University of Southern Maine Reviews

"Fine as a commuter college, but don't live on campus. They just built new dorms and still don't have enough room for people, even with overcrowding (3 to 1 dorm)? Every year ppl here panic about where they're going to sleep, meaning school work becomes an afterthought. This is something that pretty much the whole student body has to deal with, and is upset about. Not to mention the prices. They jack them up and then decide to add more people to each dorm, so if you're paying extra for your own room, you likely will have to share it anyway. Myself, as well as many people I know attending here, are considering transferring because of this, which is too bad given that the classes are fine.Read Less"

"The University of Southern Maine helped me realize my full potential. My coursework in Communication was practical to real life, and the professors made learning enjoyable. USM is a very community based college, and it does its best to make the students feel that they are part of a community, even if the students are online. The faculty and staff are focused on student success, which makes USM awesome."

"Maine is a great state that is receptive to diversity with their warmth n kindness, which is extended to the USM community. professors are humble and willing to take you up one and one to carefully explain your difficulties further. the environment is safe and sound. I look forward to a great year here in USM."

"This school is awesome for a public university. USM is a great place with quality teachers, that take a little time to find but worth it. I had a great experience, and really was able to find myself and my adult voice with the help of my advisor and professors."

"The University does a wonderful job of working with qualified students to help them in the direction they want to go. There is funding set aside for students who need a little help with getting started and enrolled in classes. Mid-range GMAT scores is all you need alongside an excellent GPA from your undergrad. The accreditation is definitely helpful when transferring schools and puts you at the top of a recruiter's list. All the professors are helpful and want to give you the most out of your degree.Read Less"

"Intelligent professors who want you to learn and succeed. Small, but great, international community. Great Model UN program and study abroad options. There are two main campuses - Gorham, ME and Portland, ME. Gorham is the only location with on-campus dorms."

"I approached college later in life and found it to be a fulfilling experience. The focus of the classroom environment, connection with my peers, and enrichment of critical thinking were something I was lacking in my day to life. Moving forward in my career, I have a clearer vision of what I want out of life and how to best apply myself."

"USM's occupational therapy program is fantastic. The faculty are dedicated and you receive a great education. I highly recommend it! The Lewiston campus is a bit of a drag, but it is manageable and students arrange plenty of carpools!"

"The USM Graduate Program in Occupational Therapy provides students with a high quality foundational knowledge in occupational therapy. The faculty are incredibly supportive and the students are encouraged to help (rather than compete with) one another (we are, after all, going into a helping profession). The campus in Lewiston, Maine is located in a less-picturesque part of the city but the surrounding area is beautiful wooded Maine."

"The faculty and staff are very knowledgeable and eager to help. The program itself is going through some revision right now to meet State standards, once that is complete it will be the premier teacher education program in the Northeast"

"Very challenging and rewarding program high success rate of finding job after graduation. A highhighly-regarded program by local public schools."

"I don't live on campus so I've based my answers off of my knowledge of having a child who did and having lived in the area for many years. I absolutely love this graduate program... some of the courses I'd pay to take a second time because they were so engaging and so beneficial. The learning from the instructors AND fellow students has far exceeded my expectations. I do wish that there were better opportunities for financial support for graduate students. My husband and I have medium income jobs with two children in college. I need to complete this degree for my job (teaching in two colleges) but it has been a huge financial drain on our resources. That aside, I love USM and the Adult and Higher Education program.Read Less"

"The University of Southern Maine's Occupational Therapy is one of the top rated OT programs on the Eastern Seaboard and within the United State- with very good reason! The program teaches a comprehensive view of wellness and emphasizes the importance of holistic health education and client-centered care. Many of the teachers are in part-time practice, and they are constantly innovating to stay current with the practice. All of the teachers are very supportive of their students, enthusiastic about what they teach, and easily accessible when their students have questions or need help. The peer group is invaluable. There are usually 30-40 students per class, yet the introspective and collaborative nature of the program makes it very easy form close, meaningful, and supportive bonds with fellow students. The program is located on a small campus in Lewiston, Maine, and the cost of living around the school is very affordable and jobs are often available year-round. It's about a 45 minute commute from the popular city of Portland, and individuals who travel from that city often form carpool groups. Compared to all of the other in-state options, USM provides a comparatively affordable and quality education. I'm so glad that I chose this school!Read Less"

"Great support from faculty and staff. Work load is sometimes overwhelming while working full time"

"I have felt a gravitational pull, for many years, towards a career which changes people’s lives for the better. The quality of the professors I have been led by in the Masters in Social Work program at the University of Southern Maine has been synonymous with the professors throughout my undergraduate at USM and have solidified my goals and chance at success even more. I have been continuously happy with their unyielding drive to share their passion of education. That’s why I’m so committed to continuing my graduate education specifically with USM. I truly feel that I am getting what I pay for which is an above and beyond education from outstanding professors. The surrounding area, Portland, Maine is one of the most beautiful, fun and safe cities you could live in. The surrounding students seem to be just as happy with their education and ability to network. I would say the only cons are the limited parking (there are ample opportunities for public transportation) and the competitive acceptance rate to get into their MSW program. I did not get in until the second time applying and have a very strong academic background. I would encourage anyone considering the Masters in Social Work program at USM to go for it! It is a great school with quality affordable education.Read Less"

"The Literacy Education Masters program is taught by dynamic, knowledgable teachers who are experts in their field and who lead by example. It connects graduate students to a network of professionals and offers a variety of presentation styles. The information presented is practically applicable and the work for the classes is reasonable and results in deeper knowledge and understanding."

"A great small law school with a huge emphasis on teaching useful skills to future lawyers. The sense of community in the law school is outstanding and the support from faculty and classmates is remarkably strong. Portland, Maine is a great small city that lends itself to lots of exploration in the rest of beautiful Maine."

"The program is interesting and educationally diverse involving a broad skillset from a variety of programs (literature, art, history, architecture, anthropology, regionalism, etc)."

"The program is wonderful. It integrates all styles of learning to provide the best learning environment for all students and makes every effort to help students succeed. It has perfected a "just right challenge" for students to learn, apply their knowledge and grow as professionals but is in no way easy. If you are passionate about Occupational Therapy, you are a hard worker, and you strive for personal and professional growth, this is a perfect program for you."

"Pros: close to home, affordable Cons: three years to complete"