Start your application process to the University of Southern Maine (USM) right here. Review deadlines and instructions to apply for a master’s or doctoral degree program.

Graduate degree application process

Application requirements and deadlines vary by program. Select a program from the dropdown menu for details.

Application instructions: Masters degree

If you are an international student or your first language is not English, please review the additional requirements below.

Application requirements and deadlines vary by program. Select a program from the dropdown menu for details.

Application instructions: Doctoral degrees

If you are an international student or your first language is not English, please review the additional requirements below.

Application requirements and deadlines vary by program. See the sections above to browse by program. Fully online programs will not meet eligibility for a student visa (I-20). On-campus courses will be required.

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

Additional requirements for applicants with an international college transcript

  • Submit an official evaluation of college-level transcripts approved by a National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) transcript analysis agency
  • Evaluations must be course-by-course and provide verification that the degree you hold is equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in the United States.
  • NOTE: Some universities in Canada are exempt

Additional requirements for specific programs

Creative Writing (MFA): Review additional residency requirements.

Additional requirements for international transfer applicants

If you currently hold an F-1 student visa in the United States and wish to transfer to USM from another college or university, you will need to complete a transfer form with the foreign student advisor at your current school.

Request transfer form

International admission representatives

We maintain relationships with international student recruitment agencies in several countries. These agencies are authorized to help you determine if the University of Southern Maine is the right choice for you.

Browse agencies

If your first language is not English, you may be required to provide test scores or credentials for English language proficiency — unless you hold a degree from an institution with English instruction.

We accept the following test scores and qualifications for admission into undergraduate programs:

  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
    • Scores of 79 or higher on the internet-based test
    • Scores of 550 or higher on the paper-based test
    • Scores of 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 
    • NOTE: We are accepting Duolingo scores on a trial basis for the 2022–23 academic year

If you have questions regarding your experience and our requirements, email the Office of Admissions.

It's free to apply for admission, including:

  • In-state
  • Out-of-state
  • International
  • Re-application
  • Reactivation

It's your responsibility to ensure your application is complete by the appropriate program deadline. To check the status of your submitted application, follow these steps:

  1. Activate your account
    • Look for a letter or email from the Office of Admissions with the information you'll need for this step
  2. Log in to MaineStreet 
    • Your application status and any missing application materials will appear as To Do items
    • Select Student Self-Service
      • If you choose the mobile-friendly Student Center experience:
        • Look for the To Dos widget block
      • If you choose the Classic Student Center experience:
        • Look for the To Do List block on the right side of your screen

Did you know?

  • There’s no application fee; all applicants apply for free!
  • GRE and GMAT test scores do not influence our admission decision.
  • There are different deadlines and instructions to apply for a graduate certificate program.

Send us your admission materials

If we receive any supporting documents before your application arrives, we'll keep them in a holding file until we receive your application.

If you choose to collect all your application materials yourself before mailing or delivering everything to us at once, do not open your official transcripts* or recommendation letters*.

NOTE: All your application materials become the property of the University of Southern Maine once you submit them and will not be returned.

We must receive official transcripts* and recommendation letters* in the original, sealed envelope. If an envelope is opened before it arrives, we'll put your application review on hold until we receive a new, sealed document.

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

Official transcripts* and recommendation letters* must be emailed to us directly from the institution or author. If an email is forwarded to us from your account, we'll put your application review on hold until we receive a new email directly from the source.

Any of the following items may also be emailed to edocs@maine.edu:

  • Essays
  • Résumés
  • Additional supporting documents

*To be considered "official," transcripts must be sent by your previous institution through a secure clearing house; recommendation letters must be sealed or sent directly by the author. Our graduate admission application also offers an option to submit supporting documents through CollegeNET.

Do you need more information? Our friendly Admissions team is happy to help!
Contact us

The University of Southern Maine is an EEO/AA institution and does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender expression, national origin, citizenship status, age, disability, genetic information or veteran’s status in employment, education, and all other programs and activities.

The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Director of Equal Opportunity, 101 Boudreau Hall, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469-5754; Phone: 207-581-1226; TTY: 711 (Maine Relay System).