The University of New England, based in Biddeford, Maine, currently has the only school of social work with a campus in the state and a fully online MSW program. Instruction for the program is primarily delivered asynchronously, which is ideal for working professionals who may not be able to attend weekly online classes held in real time, and it follows the standard cohort model with a set plan of study. In addition to the online coursework, students must complete field education requirements at a local health services agency.

Please note: All online MSW programs require students to complete field education at a local health services agency.

The University of New England’s School of Social Work offers traditional and advanced standing tracks, as well as a concentration in Integrated Clinical Practice Specialization. The traditional track is 64 credits and requires two practicums of 560 hours each. It is part time only, typically completed in over three years. The advanced standing track is only 35 credits and requires a total of 560 hours of field education. It is a 16 month program.

In addition to The University of New England, students residing in Maine have several out-of-state online MSW options to choose from. There are dozens of out-of-state universities with online MSW programs that accept students in Maine, and the majority of these are fully online, meaning students are not required to visit campus while earning their degrees. Some of the programs do necessitate a limited number of visits, and these may be the ideal medium for students who want the flexibility of an online program yet would still prefer to meet their professors and classmates in person.

Several out-of-state online MSW programs also have the same tuition rate for in-state and out-of-state students, so aspiring social workers in Maine would be wise to research as many options as possible. To learn more about a particular program, click on the school’s name below.

All online MSW programs require field education at a local health services agency. Programs that are 100% online do not require students to visit the campus during the program.

The Maine State Board of Social Work Licensure issues three types of social work license: Licensed Social Worker (LSW), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW). Below are some common steps to become a social worker in Maine, which you should confirm with Maine’s board of social workers. Information regarding licensure in Maine was last retrieved in August 2020.

For more detailed information on becoming a social worker in Maine, visit the Maine State Board of Social Work Licensure. You can also refer to our guides on general requirements for becoming a social worker and becoming an LCSW.

Last updated: September 2020