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:
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
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:
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:
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:
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.