Master of Social Work

The University of Maine School of Social Work educates social workers from a generalist perspective of social work practice. Our MSW curriculum has been developed to both reflect and promote the advances in contemporary advanced social work practice. Our curriculum is designed to enable our graduates to undertake diverse and complex social problems and apply multi-level assessment, intervention, and evaluation strategies to the problems of persons in their environment. For example, students who work with older adults should be able to assess the differential psychosocial needs of physically healthy and frail elders, utilize diverse strategies to engage and support family caregivers, and communicate and advocate effectively with legislators, other healthcare practitioners, and community agencies for improved services for elders. In another example, graduates employed in community mental health agencies as clinical social workers need to have advanced skills in evidence-based mental health practice models and approaches for effective work with individuals, families, and small groups as well as understand how changes in healthcare policy impact clients access to mental health services, and be able to advocate for repeal of regressive policies with legislators and other key stakeholders. Our advanced generalist curriculum is designed to prepare University of Maine MSW students to meet the complex needs of our rural state with the knowledge, values, and skills necessary to address interdependent personal troubles and public issues concurrently. The curriculum consists of foundation and specialized year courses, field practicum, and electives.

A bachelor's degree is required for ALL master's, C.A.S., Ed.S., and doctoral programs.
Official transcript of all previous college or university work

Admissions decisions to the MSW program are primarily based on a review of your previous undergraduate and graduate work, your experience in human services (paid, volunteer, research and internship)., and the references and written documentation you provide. 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 within the first semester of graduate study.
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.
IELTS - 6.5
TOEFL minimum score of 550 (paper test), 213 (computer-based test) or 80 (Internet)
Duolingo English Test - 105