I’d like to take a course. Am I eligible?
Yes. The University of Southern Maine welcomes all learners! Our university students, students from other colleges and universities, interested adults, senior citizens, and qualified high school students are all welcome to register for courses. You do not have to apply or be enrolled in a degree program.
What courses are offered at the University of Southern Maine?
You can search for courses via the course search. The University of Southern Maine has a wide range of high quality academic offerings aimed at cultivating intellectual inquiry and personal growth in all its students.
How can I get a transcript?
For your convenience, our University offers 5 different ways for you to get a transcript of your student record. Get full details here or use our handy Transcript Request Wizard.
What if I have questions about which course(s) to take? Get answers from our Advising Office at 207-780-4040 or usm.advising@maine.edu
You’re registered! Now what? If you’re a new student, you must activate your University of Southern Maine e-mail account, where you’ll receive a notice of registration containing next steps. Current students will also receive the emailed notice of registration.
How will I know if I’m registered for the course I want to take? If you register in person or by phone, you’ll get immediate verbal confirmation. If you register online with MaineStreet, you’ll be able to see the course on your course schedule.
What is the difference between ‘Degree Seeking’ and ‘Non-degree Seeking’ ?
Degree seeking students are those students who matriculate into a program here at our University. To apply for a program at the University of Southern Maine, please contact the Office of Admissions.
Registering for classes as a non-degree seeking student means you have access to the University and its resources, with the exception of financial aid. Non-degree students are not eligible to receive aid and are expected to cover the cost(s) out of pocket.
How do I register for a course?
- By phone: call the Office of Registration and Scheduling Services at 207-780-5230.
- Online: via MaineStreet Student Self-Service for current students.
- In person: visit Registration Services at 140 Luther Bonney (Portland Campus) or 107 Bailey Hall (Gorham Campus) or visit one of our Advising Centers in Portland, Gorham, and Lewiston-Auburn College.
- If you’ve never taken a course at the University of Southern Maine before, give us a call at 207-780-5230. We’ll create a record for you in our system so you can register for courses during the open registration period.
When can I register for a course? Open registration for all students begins just after the priority registration period for current (matriculated) students. Find upcoming registration information here.
I have just been accepted to the University, how can I register for a course? Newly admitted undergraduate degree-seeking students, including first-years, transfers, and readmitted students register for their first semester of University courses during required Advising & Course Selection (ACS) appointments. To learn more about the steps required to schedule your ACP appointment, please visit Next Steps for Admitted Students.
Can I still register after courses begin? Students can self-add courses that are 12 or more weeks in length through the end of the first week of the semester (if there is space available and the student has satisfied all necessary requirements for the class). In situations where the student is unable to self-register, an instructor’s signature or departmental permission is required. For classes that are less than 12 weeks in length, the self-add period is 7% of the class length (1 day for each 2 weeks of the class length).
What does my course (or courses) cost? For a full listing of tuition and fees, see our Tuition & Fees page.
How can I pay? Please visit our Payment Methods page for more information.
Can I apply for financial aid? Please visit our Applying for Financial Aid page or contact Student Financial Services for more information at (207) 780-5250
What is the University of Southern Maine’s refund policy? Please visit our Payment Deadlines page for the refund policy and additional information.
If I register for a course, when will payment be due? For more information about payment deadlines, click here. Financial Services has payment plans available, find more information about payment plans here.
If I take a condensed course, what should I expect? A condensed course is a course that’s shortened from the typical 15 weeks to 4 or 7 weeks (or sometimes even less!). The requirements for the class are generally the same, regardless of the length–just in much less time. It’s an intensive term.
Where will my course meet? Check your course on MaineStreet Student Center or call Registration Services at 207-780-5230.
How many courses or credits can I take? You can take up to 18 credits in the Fall, Spring, and Summer Terms, and a maximum of 4.5 credits during Winter Term. More credits may be allowed with special permission.
How can I tell if the course I want to take is still available or has any prerequisites? You can check availability by calling Registration Services at 207-780-5230 or locating your course on MaineStreet course search (login required). Generally, course prerequisites follow MaineStreet course descriptions.
How can I add myself to the waitlist for a course? Interested in taking a course which has a Waitlist? Here is a tutorial to help!
Are my courses transferable to another college or university? The University of Southern Maine is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). To find out if your university will accept transfer of a University of Southern Maine course, check with your home institution. This information is usually available from the registrar’s office or your academic advisor.
What is GPACU? The University of Southern Maine is a member of the Greater Portland Alliance of Colleges and Universities (GPACU). This alliance provides cross-registration and other opportunities for eligible students. GPACU benefits students by broadening course offerings and improving the effectiveness and efficiency of its participating schools. Learn more about GPACU here.