Master's Degree Programs in Social Work in Maine
If you want to earn a master's degree in social work in Maine, you have a few options available. Several schools in the state offer MSW programs that cover the essential social welfare concepts needed to succeed in a career in social welfare.
The University of Southern Maine
The first year of Southern Maine's Master in Social Work (MSW) program is known as the foundation year and contains 31 credits that focus on fundamental concepts such as multicultural social work, social welfare policy, and social work research. The second year (the 'concentration' year) delves into complex topics like social data analysis and family dynamics, and also includes a field experience wherein candidates gain valuable real-world experience with social services agencies in the community.
The University of New England at Maine
The MSW program at the University of New England features both on-campus and online learning opportunities in order to help working professionals with busy schedules manage their professional and academic lives. Course content is diverse as well and features field experiences, classroom discussions, extracurricular activities, interprofessional learning, and clinical simulations to provide students with both theoretical and practical knowledge.
The University of Maine
The University of Maine also aims to be as accessible as possible and offers full-time, extended, Advanced Standing, and blended tracks to help students of all backgrounds earn their MSW. The program features exclusive elective courses that provide students with knowledge of concepts such as family treatment, expressive therapies, substance abuse, gerontological practice in rural communities, and adult and child psychopathology.
The University of Maine Online
Students who cannot attend on-campus courses or live in New Hampshire or Vermont can opt for UMaine Online and the online MSW program. Despite being offered virtually, the program is still just as robust as the in-person alternative and includes a comprehensive curriculum, seminars, experiential learning, and field internships.
| School Name | Degrees Available | Tuition (2018-19) |
|---|---|---|
| University of Southern Maine | Master of Social Work | $7,326 (in-state) $19,800 (out-of-state)* |
| University of New England at Maine | Master of Social Work | $19,852* |
| University of Maine | Master of Social Work | $7,902 (in-state) $25,740 (out-of-state)* |
| University of Maine Online | Master of Social Work | $450/credit (in-state) and $563/credit (out-of-state)** |
Sources: *NCES College Navigator, **University of Maine website.
Course Topics in Master's Degree Programs in Social Work in Maine
MSW programs in Maine focus on the same social welfare topics, regardless of which school a student chooses. Students will learn essential critical thinking and research skills and will examine fundamental and advanced concepts that can serve them well in careers in the social work profession.
Social Work Research
This course teaches candidates how to gather and interpret information related to social policy and social work practice. The course looks at social work programs and policies and teaches students the quantitative and qualitative methods needed to explore critical topics in social welfare.
Human Behavior and the Social Environment
In this course, students will examine the normative life span development. The course considers how factors like age, social class, gender, and oppression influence development and how these issues can potentially be solved. More advanced offerings in this subject usually also focus on the social and environmental influences that impact the development of families and communities.
Methods of Social Work Practice
This offering takes a look at the challenges faced by health care professionals and the techniques they use to navigate these obstacles. Candidates will learn about the effects of bureaucratic systems and professionalization and how these entities can make social welfare work more difficult. Candidates will also acquire a diverse skill set to help them overcome these obstacles and will observe examples of case studies to gain an understanding of the real-world implications of this subject.
How to Apply to Master's Degree Programs in Social Work in Maine
The only completely mandatory requirement to apply to an MSW program in Maine is a bachelor's degree. Applicants can improve their admissions chances by having a GPA of 3.0 or above and courses in the social sciences like psychology or sociology. Schools usually require applicants who wish to pursue the Advanced Standing track to have a bachelor's degree in social work.
In addition to undergraduate transcripts, schools may also mandate a resume, letters of recommendation, or a personal essay as part of the admissions process.
MSW programs are available at a few schools in Maine. These programs contain a variety of learning methods, such as fieldwork and case studies, and prepare graduates for careers in social welfare.