Social Work (MSW)
The Master of Social Work program is designed for people who are interested in entering the social work profession at an advanced professional level and for people currently in the profession who are interested in upgrading their knowledge, skills, credentials and career potential.
Master of Social Work Degree
The University of Maine’s School of Social Work offers a fully accredited MSW program, rooted in the generalist perspective of social work practice. The generalist curriculum orients students to social work practice and provides the theoretical and practical knowledge base needed to support development of the more advanced body of knowledge, skills, and techniques offered in the Specialization Year.
Specialization Year coursework will prepare you to take on advanced generalist social work practice, building on the knowledge, skills, techniques, and experiences gained during your generalist coursework and internship.
The internship experience provides students with an opportunity to apply and connect their classroom knowledge to real-world situations by working with a wide range of client systems in various community settings.
In addition to the required courses, the School of Social Work offers one- and three-credit electives on a wide range of topics.
program details
Why get my MSW degree at the University of Maine?
This program will prepare students to be eligible for licensure within the State of Maine. Visit the UMS State Authorization & Licensure page to learn more about the licensure requirements in other states and territories, in addition to the contact information needed to inquire further into the licensure requirements associated with this program.
Our MSW curriculum uses an advanced generalist framework to ensure graduates are equipped to practice across levels and populations and in a variety of roles and settings. Rooted in social work values and ethics, our program equips students with:
Degree Completion Options
The MSW Program consists of 63 credit hours total and includes 45 credit hours of classroom work and 18 credit hours of supervised practicum. UMaine offers the following degree completion options allowing you to choose the one that best fits your lifestyle:
Required academic classes are offered on the Orono campus and are generally offered on two consecutive days, meaning 2-year program students are on campus two days a week.
Field Practica
In addition to classroom work, you will engage in two courses of field practica. The School’s field team will arrange your internship placements for you in reasonable proximity to your residence.
Advanced Standing Program
The Advanced Standing Program is for applicants who received BSWs from CSWE-accredited institutions within the past seven years. Advanced standing students take a total course load of 46 credit hours, including three 2-credit online “bridging” courses during the summer prior to starting fall classes allowing them to complete the MSW in one full year. A two-year extended program is available after the summer “bridging courses” to those who qualify for advanced standing, but who want longer to complete the program.
2-Year Program
4-Year Program
Online Blended Program
Advanced Standing Program
Applicants accepted with advanced standing status are required to complete three online, two-credit summer courses that provide new content and serve as a “bridge” to the advanced year of the MSW program. Applicants may apply to complete the program full-time over one year or extended over two years at the University of Maine campus in Orono. The distance program option is also available to advanced standing students.
School of Social Work Scholarships
The School of Social Work provides scholarships to enrolled students, review their list at the link below.
Graduate STudent Funding Opportunities
Deciding to pursue graduate education is an important decision. That’s why the Graduate School is committed to assisting prospective and current students with finding ways to fund their education. Visit the Graduate School’s page and learn how to find funding for whichever graduate program you choose.
