University of Southern Maine

What is the history of University of Southern Maine?

The University of Southern Maine (USM) traces its history to Gorham Normal School, founded in 1878 to prepare teachers. Its present form also reflects the development of higher education in Portland: the Gorham and Portland institutions were combined in 1968 as the University of Maine at Portland-Gorham, which adopted the University of Southern Maine name in 1980.

That history helps explain USM's mix of teacher preparation, liberal arts, professional programs, and campuses serving different communities. More recently, the university expanded its Portland residential facilities with Portland Commons and opened the McGoldrick Center for Career & Student Success. Prospective students should view USM as one university with academic and student activities distributed across campuses, rather than assume every program is based in Portland.

What are the faculties and departments at University of Southern Maine?

USM offers undergraduate and graduate study across the arts, humanities, sciences, education, business, health professions, and public service. Its academic organization includes the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences; the College of Science, Technology, and Health; and schools and programs focused on business, education, nursing, music, social work, and public service.

Representative undergraduate fields include computer science, engineering, English, psychology, accounting, and nursing. Graduate options extend into areas such as education, social work, and public health. The Muskie School of Public Service is a distinctive part of the university's public-service work.

A major's practical requirements can matter as much as its title. Applicants considering nursing, education, engineering, or another professionally oriented field should check the current catalog for admission to the major, clinical or field placements, course sequencing, and any licensing requirements. Admission to USM does not necessarily mean automatic entry into every limited-capacity program.

What is the location of University of Southern Maine?

USM is a public university with campuses in Portland and Gorham, Maine, as well as a presence in Lewiston. Portland offers an urban setting near employers, health-care organizations, and cultural institutions. Gorham has a more traditional residential-campus setting, roughly 12 miles from Portland.

The distance between Portland and Gorham affects everyday planning. A student may live, work, or attend classes on one campus while needing to reach the other for a course or activity. USM operates transportation between its principal campuses, but routes and schedules should be checked against an individual timetable; commuting students also need to account for parking rules and travel time. Portland International Jetport is the nearby commercial airport for students traveling farther afield.

What is the mission and vision of University of Southern Maine?

USM describes its mission in terms of accessible public higher education, engaged learning, and service to Maine's communities. Its stated priorities connect academic study with research, creative work, and practical experience in the region.

This is the university's stated purpose, not a measure of what every student will experience. Applicants can assess how it applies to a particular degree by looking at required internships or placements, opportunities for undergraduate research, and the availability of courses at the campus they expect to use. As a public institution within the University of Maine System, USM does not have a religious affiliation.