM courses in order to get a headstart on their intended college major requirements, while others may use it as an opportunity to challenge themselves and try out the college setting and workload. Students have access to on-campus resources.
For more information, visit the On-Campus/Online page on this site, or contact Patricia Nickerson, Associate Director of Educational Partnerships & Early College.
Concurrent Enrollment
USM’s Concurrent Enrollment program allows high school students to take USM courses taught by a Concurrent Enrollment instructor (a teacher from the student’s high school) in their familiar, supportive high school environment. Concurrent Enrollment instructors work with USM faculty to ensure the college courses delivered in Maine high schools are consistent with the content and quality of courses delivered on USM’s three campuses. Students experience the rigor of college-level coursework while continuing to have access to the support and resources offered by their high schools. All credits earned in a Concurrent Enrollment course can be transferred to the University of Southern Maine.
Visit the Concurrent Enrollment page on this site. Additional questions may be directed to Patricia Nickerson, Associate Director of Educational Partnerships & Early College if you are a student.
USM Early College Program Mission Statement
The University of Southern Maine Early College Program strives to accelerate high school students’ academic growth, and connect them to college-level learning and career preparation. Through rigorous liberal arts and pre-professional coursework, our programs develop students’ critical thinking skills, challenge them to communicate effectively, and inspire them to problem-solve and work collaboratively. With these opportunities for post-secondary credit attainment, we endeavor to facilitate successful transitions from high school to college, to empower students in their academic and civic lives, and to increase access to higher education throughout the state of Maine.