MSW Programs in Maine: Online & Campus
Delve into the world of Master of Social Work (MSW) programs in Maine, where a rich tapestry of academic offerings and professional opportunities awaits. From navigating program admissions to selecting the right fit for your career goals, this guide will illuminate the path to becoming a licensed social worker in Maine’s scenic and community-focused state.
2025 Best MSW Programs in Maine
Looking for the best MSW programs in Maine? counselingpsychology.org has ranked the top options to help you find the right fit. Our list focuses on quality, affordability, and student support. Whether you're starting your career or advancing it, these programs stand out. We've done the research so you can make an informed choice. Learn more about how we rank these programs here.
University of Southern Maine
Portland, ME - Public 4-Year - usm.maine.edu
Master's - Master of Social Work
Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Southern Maine's MSW program cultivates advanced social work practitioners committed to social justice and comprehensive community engagement. By offering flexible full-time and part-time pathways, students develop sophisticated professional skills through a dynamic curriculum and intensive field experiences. The CSWE-accredited program serves both recent BSW graduates and career transitioners, strategically preparing participants for professional licensure through a comprehensive 61-credit curriculum that emphasizes diverse practice environments, critical social analysis, and transformative community interventions.
- CSWE nationally accredited program
- Full-time: 2 years, part-time: 3-4 years
- 61 total credit hours required
- No GRE required for admission
- Apply by November 15 annually
- Advanced standing for BSW graduates
- Two 9-month field internships
- Blended and in-person study modes
- 3.0 minimum undergraduate GPA
- Liberal arts prerequisite credits
Master's - Master of Social Work
Campus Based - Visit Website
Designed for emerging social work professionals, USM's MSW program delivers an innovative educational experience focused on addressing complex societal challenges. The nationally accredited curriculum provides robust training in social justice principles, emphasizing practical skill development through immersive field education. Students benefit from flexible enrollment options, including full-time and part-time tracks, with accelerated pathways for BSW graduates. The program's comprehensive approach integrates theoretical knowledge with hands-on learning, positioning graduates to make meaningful contributions across diverse social service settings.
- 61 total credit hours required
- Full-time: 2 years completion
- Part-time: 3-4 years completion
- CSWE nationally accredited
- No GRE required
- November 15 application deadline
- 3.0 GPA minimum requirement
- Two 9-month field internships
- Blended and in-person learning
- Advanced standing for BSW
Master's - Master of Social Work
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Southern Maine's Master of Social Work represents a transformative educational pathway for aspiring practitioners seeking to create substantial social change. With a curriculum emphasizing diversity, equity, and systemic problem-solving, the program equips students with advanced interventional strategies and critical analytical skills. Offering multiple learning modalities—including hybrid and in-person formats—the CSWE-accredited program provides comprehensive preparation for professional licensure. Students explore complex social dynamics while developing practical competencies through extensive field experiences and engagement with PhD-trained faculty.
- 61 total credit hours
- Full-time: 2 years completion
- Part-time: 3-4 years completion
- CSWE nationally accredited
- Application deadline: November 15
- No GRE required
- 3.0 GPA minimum requirement
- Advanced standing available
- Two 9-month internships
- Blended and in-person options
- PhD-trained faculty
- Qualify for LMSW licensure
- Liberal arts prerequisites required
- International student friendly
- Free application for most students
University of Maine
Orono, ME - Public 4-Year - umaine.edu
Master's - Master of Social Work (MSW)
Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Maine's campus-based Master of Social Work (MSW) program offers a comprehensive 63-credit curriculum designed for aspiring social work professionals seeking advanced generalist training. Students can choose from multiple flexible enrollment pathways, including full-time, extended, and blended formats. The program provides robust experiential learning through direct field internships, ensuring graduates develop high-level practice skills. With full CSWE accreditation through 2027, small class sizes, and personalized faculty mentorship, students receive comprehensive preparation for diverse community social work roles and practice settings.
- Full CSWE accreditation through 2027
- Multiple program delivery formats
- 63 semester credit hours
- Full-time and extended study options
- Advanced standing for BSW graduates
- Online-hybrid option available
- Campus, extended, and blended formats
- Admitted Fall semester only
- Small class sizes
- Experiential learning opportunities
Master's - Master of Social Work (MSW)
Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of Maine's online Master of Social Work (MSW) program delivers a flexible, comprehensive educational experience for social work professionals seeking advanced generalist training. Designed with working professionals in mind, the program offers multiple enrollment options including full-time, extended, and blended online-hybrid formats. Students can complete the 63-credit curriculum in 2-4 years, with specialized opportunities for BSW graduates through advanced standing. The program ensures personalized learning through small class sizes and direct faculty engagement, preparing students to make meaningful societal impacts.
- Two-year full-time MSW program
- Extended 3-4 year part-time option
- Blended online-hybrid format
- Advanced standing available
- 63 semester credit hours
- Accredited through 2027
- Small class sizes
- Maine, NH, VT residents eligible
- Campus and online options
- Faculty-led experiential learning
Master's - Master of Social Work (MSW)
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Maine's hybrid Master of Social Work (MSW) program provides a dynamic, flexible pathway for advanced generalist social work education. With multiple enrollment formats spanning full-time, extended, and blended online-hybrid options, students can complete the rigorous 63-credit curriculum in 2-4 years. The program emphasizes personalized learning through small class sizes, experienced faculty mentorship, and comprehensive field internships. Designed for students seeking comprehensive social welfare practice skills, the program offers advanced standing for BSW graduates and maintains full CSWE accreditation.
- Fully CSWE accredited program
- 63 semester credit hours
- Multiple program formats
- Full-time 2-year option
- Extended 4-year option
- Blended online-hybrid program
- Advanced standing available
- Small class sizes
- Field internship experiences
- Admits Fall cohort only
- Only for ME, NH, VT residents
- Average 135 graduate students
MSW Degree Program Requirements/Eligibility in Maine
Maine Traditional MSW Admissions Requirements
If you have a bachelor’s degree in another subject other than social work, you’ll need to enroll in a two-year traditional MSW program. Traditional MSW programs usually require around 60 credits. To start applying, make sure that you have the following:
- Bachelor’s degree, typically in psychology or a related area, from a regionally accredited institution
- Minimum GPA requirement (typically around 3.0)
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement or essay
- Resume or CV outlining relevant experience
- Completion of prerequisite courses (such as psychology, sociology, or human services)
- GRE scores (some programs may waive this requirement)
- Interview (some programs may require an interview as part of the application process)
- Background check and/or fingerprinting
Maine Advanced-Standing MSW Admissions Requirements
If you have a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree and a GPA of 3.5 or higher, check out advanced-standing MSW programs. Enrolling as an advanced-standing MSW student allows you to complete your studies by fulfilling 35 credits and graduating within one year. Check out these advanced-standing MSW programs in Maine:
- University of Maine – visit site
- University of Southern Maine – visit site
- University of New England – visit site
RELATED: Learn more about Social Work Salaries
Maine MSW Program Tuition and Costs
Maine’s MSW programs offer a range of tuition costs. The most affordable options are reserved for Maine residents at $445 a credit; however, nonresidents can find affordable online options at $494 a credit. Take a look at these examples to get a good idea of how much you’ll be spending on MSW programs in Maine.
| School | Tuition (per credit hour) | Total Credits | Total Tuition |
| University of Maine | $616 (Residents) $1,854 (Non-residents) | 63 | $38,952 (Residents) $116,856 (Non-residents) |
| University of Southern Maine | $445 (Resident) $1,350 (Non-resident) $460-494 (Online) | 61 | $27,145 (Resident) $82,350 (Non-resident) $28,060-30,134 (Online) |
| University of New England | $1,050 (Online) | 60 | $63,000 (Online) |
Are Online MSW Programs in Maine as Good as Campus-Based?
Online MSW programs are a great way to cut costs and balance studies, work, and personal time. However, for some, online programs lack academic resources and have limited learning options. Take a look at these important differences between online and traditional MSW programs.
Traditional MSW vs. Online MSW Programs in Maine
| Traditional MSW Programs | Online MSW Programs | |
| Format | In-person classes | Online classes with some in-person requirements |
| Flexibility | Limited scheduling options | More flexibility in scheduling, often part-time options |
| Location | Geographically limited | Accessible from anywhere with internet connectivity |
| Learning Environment | Classroom-based | Virtual classroom, discussion boards, and online resources |
| Networking | Local networking opportunities | Networking with students and professionals from diverse locations |
| Cost | Tuition, commuting, and relocation expenses | Generally lower tuition and flexibility to continue working |
| Hands-on Experience | Field placements and internships | Virtual or field placements and internships arranged in the student's local area |
In your research, remember that to get licensed as a social worker, your program must be accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Look for the CSWE logo on University websites where MSW programs are offered.
Learn more about Social Work Degree Options:
- Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
- Master of Social Work (MSW)
- Graduate Certificate in Social Work
- Doctorate of Social Work (DSW)
Getting Your Maine Social Work License
Maine, like other states, has specific requirements for social work graduates to become licensed. Learn about Maine’s requirements in our Social Work Licensure Guide.
Popular Social Work Careers
Discover the specializations available to you within social work. These social work careers can help you work with diverse populations in a variety of environments.
School Social Worker
School social workers provide counseling, support, and advocacy for students facing social, emotional, or behavioral challenges. They collaborate with teachers, parents, and other professionals to develop student success strategies, provide crisis intervention, and facilitate support groups.
Healthcare Social Worker
Healthcare social workers assess patients' social, emotional, and practical needs. They provide counseling and support, coordinate care with healthcare providers, advocate for patients' rights, and connect patients and their families with community resources to ensure holistic and comprehensive care.
Court Social Worker
Court social workers assess the needs of individuals involved in court cases. They develop intervention plans, provide counseling and support, monitor progress in court-ordered programs, collaborate with legal professionals, and advocate for clients' best interests in legal proceedings.
List of MSW Degree Programs in Maine
Orono, ME
University of Maine
- Master's - Master of Social Work (MSW)
Campus Based - Website
- Full CSWE accreditation through 2027
- Multiple program delivery formats
- 63 semester credit hours
- Full-time and extended study options
- Advanced standing for BSW graduates
- Online-hybrid option available
- Campus, extended, and blended formats
- Admitted Fall semester only
- Master's - Master of Social Work (MSW)
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Fully CSWE accredited program
- 63 semester credit hours
- Multiple program formats
- Full-time 2-year option
- Extended 4-year option
- Blended online-hybrid program
- Advanced standing available
- Small class sizes
- Master's - Master of Social Work (MSW)
Online Learning - Website
- Two-year full-time MSW program
- Extended 3-4 year part-time option
- Blended online-hybrid format
- Advanced standing available
- 63 semester credit hours
- Accredited through 2027
- Small class sizes
- Maine, NH, VT residents eligible
Portland, ME
University of Southern Maine
- Master's - Master of Social Work
Campus Based - Website
- CSWE nationally accredited program
- Full-time: 2 years, part-time: 3-4 years
- 61 total credit hours required
- No GRE required for admission
- Apply by November 15 annually
- Advanced standing for BSW graduates
- Two 9-month field internships
- Blended and in-person study modes
- Master's - Master of Social Work
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 61 total credit hours
- Full-time: 2 years completion
- Part-time: 3-4 years completion
- CSWE nationally accredited
- Application deadline: November 15
- No GRE required
- 3.0 GPA minimum requirement
- Advanced standing available
- Master's - Master of Social Work
Campus Based - Website
- 61 total credit hours required
- Full-time: 2 years completion
- Part-time: 3-4 years completion
- CSWE nationally accredited
- No GRE required
- November 15 application deadline
- 3.0 GPA minimum requirement
- Two 9-month field internships
