Leadership Studies

Admission Information

Application Procedures and Required Materials

Application Deadlines

August 1 for Fall semester, December 15 for Spring semester, April 15 for Summer semester

All materials need to be submitted by the deadline. Applications are read on a rolling basis.

Applicants are required to provide the following materials:

• Application: Online Application
• Application fee: Waived for all students
• Transcripts: Official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended, excluding the seven campuses of the University of Maine System (UMS transcripts are accessible to USM). A transcript is official when sent directly from the institution.
• International College transcripts: In addition to an official copy of the transcript, an official evaluation of college-level transcripts from a NACES (National Association of Credential Evaluation Services) approved transcript analysis agency is required.
• Resume: Submit a resume or CV that outlines professional, volunteer, and community experience.
• Essay: Applicants must submit a personal statement of purpose about why they are interested in this program
• Students whose first language is not English may be required to take one of the following: Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or the Pearson Test of English (PTE) or Duolingo.  Applicants must submit official scores as part of the application process. See additional information below regarding test scores and requirements.

Where to send transcripts and application materials

Official transcripts and other supporting documents can be sent to:

Application Processing Center

University of Maine System

P.O. Box 412

Bangor, ME 04402-0412

Colleges and universities that participate in the electronic submission of transcripts can send official transcripts to edocs@maine.edu. Resumes, essays, and other documents can also be sent to edocs@maine.edu.

For a transcript or recommendation to be considered official, it must be sent by the institution or the person writing the recommendation.

Applicants whose first language is not English

Students whose first language is not English may be required to provide test scores or credentials for English language proficiency.

USM accepts the following test scores and qualifications for admission into graduate programs:

• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOFEL): scores of 79 or higher on the internet-based test, 550 or higher on the paper-based test, or 213 or higher on the computer-based test
• International English Language Testing System (IELTS): scores of 6.5 or higher
• Pearson Test of English (PTE): scores of 60 or higher
• Duolingo Test of English:  scores of 105 or higher. Duolingo scores are being accepted on a trial for the 2022-23 academic year.
• Bachelor's degree taught with English instruction

Questions regarding your experience and the requirements can be addressed with the Office of Admissions (usmadmit@maine.edu).

International Applicants

The Certificate of Graduate Study programs are not eligible for a student visa (I-20) or scholarships.  International students interested in enrolling in graduate programs that are eligible for a student visa should explore the masters and doctoral options offered at the University.