Flexible program options
We offer a range of programs for students new to the Social Work profession as well as those who hold a BSW. Our cohort model builds community among students, ensuring they develop both professional connections and lifelong friendships during their time in the program.
- Standard program options: For students who do not hold a BSW from a CSWE-accredited institution
- Two-Year Standard
- Four-Year Standard
- Three-Year Low-Residency
- Advanced Standing program options: For students who hold a BSW from a CSWE-accredited institution
- One-Year Advanced Standing
- Two-Year Advanced Standing
Find the program option that’s right for you
Standard program options
Designed for: Students who do not hold a BSW from a CSWE-accredited institution
Program overview
The Standard MSW program option provides an in-person learning experience for students who hold a baccalaureate degree in a discipline other than social work. Students complete 61 credit hours: 31 credit hours of generalist-level courses and 30 credit hours of specialist-level courses. Generalist-level courses provide a robust foundation in theory, research, and fundamental social work practice skills. Specialist-level courses prepare students for advanced social work practice in their specific areas of interest.
Schedule details
The Two-Year Standard MSW program is very rigorous and time-intensive, so we do not recommend this program option for students who are employed outside of school or have other significant obligations.
- Course load: The Two-Year Standard MSW requires a full course load of 12 to 15 credits (four to five classes) each Fall and Spring semester.
- Mode of study: Classes are held in person on our Portland campus.
- Class meetings: Each class meets once per week on Tuesday or Thursday for a three-hour time block sometime between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.
- Fieldwork: You’ll also complete two field internships of 400 hours (14-16 hours per week) and 500 hours (18-20 hours per week), respectively.
While schedules will vary, below is an example of what your week could look like.
| Year One | Year Two | |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Field placement | 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Field placement 6 – 8 p.m. Homework |
| Tuesday | 9:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. Three classes (each 3 hours) with short breaks between | 9:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. Three classes (each 3 hours) with short breaks between |
| Wednesday | 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Field placement | 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Field placement 6 – 8 p.m. Homework |
| Thursday | 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Two classes (each 3 hours) with short breaks between | 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Two classes (each 3 hours) with short breaks between 6 – 8 p.m. Homework |
| Friday | 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Homework | 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Field placement 6 – 8 p.m. Homework |
Learn more
- Curriculum guide: Two-Year Standard MSW
- Class information: Visit the Course Catalog
- Field education: Explore options
- Scroll down to review our Frequently Asked Questions
Program overview
The Standard MSW program option provides an in-person learning experience for students who hold a baccalaureate degree in a discipline other than social work. Students complete 61 credit hours: 31 credit hours of generalist-level courses and 30 credit hours of specialist-level courses. Generalist-level courses provide a robust foundation in theory, research, and fundamental social work practice skills. Specialist-level courses prepare students for advanced social work practice in their specific areas of interest. Students in the Standard MSW program also complete two field internships through which they acquire valuable real-world experience in a social work agency setting.
Schedule details
The Four-Year Standard MSW program offers a reduced course load each semester, which allows you to accommodate work and family obligations.
- Course load: The Four-Year Standard MSW requires a reduced course load of 5 to 9 credits (e.g. two to three classes) each Fall and Spring semester.
- Mode of study: Classes are held in person on our Portland campus.
- Class meetings: Each class meets once per week for a three-hour time block, sometime between the hours of 9:00am and 8:00pm.
- During Years One and Three of the program, classes are held on Tuesdays.
- During Years Two and Four, classes are held on Thursdays.
- Fieldwork: You’ll complete two field internships of 400 hours (14-16 hours per week) and 500 hours (18-20 hours per week), respectively.
While schedules will vary, below is an example of what your week could look like.
| Years One & Three | Years Two & Four | |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | No classwork | 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Field placement |
| Tuesday | 9:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. Three classes (each 3 hours) with short breaks between | 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Field placement |
| Wednesday | No classwork | 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Field placement (Year Four only) |
| Thursday | No classwork | 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Two classes (each 3 hours) with short breaks between 6 – 8 p.m. Homework |
| Friday | 4 hours of homework | 4 hours of homework |
Learn more
- Curriculum guide: Four-Year Standard MSW
- Class information: Visit the Course Catalog
- Field education: Explore options
- Scroll down to review our Frequently Asked Questions
Program overview
The Low-Residency MSW program option provides a flexible, partially online learning experience for students who hold a baccalaureate degree in a discipline other than social work. As with the Standard MSW, students complete 61 credit hours and two field internships. However, classes in the low-residency program are offered in a blended format in which most of the learning happens asynchronously online. The Low-Residency MSW program option is ideal for students who enjoy online learning and require more flexibility in their academic schedule.
Cohorts are admitted to the Low-Residency MSW program option every other year. The next start date will be Fall 2026.
Schedule details
The Three-Year Low-Residency MSW program offers a reduced course load each semester, which allows you to accommodate work and family obligations. You would attend courses in the Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters.
- Course load: The Three-Year Low-Residency MSW requires a reduced course load of 5 to 9 credits (e.g. two to three classes) each Fall, Spring, and Summer semester.
- Mode of study: Classes are offered in a blended format in which most of the learning happens asynchronously online.
- Class meetings:
- Online: Most courses are held asynchronously online, which means you can choose when to view course materials and complete homework each week.
- In-person: On two Fridays each semester, you’ll come to our Portland campus for a full day of in-person class time.
- Fieldwork: Students in the Standard MSW program also complete two field internships of 400 hours (14-16 hours per week) and 500 hours (18-20 hours per week), respectively.
While schedules will vary, below is an example of what your week could look like.
| Year One | Year Two | Year Three | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | 2 hours of class activities & homework | 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Field placement 6 – 8 p.m. Class activities & homework | 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Field placement 6 – 8 p.m. Class activities & homework |
| Tuesday | 2 hours of class activities & homework | 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Field placement 6 – 8 p.m. Class activities & homework | 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Field placement 6 – 8 p.m. Class activities & homework |
| Wednesday | 2 hours of class activities & homework | 2 hours of class activities & homework | 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Field placement 6 – 8 p.m. Class activities & homework |
| Thursday | 2 hours of class activities & homework | 2 hours of class activities & homework | 2 hours of class activities & homework |
| Friday | 2 hours of class activities & homework; On two Fridays each semester: Full day of in-person class | 2 hours of class activities & homework; On two Fridays each semester: Full day of in-person class | 2 hours of class activities & homework; On two Fridays each semester: Full day of in-person class |
Learn more
- Curriculum guide: Three-Year Low-Residency MSW
- Class information: Visit the Course Catalog
- Field education: Explore options
- Scroll down to review our Frequently Asked Questions
Standard program options comparison
Key differences: Time to degree, course load, and mode of study
| Two-Year Standard | Four-Year Standard | Three-Year Low-Residency | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Time to degree | 2 years | 4 years | 3 years |
| Total credit hours | 61 | 61 | 61 |
| Credit hours per semester | Full course load: 12-15 | Reduced course load: 3-9.5 | Reduced course load: 5-9 |
| Mode of study | In person Portland campus | In person Portland campus | Blended: Asynchronous online & in person, Portland campus |
| Class details | Classes meet once per week on Tuesdays or Thursdays | Classes meet once per week on Tuesdays or Thursdays | Online courses & two in-person meetings each semester on a Friday |
| Field placements | Two placements Generalist: 400 hours Specialist: 500 hours | Two placements Generalist: 400 hours Specialist: 500 hours | Two placements Generalist: 400 hours Specialist: 500 hours |
Advanced Standing program options
Designed for: Students who hold a BSW from a CSWE-accredited institution
Program overview
Students who have earned a Bachelor of Social Work degree (BSW) from a CSWE-accredited program, including USM, within the last seven years are eligible to apply for the Advanced Standing MSW. The BSW degree fulfills the requirements of generalist-level courses, so students can move right into specialist-level learning, completing 33 credits to earn their degree. Advanced Standing MSW students complete one field internship through which they acquire valuable real-world experience in a social work agency setting.
Schedule details
The One-Year Advanced Standing MSW program is very rigorous and time-intensive, so we do not recommend this program option for students who are employed outside of school or have other significant obligations.
- Course load: The One-Year Advanced Standing MSW requires a full course load of 12 to 15 credits (e.g. four to five classes) both Fall and Spring semester.
- Mode of study: Classes are held in-person on our Portland campus.
- Class meetings: Each class meets once per week on Tuesday or Thursday for a three hour time block sometime between the hours of 9:00am and 8:00pm.
- Fieldwork: Students in the Advanced Standing MSW program also complete one field internship of 500 hours (18-20 hours per week).
While schedules will vary, below is an example of what your week could look like.
| Sample schedule | |
|---|---|
| Monday | 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Field placement 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Homework |
| Tuesday | 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Three classes (each 3 hours) with short breaks between |
| Wednesday | 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Field placement 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Homework |
| Thursday | 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Three classes (each 3 hours) with short breaks between 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Homework |
| Friday | 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Field placement 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Homework |
Learn more
- Curriculum guide: One-Year Advanced Standing MSW
- Class information: Visit the Course Catalog
- Field education: Explore options
- Scroll down to review our Frequently Asked Questions
Program overview
Students who have earned a Bachelor of Social Work degree (BSW) from a CSWE-accredited program, including USM, within the last seven years are eligible to apply for the Advanced Standing MSW. The BSW degree fulfills the requirements of generalist-level courses, so students can move right into specialist-level learning, completing 33 credits to earn their degree. Advanced Standing MSW students complete one field internship through which they acquire valuable real-world experience in a social work agency setting.
Schedule details
The Two-Year Standard MSW program is very rigorous and time-intensive, so we do not recommend this program option for students who are employed outside of school or have other significant obligations.
- Course load: The Two-Year Advanced Standing MSW requires a reduced course load of 5 to 9 credits (e.g. two to three classes) each Fall and Spring semester.
- Mode of study: Classes are held in person on our Portland campus.
- Class meetings: Each class meets once per week on Tuesday or Thursday for a three-hour time block sometime between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.
- During Year One of the program, classes are held on Tuesdays.
- During Year Two, classes are held on Thursdays.
- Fieldwork: Students in the Advanced Standing MSW program also complete one field internship of 500 hours (18-20 hours per week).
While schedules will vary, below is an example of what your week could look like.
| Year One | Year Two | |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | No classwork | 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Field placement |
| Tuesday | 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Three classes (each 3 hours) with short breaks between | 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Field placement |
| Wednesday | No classwork | 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Field placement |
| Thursday | No classwork | 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Two classes (each 3 hours) with a short break between |
| Friday | 4 hours of homework | 4 hours of homework |
Learn more
- Curriculum guide: Two-Year Advanced Standing MSW
- Class information: Visit the Course Catalog
- Field education: Explore options
- Scroll down to review our Frequently Asked Questions
Advanced Standing program options comparison
Key differences: Time to degree and course load
| One-Year Advanced Standing | Two-Year Advanced Standing | |
|---|---|---|
| Time to degree | 1 year | 2 years |
| Total credit hours | 33 | 33 |
| Credit hours per semester | Full course load: 12-15 | Reduced course load: 3-9.5 |
| Mode of study | In person Portland campus | In person Portland campus |
| Class details | Classes meet once per week on Tuesdays & Thursdays | Classes meet once per week on Tuesdays & Thursdays |
| Field placements | One placement Specialist: 500 hours | One placement Specialist: 500 hours |
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! If you interested in learning more about the social work profession and the USM School of Social Work, we invite you to enroll in a class as a non-matriculated student. Space permitting, the following two courses are open to non-matriculated students:
- SWO 501 Foundations of Justice in Social Work Practice
- SWO 504 Social Welfare Policy I
Non-matriculated students may take up to six credits (e.g. two courses) maximum before they are required to apply to the MSW program. Non-matriculated students taking graduate courses in the MSW program must have completed a baccalaureate degree.
Complete the Non-Matriculated Enrollment Request form to request permission to enroll in a course as a non-matriculated student. Please provide evidence of a completed baccalaureate degree with your request. Once written permission is granted, students can register for classes through the Registrar’s Office.
Unlike some MSW programs that require students to choose a particular track or concentration, we prepare students for all types of social work practice. We offer an advanced social work practice degree that provides students with the knowledge and skills they need to work with diverse populations across the micro- to-macro continuum. Students specialize in areas of particular interest through elective courses and field placements.
An MSW is a more versatile degree that prepares you for employment in a variety of settings, ranging from clinical mental health practice to activism and advocacy. A Master’s in Counseling is a more narrow degree focused exclusively on mental health practice. Social workers also use a more interdisciplinary approach to understanding human behavior and working with clients, incorporating both sociological and psychological perspectives, rather than just the latter. Finally, the MSW program at USM and the social work profession in general place heavy emphasis on social justice and train our students in anti-oppressive practice approaches.
Yes! Although the State Board of Social Worker Licensure makes all licensing determinations, we prepare our students to meet the requirements for clinical licensure in the state of Maine at the LMSW-CC level (the provisional version of the LCSW license). MSW graduates who are licensed at the LCSW level can provide clinical mental health services in independent private practice.
Yes! Many students work part-time or full-time while completing their MSW. We suggest a program option with a reduced course load (i.e. Two-Year Advanced Standing, Four-Year Standard, or Low-Residency). Our in-person classes are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays in time slots throughout the day. If your work schedule cannot accommodate attending in-person classes during the day on Tuesdays and/or Thursdays, we suggest the Low-Residency program. The full course load program options (e.g. One-Year Advanced Standing and Two-Year Standard) are very rigorous and time-intensive, so we do not recommend these options for students who are employed outside of school or have other significant obligations.
If you do not have a BSW from a CSWE-accredited institution:
- For the quickest degree completion with a full course load each semester: Choose the Two-Year Standard Program
- For a longer degree completion with a reduced course load each semester:
- If you prefer in-person courses: Choose the Four-Year Standard Program
- If you prefer mostly online courses: Choose the Three-Year Low-Residency Program, which offers a mix of online and in-person learning.
If you have a BSW from a CSWE-accredited institution:
- For the quickest degree completion with a full course load each semester: Choose the One-Year Advanced Standing Program
- For a longer degree completion with a reduced course load each semester: Choose the Two-Year Advanced Standing Program
All MSW students must take 3 elective courses (9 credits) during the program.
- Social Work (SWO) electives are offered on a rotating basis, and can be taken during the Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters.
- Students interested in licensure at the LMSW-CC and/or LCSW level should complete at least one elective with clinical practice content to ensure they meet licensing requirements. Faculty Advisors can help students identify which electives contain clinical practice content.
- Students can complete a Graduate Thesis in lieu of 6 elective credits. Refer to the MSW Thesis Manual for more information.
- MSW students may take up to 6 elective credits (i.e. 2 courses) outside of social work:
- These electives can be taken in the departments of Counseling (HCE), Human Resource Development (HRD), Leadership and Organizational Studies (LOS), Public Health (MPH), or Policy, Planning, and Management (PPM).
- MSW Students must receive approval from their Social Work Faculty Advisor before enrolling in any elective outside the MSW program. If you do not, the elective may not be applied toward the MSW degree requirements.
- MSW Students may need to request instructor permission in order to enroll in non-social work electives. Prerequisites may also apply.
People apply to social work with diverse work backgrounds, and we honor this—many people are changing careers or are making a life transition. Certainly, work or volunteer experience related to social work is a great asset to your application. If you have no social work-related experience, skills from other fields or life arenas may be transferable to social work and we take this into account in reviewing your application. While work or volunteer experience in an area related to social work makes you most competitive in the application process, we want to know about you as a worker, in whatever form, so please address this in your essay. We also recommend that one of your three reference letters is written by someone who has knowledge of your work capacity and skills, such as a supervisor.
Check out these Application Tips from the MSW Admissions Committee.
Questions about the MSW Program?
Contact the MSW Program Coordinator, Dr. Rachel Casey, at rachel.casey@maine.edu or 207-780-4123 or schedule an appointment via Google Scheduler.