Master of Social Work

The School of Social Work

The School of Social Work is committed to knowledge building and analytical skill development grounded in the values and ethics of the profession and based on the principles of social and economic justice, multiculturalism, and diversity. In accordance with the accreditation standards and procedures of the Council on Social Work Education, the School combines scientific inquiry with the teaching of professional skills to prepare graduates who are competent and ethical social work practitioners. The School promotes activities for social change in the region, working in collaboration with the community to facilitate critical thinking in the areas of poverty, injustice, oppression, and other forces that perpetuate social and economic inequality. Serving the southern Maine area, the School responds to the needs of the community through social work education, research, evaluation, service, and leadership activities. Furthermore, the School strives for excellence in educating the next generation of generalists through its BSW program and advanced generalist community practitioners through its MSW program. The School's graduates are prepared for multi-level, strengths-based professional practice that recognizes the centrality of the role of community in the lives of its constituents.

Mission Statement

The University of Southern Maine's School of Social Work is committed to educating culturally competent generalist social work practitioners prepared for multi-level, strengths-based practice that values the centrality of community in enhancing the well-being of diverse individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.

MSW Program

The MSW program prepares graduates for advanced-generalist, community social work practice. The School is accredited for its Master's program by the Council on Social Work Education. Students are involved with faculty in a learning and mentoring process designed to facilitate personal and professional growth. Students will be prepared for practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.

Professional Foundation Courses

The first-year curriculum provides a broad-based introduction to the social work profession. Students take 31 credit hours of study. This includes 8 courses plus 2 semesters of field education. During the first semester, students complete the Multicultural Social Work course, which provides a framework for integrating, and centering the issue of diversity within the profession of social work.

Core Concentration Courses

During the concentration year, students deepen their competency for multilevel professional practice within the advanced generalist community social work curriculum. Increased emphasis is placed on the development of creativity and critical thinking ability with a focus on social and economic justice, valuing diversity, and the need to dismantle the mechanisms of oppression. Students are prepared to work with individuals and families as well as organizations and communities. During the concentration year, the student completes 33 additional credits including three electives and two additional semesters of field.

There are many elective courses available which support the concentration in advanced generalist community social work. Through a thoughtful selection of electives, students are able to focus graduate education to be consistent with their individual course goals.

Field Education

Field Education is the heart of the MSW Program. The field experience extends and reinforces student learning. Professional social work experience provides the necessary opportunity for students to apply and integrate classroom learning with actual practice. A range of field opportunities exist in challenging programs, innovative services, and cutting edge agencies throughout Maine and the New England region.

Structure and Flexibility

The full program is 64 credits, which can be taken in a two- or four-year sequence. The part-time, four-year sequence is offered late afternoons and evenings when possible.

Advanced Standing

Applicants with a BSW from a CSWE accredited institution within the past 7 years may be eligible for advanced standing status. Advanced standing students will take the full second-year, 33-credit curriculum. In addition, they will take an intensive 4-credit transition course during the summer before they begin the program.

Application Process

Students applying for advanced standing should have completed their BSW study from an accredited social work program within seven years of application with a GPA of 3.0 in social work courses.

At the time of application students must also select to be admitted to a two-year or four-year program of study. Advanced standing students must select the one-year or two-year course of study. See the MSW Curriculum Planner for more information.

Fall 2009

Applications are for Fall semester only. The deadline for Fall 2009 MSW applications is February 1, 2009. Applications received after this date will be reviewed on a space-available basis.

MSW applicants "Effective Immediately" - Please read

Apply online using the Online Graduate Admission Application at the USM Office of Graduate Studies.

For general information about graduate admissions, contact the Graduate Admissions office: (207) 780-4386.

For specific information about MSW admission, contact Professor David Wagner, MSW Coordinator: wagner@usm.maine.edu, (207) 780-4764.

For a listing of financial assistance opportunities, be sure to check our Scholarships & Assistantships page.

Health Requirements

Students must comply with the University's immunization requirements and provide documentation of health insurance prior to beginning the field practicum.