Our community of diverse perspectives spans a wide range of ages and experiences, which makes the University of Southern Maine (USM) the right place to earn your undergraduate degree or certificate — at any stage of life.
Did you know?
![A long-bearded student wearing safety goggles transfers liquid into a set of test tubes in one of our chemistry labs.](https://usm.maine.edu/prospective-students/wp-content/uploads/sites/586/2022/11/infoNarrow_beerLab.jpg)
Explore our majors and certificates
Choose from a variety of 50+ majors and 20+ certificate programs. We offer full- and part-time, day and limited evening options. Or take online courses to build a schedule that fits your life.
![A woman wearing a red dress and chunky gold necklace points to a tablet held by a bearded man wearing glasses, a tie, and suspenders over a light blue button-down shirt.](https://usm.maine.edu/prospective-students/wp-content/uploads/sites/586/2022/11/infoNarrow_careerServices.jpg)
Career services that make a difference
Our Career & Employment Hub can help you advance or change your career. Get assistance writing an effective resume, researching job opportunities, and refining your interview skills.
![Three adult students in a course discussion](https://usm.maine.edu/prospective-students/wp-content/uploads/sites/586/2024/06/infoNarrow_adultStudents.png)
Degree completion programs
If you already earned 75+ college credits, you can finish your degree faster with a degree completion program. The programs are 100% online or blended (a mix of online and in-person courses) and designed with your busy schedule in mind.
![A student seated at a high-top table in a coffee shop working on a laptop. A backpack rests on a stool on the other side of the table.](https://usmtraining.lv-o-wpc-dev.its.maine.edu/prospective-students/wp-content/uploads/sites/586/2022/11/infoWide_studentCafeLaptop.jpg)
Convenient online courses
Get the flexibility you need to take classes from anywhere, on your own schedule. Whether you’re completing a degree or certificate program, or enhancing your professional skill set, an online course is a practical way to advance your standing.
![Two students wearing glasses working on a project in the Glickman Library on our Portland campus. On the table are a few books and two open laptop computers.](https://usm.maine.edu/prospective-students/wp-content/uploads/sites/586/2022/11/infoNarrow_studentsGlickmanStudyRoom.jpg)
Transfer your credits
We can break down the transfer process by explaining how your eligible credits apply to your degree program and helping you find the best path forward.
![A person seated at a desk writing in a notebook and holding a few papers in their other hand. A laptop is open on the desk. A whiteboard and bookshelves are in the background.](https://usm.maine.edu/prospective-students/wp-content/uploads/sites/586/2022/11/infoNarrow_priorLearning.jpg)
Earn credit for life experience
Your practical knowledge and skills earned from work experience, community engagement, or in the military could count as credit toward degree requirements.
![A small mortarboard replica resting on top of a pile of several denominations of U.S. dollar bills.](https://usm.maine.edu/prospective-students/wp-content/uploads/sites/586/2022/11/infoWide_billsMortarBoard.jpg)
Understand your payment options
Our Student Financial Services team can help you create a financing plan that lets you focus on your education — not the cost. Try our net price calculator to get an estimate of your financial aid options.
![A graduate poses with their child at Commencement. The child is wearing the parent’s graduation cap and holding up their USM diploma cover.](https://usm.maine.edu/prospective-students/wp-content/uploads/sites/586/2024/07/infoWide_AdultStudentSuccessCenter.jpg)
Adult Student Success Center
We want to help you succeed in earning your Bachelor's degree! Our adult learners come from a variety of backgrounds — we know you may be parenting, military-affiliated, retired, of immigrant origin, or on countless other life paths. The Adult Student Success Center offers support through helpful resources, programs, and engagement opportunities tailored to your unique needs.
Reserve your place today and discover a warm and welcoming community ready to help you realize your career dreams.
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