Question

I don’t understand USM’s residency requirement. Does it mean that I can’t study abroad during my senior year? Or does it mean that I must do 30 credits when I come back from studying abroad?


USM’s policy states that “for all baccalaureate degrees at the University, a minimum of 30 credit hours including at least 9 in the major field of study must be completed while registered in the school or college from which the degree is sought.”

If you want to study away during your last 30 credits you must request a waiver of this residency requirement. The dean’s office will review your academic record to see that you’ve met the requirements above. TYPICALLY if a student has done the majority of their degree at USM they can be approved for a waiver. However, if a student already has lots of transfer credits, a waiver might not be granted.

For guidance on how to request the waiver talk with an advisor in the Office of International Exchange.