Graduate Admissions

Admission Requirements

Admissions decisions to the MSW program are primarily based on a review of your academic degree, your experience in the human services (paid, volunteer, research and internship), application essay, and references. 

To be eligible for admission, you must meet the following criteria:

  • Evidence of an earned baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university, or be enrolled in a course of study that will result in the award of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university before you begin your MSW studies.
  • A satisfactory scholastic average, generally a minimum cumulative grade point average of B or better (3.0 on a 4-point scale) on undergraduate or graduate course work. Occasional exceptions may be made if the applicant demonstrates the ability to successfully complete graduate-level work, and these applicants may be admitted on a probationary basis.
  • An undergraduate record that reflects a liberal arts perspective as demonstrated by the successful completion of a minimum of at least four courses in the social and behavioral sciences (psychology, sociology, anthropology, human geography, social work, economics, political science, curriculum & instruction, government, criminal justice, history, languages, etc.) and two courses in humanities (philosophy, religion, history, English, art, music). NOTE: Other social and behavioral sciences courses and humanities outside of the listed disciplines may be accepted.
  • A grade of “C” or better in an introductory statistics or research methods course in any undergraduate department or a plan to complete this prerequisite prior to enrollment in SWK 691.
  • Evidence of critical thinking skills and the ability to communicate effectively in writing, as reflected in the application documents.
  • Evidence of critical thinking skills and the ability to communicate effectively in writing, as reflected in the application documents.
  • Evidence that the applicant possesses the personal qualities, aptitudes, and values essential for the social work profession, congruent with social work values, and respectful of the dignity of all human beings.
  • Evidence that the applicant is able to meet the emotional requirements of the program and possess a capacity to develop positive interpersonal relationships.
  • Experience related to social welfare or human services including volunteer, paid, internship, or research experience.

The Graduate Record Exam (GRE), the Miller’s Analogy Test (MAT), and other graduate tests are not required.

Prior Work and Life Experience:  As part of the Council on Social Work Education accreditation standards, in no case can credit be given for prior work or life experience.

Advanced Standing Applicants

Advanced Standing applicants must meet the following criteria

  • Evidence of an earned Bachelor’s degree in Social Work (or completed BSW degree by the time of matriculation) from a Council on Social Work Education accredited BSW program within the last seven (7) years.
  • Equivalent coursework at the undergraduate level to UMaine’s Generalist year courses completed with a “B” or better strongly preferred
  • 3.0 cumulative undergraduate GPA, or better, preferred
  • Evidence of experience in the human services field with MSW supervision

International Applicants

Applications from international students are accepted provided they meet all admission requirements plus those regulations established by the university for international students.

English proficiency requirements:

  • TOEFL – minimum score of 550 (paper test), 213 (computer-based test) or 80 (Internet)
  • IELTS – minimum score of 6.5
  • PTE – Minimum score: 60

In order to obtain a student visa, applicants must demonstrate that they have sufficient financial resources to pay for one year of education at the University of Maine.  For more information about financial requirements to obtain an I-20 form, please contact the Office of International Programs – International Admissions

Application Instructions

Prospective students should review the information below, which describes the materials applicants are required to submit for applications to be considered complete. After reviewing the information below, applicants should review the Application Instructions and Application Steps provided on the Graduate School’s website.

1. University of Maine Graduate School Application

All University of Maine graduate program applications, including the MSW program, are completed through the Graduate School’s online application.

2. Official Transcripts

Applicants must provide official transcripts from all institutions at which they have taken undergraduate and/or graduate courses. Transcripts must be sent directly to the University of Maine Graduate School from the issuing institution (either by post mail or electronically). Applicants who have completed coursework at other University of Maine System campuses do not need to submit transcripts for those courses, as these can be accessed electronically.

3. MSW Admissions Essay 

Please upload an essay of between 800 and 1,000 words (about 4 double-spaced pages) that addresses the following topics:

  • Social work practice is guided by a clear set of values, which are described in the  NASW Code of Ethics. Please describe the fit between these professional commitments and your personal values. How has your personal, educational, and employment background prepared you to advance these values?
  • What are your professional goals and how will an MSW help you achieve those goals?
  • In alignment with the NASW Code of Ethics, the University of Maine School of Social Work is committed to anti-racism, diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice. Please describe your commitments to anti-racism, diversity, equity and inclusion and plans to advance them through graduate study in social work and professional practice as a social worker.
  • Describe a major social issue that is of great personal concern or interest to you. Discuss why this issue deserves public attention and provide several recommendations for how this issue might be addressed.

Please follow the writing prompts provided to develop a personal statement, written by you. We believe your personal statement is strongest when it reflects your authentic voice and experiences. We discourage the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in its development, as this can prevent us from gaining an understanding of you as an applicant and a future social worker.

4. Three Letters of Recommendation 

As part of your application to the Graduate School, you will be asked to provide the names and email addresses of at least three people who are willing to provide letters of  reference on your behalf. 

References should be people who are well positioned to describe your academic abilities and/or suitability for social work. If you are currently employed or volunteering in a social service organization, one reference should be from your direct supervisor. All references should be professional in nature. Letters from family members, personal friends, or others who have not had you as a student, employee, volunteer, or colleague are not acceptable.

5. Resume

Please include a one to two page resume detailing your education, professional development activities, work, and volunteer experiences.

6.  Field (Internship) Evaluation

If you are applying to the Advanced Standing program, please provide your final field (or internship) evaluation. If you have not yet graduated, please provide your mid-year field evaluation as part of your application.

Transfer Students

We welcome transfer students to the MSW Program. Applicants who have completed coursework in another CSWE-accredited MSW program within the past five years may request a review of their transcript for possible equivalency or elective credit. To be eligible for transfer credit, your final course grade must be a B or better.

If you wish to transfer more than six (6) credit hours, please contact the MSW Program Coordinator, who will examine pertinent course syllabi, make a determination of transfer credits, and submit a formal request to the Graduate School for transfer of credits. 

Applicants who have completed coursework within a non-CSWE accredited MSW program or graduate program in another profession or discipline (e.g. counseling, psychology, etc.) may provide a written request to the MSW Program Coordinator for transfer of up to six credits as electives. 

BAckground Check

Students seeking careers in certain fields, including those that require licensure or certification, may be required to undergo a background check in order: to be licensed, certified or otherwise professionally qualified to enter certain fields of professional activity; to participate in internships, practicums, field experiences, clinical experiences or other activities relevant to completing professional training; to engage in professional development; or to graduate from a particular program of study. Many social work employers require a background check as part of the hiring process. 

Background checks may include, but not be limited to, the following:

  • Verification of educational history, including degrees earned
  • Review of criminal history, including convictions, deferred adjudications, judgments, and pending criminal charges involving felonies, Class A, Class B, and Class C violations or other criminal history
  • Social Security Number verification
  • Sex Offender Registry search
  • National Provider Identifier Record Check

Having a notable history, depending on the exact circumstances, may not necessarily prevent you from earning a degree in your chosen field or the other ways noted above; however, individuals concerned about how their background may impact their ability to graduate or be successful in other educational or professional experiences, should consult with the relevant administrator in their program of study, and/or with their academic advisor, and/or with the board of professional licensure in the state in which they plan to practice professionally.

As you progress in your academic program, you are encouraged to maintain honest, accurate and forthcoming communication with your advisor, be prepared to share appropriate information on any application(s), and discuss any relevant concerns in your interviews.

Questions?

Email socialwork@maine.edu