University of Southern Maine

Portland, Maine, United States · Est. 1878 · Public University

Maine's public research university with three campuses offering 300+ undergraduate and graduate programs.

  • Founded 1878 as Gorham Normal School; merged with Portland University in 1970 to form USM
  • Public university, part of University of Maine System; 6,257 students (fall 2024)
  • Three main campuses: Portland (urban, STEM/research), Gorham (residential, arts/education), Lewiston (healthcare)
  • Offers ~115 undergraduate majors, master's degrees, and doctorates in Public Policy and School Psychology
  • Notable programs: Edmund Muskie School of Public Service, Osher School of Music, AACSB-accredited Business School
  • NCAA Division III athletics; mascot Champ the Husky; colors royal blue and gold

Academics

USM offers approximately 115 undergraduate majors and over 300 total undergraduate and graduate options across eight schools: Business, Education and Human Development, Engineering and Physical Sciences, Environmental Health and Life Sciences, Music, Nursing and Health Professions, Social Work, and the Edmund Muskie School of Public Service. Graduate programs include master's degrees and doctorates in Public Policy and School Psychology. The university is ABET-accredited for Computer Science and AACSB-accredited for Business. Specialized programs include the Stonecoast MFA in Creative Writing, Maine Teacher Residency Program, and partnerships with Reykjavik University and the University of the Arctic.

Campus & Student Life

USM operates three residential and one online campus. Portland houses STEM programs, research labs, and the new Crewe Center for the Arts ($63 million, opening 2024). Gorham, 11 miles away, is the residential hub with athletics facilities and performing arts. Lewiston-Auburn, established 1988, focuses on healthcare education. Student life includes The Free Press (student newspaper, founded 1972), WMPG community radio, dining via Sodexo with delivery robots, and NCAA Division III athletics. The Portland Commons dorm (opened August 2023) houses 580 beds with passive house design.

Admissions

USM uses test-optional admissions for both undergraduate and graduate applicants; SAT/ACT and GRE/GMAT scores do not influence decisions. The university offers direct admission for eligible Maine Community College System (MCCS) students. Application materials are submitted to the University of Maine System Application Processing Center. Official transcripts and recommendation letters must arrive sealed or be sent directly from the source institution.

Outcomes

USM operates a Career & Employment Hub to support student and alumni career development. The university emphasizes workforce preparation through partnerships with local employers and community organizations. Specific employment rates and median salary data were not available in the provided sources.

Founded
1878
Type
Public University
Courses
15
Total intake
Not yet verified
AffiliationUniversity of Maine System
Websitehttps://usm.maine.edu/
HousingAvailable
Some details are still being verified.

Quick stats

Courses offered
15
Avg career outcomes
$50K
Total intake
Not yet verified
Housing
Yes
Data last verified June 2026 · compiled from official sources