USM CORE and

progress toward
degree
The USM Core is a coherent, integrative, and rigorous
liberal education that allows our graduates to be
world-minded, intentional, life-long learners. Learning
outcomes across the requirements are sequenced to help
EYE and College Writing students develop increasingly sophisticated knowledge
must be completed prior and skills. Courses throughout the curriculum involve
to or at the same time as close reading and oral and written communication.
CE, CI, SE, SCA

Creative Complete three courses in an

Expression approved cluster from two subject
College Writing (CE) International areas with only one major overlap;
(CW) (may be OR complete a minor, second major,
completed at any academic certificate or upper level
level) Thematic electives with no major overlaps.
Cluster
Course 1
Cultural
Interpretation
(CI) Thematic
Ethical Inquiry, Capstone (in
Cluster
Social Responsibility, major)
Entry Year Course 3
and Citizenship
Experience
(Pre-requisites: any
(EYE) Thematic
3 of the 4 CE, CI,
SE, or SCA Cluster
Science
Course 2
Exploration
(SE)

Diversity
(may be
Quantitative
completed at any
Reasoning Five Goals of General Education
Sociocultural level)
(QR)
Analysis 1. Informed understandings of interrelationships between human
(SCA) cultures and the natural world;
2. Analytical, contextual, and integrative thinking about complex
issues;
3. Effective communication using multiple forms of expression.
Satisfying Core requirements involves completing one 4. Critical reflection upon, and informed action in, their roles as
course in each of the areas shown above. Diversity and participants in multiple communities; and
International courses may overlap with other 5. Ethical action to contribute to the social and environmental
requirements but not each other. No restriction on major welfare of local and global communities.
overlaps except in the cluster where only one course may
overlap with the subject area of the student's major.

Students may apply transfer credits throughout the Core. See your transfer credit report in maine Street.