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Admissions

The Bachelor of University Studies (B.U.S.) is for individuals who have discontinued a college or university program and wish to finish earning their bachelor’s degree.

The program is designed for adults and other non-traditional students who find that life circumstances or interests make traditional, full-time study difficult. This program is available full-time and part-time, both on campus and online, to accommodate the needs of working adults. 

There are only two requirements to apply to the B.U.S. program:

  • High school diploma or equivalent (e.g., GED, HiSET)
  • 18 credits of college-level courses from an accredited college/university with a minimum GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale

Get Started

Contact Us

Unsure where to begin? Contact an advisor.

Photo of Tessa Smith

Tessa Smith, M.S.

UMaineOnline Advisor


802.276.0474
tessa.r.smith@maine.edu

Admissions for Former UMaine Students

Students requesting readmission after five or more years of absence may be treated as transfer students when determining credits and grade point average (GPA). Credit is allowed for all University of Maine courses passed at C- or higher. All grades remain on the academic transcript but are removed from the cumulative grade point average calculation. To be eligible for Fresh Start, students must have a minimum of 30 credits remaining toward degree completion and complete those 30 credits in residence at the University of Maine. Students receiving a Fresh Start are ineligible for Valedictorian or Salutatorian awards. 

For more information, visit umaine.edu/stuaid.

UMaine is committed to the academic needs of its adult learners. Often, adults enter or re-enter UMaine after years in the workforce, the military, and a wealth of other life experiences. 

Recognizing the skills and learning obtained in these areas, students may be awarded credit for prior learning for subjects comparable or equivalent to University of Maine courses.

UMaine offers a variety of CPL options such as:

  • Standardized Exams
  • Credential Review
  • Military Credit
  • Challenge Exam/Credit by Competency
  • Academic Portfolio Assessment

To learn more about CPL, visit umaine.edu/dlladvising.

  • High School diploma or equivalent (e.g., GED)
  • 18 credits of college-level courses from an accredited college/university with a minimum GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale

Applicants previously enrolled at the University of Maine should submit a re-admit form to Barbara Howard, Director of Bachelor of University Studies.

After submitting the form, you’ll be contacted by a B.U.S. advisor to discuss your goals, objectives, and prior academic and life experience. You’ll then submit the following:

You’ll be contacted informing you of the status of your application and admission into the program. 

Contact Us

Unsure if this application is right for you? Contact Barbara Howard, Bachelor of University Studies Director.

Barbara Howard

Bachelor of University Studies Director


207.581.3143
howard@maine.edu

Admissions for Former Students Who Didn’t Attend UMaine

Please contact a B.U.S. advisor to discuss the transferability of credits not earned at the University of Maine.

Contact Us

Photo of Tessa Smith

Tessa Smith, M.S.

UMaineOnline Advisor


802.276.0474
tessa.r.smith@maine.edu

UMaine is committed to the academic needs of its adult learners. Often, adults enter or re-enter UMaine after years in the workforce, the military, and a wealth of other life experiences. 

Recognizing the skills and learning obtained in these areas, students may be awarded credit for prior learning for subjects comparable or equivalent to University of Maine courses.

UMaine offers a variety of CPL options, such as:

  • Standardized Exams
  • Credential Review
  • Military Credit
  • Challenge Exam/Credit by Competency
  • Academic Portfolio Assessment (15 credits limitation)

To learn more about CPL, visit umaine.edu/dlladvising.

  • High School diploma or equivalent (e.g., GED)
  • 18 credits of college-level courses from an accredited college/university with a minimum GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale

Applicants not previously enrolled at the University of Maine should follow the Transfer Student application instructions at go.umaine.edu.

Applicants will also have an interview with a B.U.S. advisor to discuss their goals and objectives.

Contact Us

Unsure if this application is right for you? Contact Barbara Howard, Bachelor of University Studies Director.

Barbara Howard

Bachelor of University Studies Director


207.581.3143
howard@maine.edu