special programs
Special programs provide students with opportunities for interprofessional and/or interdisciplinary study and to specialize in practice with a specific population or in a specific type of setting.
Interprofessional Graduate Certificate in Gerontology
The Interprofessional Graduate Certificate in Gerontology at the University of Maine is a 3-course, 9-credit, program to be offered online. It is designed to increase the knowledge, skills, and abilities of health and human service professionals who provide care to older adults and their caregivers in various settings. The curriculum is offered via distance-education technology to meet the needs of working professionals everywhere, who, because of the rapidly aging population, find themselves caring for a growing number of older adults.
For more information please go to the Graduate Certificate in Gerontology website or contact: Jennifer Crittenden, 207.581.2495, jennifer.crittenden@maine.edu
Interdisciplinary Graduate Certificate in Disability Studies
The Interdisciplinary Graduate Certificate Disability Studies is a progressive 9-credit graduate level curriculum in which social work students can study with students and professionals from other fields to acquire specialized knowledge in disability theory, policy and research. Courses examine disability theory, policy, and practices that address disability needs, rights and interventions. The Certificate provides a valuable credential for those currently working in or thinking of entering any aspect of disability practice, policy and research. All courses have been successfully taught as the Interdisciplinary Disability Studies Concentration in the Graduate School for at least the past three consecutive years. We use an online asynchronous structure for all courses. Students complete the following three 3 credit courses to obtain the certificate or can study in any one or more of the classes without applying for a certificate.
For more information, please visit the Interdisciplinary Graduate Certificate in Disability Studies website or contact Stephen Gilson, stephen.f.gilson@maine.edu.
Social Workers in School Settings Initiative
The Social Workers in School Settings Initiative (SWiSS) is funded by the Maine Department of Education and provides specialized support and professional development opportunities to specialization year MSW students pursuing mental health-focused internships in preK-12 public school settings in Maine. For more information about SWiSSI, please contact Elizabeth Armstrong, elizabeth.armstrong@maine.edu.
Rural Integrated Behavioral Health in Primary Care Program
The Rural Integrated Behavioral Health in Primary Care Program (RIBHPC) is funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and provides specialized support and interprofessional training to specialization year MSW students pursuing behavioral health-focused placements in settings that offer primary care to clients living in rural communities. For more information about RIBHPC, please contact Elizabeth Armstrong, elizabeth.armstrong@maine.edu.