History
On December 26, 1878, 700 people braved a snowstorm to hear 14 speeches, one of which clocked in at more than one hour, at the opening of Corthell Hall, the first university building in Gorham. The Gothic-style building was constructed at a cost of $23,170, and dedicated to the education of teachers, who were in short supply.
Research
Through research, scholarship, and creative activity, the University of Southern Maine's faculty, staff, and students promote knowledge and creative solutions that benefit our economy, enhance our communities, and improve quality of life for all Maine citizens.
Career
The University has an institution-wide commitment to inclusion, diversity, multiculturalism, and community. We actively engage in recruiting a diverse workforce and strive to build and sustain a welcoming and supportive campus environment. USM provides outstanding leadership opportunities for people interested in promoting and enhancing diversity, nurturing creativity and building community.
Distance Learning Courses
Education & Training (30)
- B.Sc. Elementary Education
- MSEd Teacher Leadership
Social Sciences (21)
- B.A. Criminology
- B.A. Economics
- B.Sc. Economics
- B.A. Political Science
- B.A. Psychology
- B.A. Sociology
Humanities (15)
- MFA Creative Writing
- B.A. English
- B.A. History
- B.A. Linguistics
- B.A. Philosophy
Arts, Design & Architecture (14)
- B.A. Art
- B.A. Art- Art History
- BFA Art- Studio Art
- B.A. Music
- B.A. Theatre
Business & Management (14)
- BSBA Accounting
- BSBA Finance
- BSBA Management
- BSBA Marketing (Online)
- B.Sc. Technology Management
Natural Sciences & Mathematics (13)
- Bachelor Biochemistry
- B.Sc. Biology
- B.Sc. Biology- Biotechnology
- B.Sc. Biology- Human Biology
- B.A. Chemistry
- B.Sc. Physics
Medicine & Health (12)
- B.Sc. Health Sciences
- B.Sc. Nursing
- B.Sc. Nursing- Accelerated
- B.Sc. Nursing- RN to BSN
- B.Sc. Public Health
Computer Science & IT (7)
Hospitality, Leisure & Sports (5)
Environmental Studies & Earth Sciences (4)
Engineering & Technology (3)
- B.Sc. Industrial Engineering
- B.Sc. Mechanical Engineering
Applied Sciences & Professions (1)
- B.A. Social Work
Journalism & Media (1)
- B.A. Media Studies
Student services
Whether you're hoping to begin your undergraduate degree or embarking on graduate studies, the USM Office of Admissions can help you get started.
Housing services
Residential Life is committed to creating an engaged, respectful and inclusive community. We provide an environment that is safe, well-maintained and sustainable. Residential Life provides a meaningful and intentional learning experience that ensures the exploration of diversity, leadership and wellness.
Library services
The mission of the USM Libraries is to provide collections, services, facilities, equipment and programs in support of the highest possible levels of University teaching, learning, research and public service. The Library seeks to build collections in any and all formats which foster student learning, faculty research and institutional services to the larger community.
ICT services
Your USM IT Support Services team members are dedicated to servicing USM’s faculty, staff, and students and are comprised of four units: Card Services, Help Desk, Desktop Services & Media Services.
University Services Information Technology (US:IT) provides technology tools and services in support of the University of Maine System campuses, their missions, faculty, students and staff.
Campus life
We offer a variety of housing options and innovative programs to ease the transition to life on your own, jump start your social life and help you meet many new and diverse individuals. Each of our residence halls is overseen by a full time, live-in professional Resident Director, assisted by a student Lead Resident Assistant and Resident Assistants, who support the resident student community.
Sports facilities
USM sponsors 22 intercollegiate sports; 11 for women, 10 for men and one co-ed offering (golf). The fall sports lineup includes men's and women's cross country, field hockey, golf, men's and women's soccer, women's tennis, and volleyball. During the winter season, USM offers seven sports: men's and women's basketball, men's and women's ice hockey, men's and women's indoor track and field, and wrestling.
Student clubs
Student Activities seeks to create meaningful connections to the campus community and link student passions with involvement opportunities on campus. Involvement fairs, movie marathons, outside performers, karaoke, DIY nights, and food frenzies are just some of the fun, free events regularly offered on both Portland and Gorham campuses.
The University of Southern Maine is accredited by the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). The institution was last accredited in 2011 and is on cycle to be reviewed again in 2021.