4 CSWE-Accredited BSW Programs in Maine: 2026 Student Guide

Planning to pursue a BSW degree in Maine? Your career path shows great promise. Maine has more than 3,000 social workers in various specializations. These professionals earn median salaries between $55,220 and $72,520, based on their expertise.

Maine’s BSW programs provide a clear path to rewarding jobs, especially with the rising need for qualified professionals. Students can choose from four CSWE-accredited schools: University of Maine, University of Southern Maine, Saint Joseph’s College, and University of New England. These programs require at least 400 hours of field education. This hands-on training is a vital part of your preparation before graduation.

Your educational investment will yield quick returns. BSW graduates from Maine programs achieve remarkable success. About 85-95% find jobs within six months after graduation. The job market remains robust in multiple sectors, making Maine an excellent choice to start your social work career.

1. University of Maine (Orono)

The University of Maine in Orono runs one of Maine’s longest-running BSW programs. UMaine, the flagship campus of the Maine university system, delivers a complete social work education rooted in strong foundational principles.

Program description

UMaine’s Bachelor of Social Work program teaches students with a generalist approach that prepares them to work with clients of all types. This CSWE-accredited program puts social work values and ethics first while giving you practical skills to participate, assess, and help diverse client systems.

New students can start the program in their first year or transfer from another school. The curriculum lets you choose how to meet many requirements while building key social work skills. After graduation, you’ll be ready to take the Licensed Social Worker (LSW) certification exam in Maine and other states that license bachelor-level practitioners.

BSW graduates can also apply for Advanced Standing in Master of Social Work programs and potentially earn their MSW in just one year of full-time study.

Special features

UMaine’s BSW program stands out by offering multiple ways to earn your degree. Students can now choose between traditional on-campus classes and an online program (though online options are limited to Maine residents for the 2025-2026 academic year).

The program readies you to work in settings of all types—from child welfare agencies to community mental health centers, schools, and healthcare facilities. Many BSW students boost their credentials with a minor alongside their social work degree. UMaine offers minors in:

• Child development and family relations
• Interdisciplinary disability studies
• Women’s, gender, and sexuality studies
• Psychology or sociology
• Peace and reconciliation studies

Curriculum highlights

The BSW curriculum builds on liberal arts basics with specialized courses that develop professional skills. Your first two years cover prerequisites that build knowledge in philosophy, political science, psychology, sociology, statistics, and writing.

Core social work courses then teach essential topics in:

• Social work values and ethics
• Human behavior and the social environment
• Social welfare policies and issues
• Social work research
• Practice methods with individuals, families, groups, communities, and organizations

Junior and senior years focus on skill development courses paired with field internships that connect classroom learning to real-life practice. Students can choose electives that match their social work interests throughout the program.

Field education

Field education is vital to social work education by providing hands-on experience. UMaine’s internship program follows a clear path:

Junior year students take SWK 395 (Junior Internship Experience) in fall and spring semesters. This 3-credit weekly class introduces social work practice knowledge, values, and skills while helping students join the profession. Students work with local social service agencies and gain experience with underserved populations.

Senior year includes a 400-hour internship over two semesters in SWK 495 (BSW Generalist Internship). Students apply their knowledge in real settings and develop practical skills. Weekly logs track learning progress and encourage self-reflection.

Admissions

UMaine evaluates first-year students based on their high school academics and standardized test scores. Transfer students usually need at least a 2.0 college GPA, with social work program prerequisites.

The admissions team looks at:

• Cumulative GPA (minimum 2.0 for most programs)
• College course difficulty
• Final high school transcript or equivalent
• Optional essay

Transfer students might need to provide mid-semester progress reports for admission decisions.

Tuition and financial aid

UMaine’s 2025-26 academic year costs vary by where students live:

Maine and Canadian residents pay a total estimated cost of $31,144, which includes $12,720 for tuition, $1,040 in mandatory fees, $14,114 for housing and food, plus books and travel.

Out-of-state students pay more, with total costs reaching $55,294, mainly due to $36,870 tuition.

New England Regional (NEBHE) program students receive a discount, paying about $40,684 total.

Financial help is available to most students – 86% of all degree-seeking undergraduates in the Maine university system receive some form of aid. First-year students at UMaine receive an average need-based scholarship or grant of $14,359, and 62% get need-based aid.

Students should know that UMaine bachelor’s degree graduates have a median federal loan debt of $25,000, with monthly payments around $265 on a 10-year plan.

2. University of Southern Maine (Portland)

The University of Southern Maine (USM) sits in Maine’s largest city. Its BSW program combines theory with hands-on field work and focuses on cultural competence and community participation throughout.

Program description

USM’s Bachelor of Arts in Social Work prepares you for entry-level professional social work. This CSWE-accredited program shapes culturally-responsive, strengths-oriented social workers who promote social justice through critical thinking and civic participation. The BSW curriculum strengthens multi-level, strengths-based practice to improve diverse individuals’, families’, groups’, organizations’, and communities’ well-being.

After graduating, you can apply for licensure at the Licensed Social Worker (LSW) level in Maine. The program meets requirements for the Mental Health Rehabilitation Technician-Community (MHRT/C) certification, giving you extra credentials that boost your job prospects.

Special features

USM’s BSW program uses a cohort model that creates a tight-knit student community. This approach helps you build professional networks and lasting friendships throughout your academic experience.

You can build your professional identity through:

• Social Work Student Organization membership
• Phi Alpha Honor Society participation
• Community education and advocacy projects

PhD-trained social work scholars with expertise in practice, theory, research, and policy design the curriculum. These faculty members conduct research tied to their fieldwork in social justice, mental health, compassion and wellness, and child welfare.

Curriculum highlights

The BSW program needs 48 credits in required social work courses and 24 credits of foundation courses from other departments. You must keep a 2.5 overall cumulative GPA and earn a C (2.0) or better in all major and foundation classes to complete the major.

Required social work courses include:

• Introduction to Social Work and Social Welfare
• Human Behavior in the Social Environment (I & II)
• Social Work Research (I & II)
• Social Welfare Policy
• Foundations of Justice in Social Work
• Methods of Social Work Practice (I, II & III)
• Field Work (I & II)
• One upper-level Social Work elective

Foundation requirements cover courses in macroeconomics, American government, psychology, sociology, and statistics. The curriculum follows a structured sequence with prerequisites for many courses. Regular advisor meetings help you stay on track toward graduation.

Field education

Field education stands at the heart of USM’s BSW program and prepares you for generalist practice. Senior students work at one social service agency and complete 400 hours each semester, about 14 hours weekly throughout the academic year.

Your field placement process starts in junior year during SWO 393 (Methods of Social Work Practice I). The manager of field education helps you find an appropriate placement for your senior year in this spring semester course. Remember, all field placement referrals must come through the Office of Field Education—you cannot arrange placements on your own.

This supervised practicum lets you apply classroom learning in real-life settings. You’ll work directly with clients while developing your generalist practice skills.

Admission requirements

The School of Social Work Admissions Committee looks at several factors to assess your potential as a social work student. Undergraduate admission requires:

• Minimum 2.5 undergraduate GPA (students below 3.0 should address their academic history in application essays)
• Completed prerequisite courses including introductory sociology and psychology
• Strong reference letters from professional or educational contacts (not friends or family)
• A well-written personal essay showing your understanding of and commitment to social work values

Transfer students need their college transcripts evaluated by the Office of Transfer Affairs before planning coursework with a professional advisor.

Tuition and financial aid

USM has set different tuition rates based on majors for 2025-2026. The Bachelor of Social Work falls under Differential Level 1 (Standard rate), with these annual costs for 30 credit hours:

• In-state tuition and fees: $12,630 ($9,480 tuition + $3,150 mandatory fees)
• Out-of-state tuition and fees: $31,080 ($27,930 tuition + $3,150 mandatory fees)
• NEBHE Tuition Break Program: $19,740 ($16,590 tuition + $3,150 mandatory fees)
• Canadian residents: $12,630 (same as in-state rates)

USM makes education affordable with over $30 million in grants and scholarships each year. About 92% of students who file a FAFSA receive financial aid, and 91% get scholarships, grants, waivers, and/or work-study opportunities. Undergraduate students receive an average financial aid package exceeding $14,000 yearly.

USM’s net price changes with family income, from about $7,818 for families earning less than $30,000 to $17,065 for those earning over $110,000 yearly.

3. Saint Joseph’s College (Standish)

Saint Joseph’s College sits on the shores of Sebago Lake in Standish. The college’s BSW program stands out by combining Catholic social teaching principles with professional social work competencies. Students at this private liberal arts college get rigorous academics and personal attention to become ethical practitioners ready for Maine’s social service field.

Program description

The college’s BSW program received its CSWE accreditation in 2019, making it one of Maine’s newer yet complete BSW programs. Students learn to become generalist practitioners who can work with people from all backgrounds and settings.

The program builds on four core values that guide its educational approach:

• Dignity and worth of the person
• Importance of human relationships
• Integrity and competence in practice
• Advancement of social justice

BSW graduates can pursue licensure as a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) in Maine. The degree also opens doors to entry-level positions in social service organizations throughout New England and beyond.

Special features

The college’s BSW program stands out from others in Maine by blending Mercy tradition values with professional social work education. Students benefit from close mentoring relationships with faculty due to the program’s small size. The student-to-faculty ratio of 12:1 means you’ll get individual attention throughout your academic trip.

The program’s focus on rural social work practice makes it unique. Maine has many rural communities with special challenges, so students learn to handle specific needs like limited resource access, geographic isolation, and workforce shortages in these areas.

Students can take hybrid courses that mix online learning with face-to-face instruction, which works well if you have work or family commitments. The college’s partnerships with over 50 community organizations help students build networks and find jobs after graduation.

Curriculum highlights

Students need 120 credits to graduate with a BSW from Saint Joseph’s College, including general education and social work major courses. Note that students follow a structured sequence that builds basic knowledge before moving to specialized content.

Key courses in the social work major include:

• Introduction to Social Work
• Human Behavior and the Social Environment
• Social Welfare Policy and Services
• Research Methods for Social Work Practice
• Diversity and Cultural Competence
• Social Work Practice with Individuals, Families, Groups, and Communities
• Ethics in Social Work Practice

Catholic social teaching principles run through all coursework, giving students a unique perspective on social justice issues and ethical practice dilemmas.

Field education

The college’s field education uses a step-by-step model to introduce professional practice. Junior year students complete a 100-hour service learning experience that shows them various social service settings.

Senior year brings the life-blood of field education – a 400-hour internship (about 16 hours weekly across two semesters) at a community agency under professional supervision. Students put classroom knowledge into practice while developing essential skills.

The Field Education Office finds placements in organizations of all types:

• Child welfare agencies
• Healthcare facilities
• School systems
• Mental health organizations
• Aging services
• Substance use treatment programs

Students attend seminar courses alongside their field work to process their learning and connect theory with practice.

Admission requirements

Students must first get into the college before applying to the BSW program in their sophomore year. The BSW program application needs:

• Prerequisite courses completed with at least a C grade
• 5 or higher cumulative GPA
• Two professional references
• Personal statement about why you want to pursue social work
• Faculty interview

Transfer students from other CSWE-accredited programs might skip some requirements, but must complete 30 credits at Saint Joseph’s College to graduate.

Tuition and financial aid

Full-time undergraduate tuition costs $39,150 for 2025-2026. Mandatory fees add about $1,800 yearly. Housing costs range from $13,500 to $15,200 per year.

A full-time residential BSW student can expect to pay between $54,450 and $56,150 annually.

The college offers substantial financial help. Almost all undergraduate students (98%) receive financial aid, with average packages exceeding $25,000. Academic achievement can earn you institutional scholarships between $10,000 and $25,000 yearly.

Social work majors can apply for special scholarships like the Sister Mary George O’Toole Social Work Scholarship and Social Justice Leadership Award, which provide $2,000-$5,000 yearly.

Maine residents might qualify for the Maine State Grant program’s $1,500 yearly assistance. The college also participates in federal work-study programs, letting students earn money while gaining valuable experience.

4. University of New England (Biddeford)

The University of New England (UNE) BSW program sits in Maine’s newest city. Students learn through creative teaching methods and work together with other disciplines. The beautiful Biddeford campus, where the Saco River flows into the Atlantic Ocean, makes a perfect setting to study social work in Maine’s lively coastal area.

Program description

UNE’s Bachelor of Social Work program shapes generalist social work professionals through a person-in-environment approach. This CSWE-accredited program creates an innovative and welcoming learning space that encourages responsibility toward individual wellbeing, communities, and the environment. Students learn values that support culturally informed practice and know how to work with other disciplines to tackle today’s evolving challenges.

The program gives you strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills that blend different points of view. You’ll be ready to work in social services, health, mental health, and community organizations of all sizes.

Special features

UNE shines among Maine’s BSW programs because of its interdisciplinary learning environment. Students learn side by side with peers from health professions and liberal arts. The program includes:

• Practice simulations with other health field students
• Community-based service learning that matters
• Great internship options
• Undergraduate research projects
• Mental Health Rehabilitation Technician certification

UNE’s Biddeford location puts you close to a growing downtown filled with restaurants, breweries, cultural events, and renovated mill spaces. This creates plenty of chances to relax and build professional connections.

Curriculum highlights

UNE’s social work education builds competency in nine key areas:

• Ethical and professional behavior
• Human rights and social, racial, economic, and environmental justice
• Anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion practices
• Research-informed practice

Students must meet specific standards to stay in good standing. You need a C or better in prerequisites like Introduction to Psychology and Sociology. Core social work courses also require a minimum C grade in subjects like Social Welfare Policy, Human Behavior and Social Work Theory, and Ethics in SW Practice.

Field education

Real-world experience is UNE’s social work program’s cornerstone. Field education includes two sequential practicum courses (SSW 410 and SSW 441) with 400 internship hours over two semesters in agency settings. Students put classroom knowledge to work while building professional skills under qualified supervision.

UNE leads the way with creative approaches to field education. The program now offers virtual field simulations that make learning more accessible while building competency-based skills.

Admission requirements

UNE’s BSW program needs high school completion with a minimum 2.0 GPA in college-prep courses. Students should have:

• Four years of English
• Three years of mathematics
• Two years of science with laboratory
• Two years of social science

Submit applications to the Office of Admissions in fall before starting. Qualified late applicants might get in if space allows.

Tuition and financial aid

The 2025-2026 academic year costs include undergraduate tuition at $44,280. Add $1,620 for general service fees and about $18,690 for standard room and board (Featherman triple rate). Total direct costs reach $64,590 yearly.

Other expected costs include:

• Books: $1,200
• Transportation/travel: $1,500
• Personal expenses: $1,500

UNE makes education affordable through various aid programs. 98% of students get some financial aid. First-year students receive an average need-based scholarship or grant of $20,551, and 73% get need-based aid.

Starting fall 2025, UNE offers free tuition to qualifying high school graduates. Students need a 3.85 GPA or higher and show high financial need based on FAFSA results.

Online BSW Options

Students seeking educational flexibility can now earn their BSW in Maine through online pathways to licensure. These distance learning options match traditional programs’ standards while accommodating students with different life circumstances.

The University of Maine’s fully online BSW delivers education quality identical to its campus-based counterpart. Students can complete all coursework online, except mandatory internships. The program gives students knowledge and skills to advance racial, economic, environmental, and social justice. After graduation, students qualify to take licensure examinations as Licensed Social Workers in Maine and other states that license baccalaureate social workers.

Maine’s BSW internships still require in-person participation. UMaine students complete field placements during their final two years, with 50 hours required during the junior year and 400 hours during the senior year. The university helps online students find community agencies close to their locations within Maine.

Students can choose another online BSW option at the University of Maine at Presque Isle. Their CSWE-accredited program readies students for job opportunities or advanced standing in MSW programs. The curriculum blends synchronous Zoom sessions with asynchronous learning and provides:

• Opportunities to develop communication skills in practice courses
• Remote learning convenience for theory-based classes
• Full-time advisors who teach classes and ensure four-year completion
• The same student-to-faculty ratio as on-campus programs

Saint Joseph’s College adds to these public university options with an online BSW that prepares students for entry-level generalist practice. Strong faculty presence and cohort structure naturally promote peer support in this program. Students can join optional virtual meetings, events, and potentially become members of the Phi Alpha National Honor Society for Social Work.

These online programs mirror their on-campus counterparts in curriculum. Students learn about human behavior and social environment, social welfare policies, research methods, and practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.

The University of Southern Maine offers a different path through its online Social and Behavioral Sciences program. While not specifically a BSW, it leads to careers in psychology, social work, public health, and sociology. The program has specialized tracks in Counseling, Public Health, or Regulatory Ethics.

Students in online BSW programs receive essential support services from these institutions. Career advising, tutoring, and technology assistance make distance learning comparable to on-campus education.

Social Work Licensure Pathway in Maine

Your professional career continues after completing one of the BSW programs Maine has to offer. The state provides a straightforward path that helps social work graduates advance their credentials through different license levels.

BSW graduates usually start with the Licensed Social Worker, Conditional (LSX) license. This entry-level, non-clinical credential needs a bachelor’s degree related to social work or social welfare. LSX licensees must work with an experienced professional and complete 96 hours of consultation along with 3,200 hours of employment over 2-4 years.

You can advance to Licensed Social Worker (LS) status after meeting these requirements and passing the ASWB Bachelor examination. The LS license still requires consultation for 2-4 years. Neither LSX nor LS licensees can practice privately.

The Licensed Master Social Worker (LM) credential awaits those who pursue education beyond their BSW. This non-clinical license allows private practice and requires a master’s or doctoral degree plus passing the ASWB Masters examination.

Maine’s social work license requirements include:

• Being at least 18 years old
• Passing required examinations
• Demonstrating trustworthiness and competence
• Submitting your application with appropriate fees

Since January 2020, new licensure applicants must complete 12 hours of coursework in family or intimate partner violence. All Maine BSW programs now include this requirement in their curricula.

The Board of Social Worker Licensure handles applications with specific fees: $25 for application, $70 for licensure, and $21 for criminal history checks. ASWB examination registration costs between $230-$260 based on exam level.

Licensed social workers from other states can apply for equivalent Maine licenses through endorsement. They must be in good standing across all jurisdictions.

Get Started Today

Your professional social work career in Maine starts with picking the right BSW program. This piece explores four CSWE-accredited programs that share the same dedication to quality education and field experience. The University of Maine, University of Southern Maine, Saint Joseph’s College, and University of New England each give you the preparation needed for licensure and professional practice.

Field education is the life-blood of these programs. Students complete at least 400 hours of supervised practice that turns classroom knowledge into real-world skills. A complete coursework in human behavior, social welfare policy, and practice methods builds the foundations of generalist social work practice.

The University of Maine’s online program stands out by offering the same quality education as its campus version. Students with busy schedules can now access BSW options that keep high standards while fitting different lifestyles.

Maine’s licensing board has created a well-laid-out path to professional licensure. Most graduates begin with the Licensed Social Worker, Conditional (LSX) credential and grow from there.

A social work education proves its worth fast. BSW graduates from Maine see job placement rates of 85-95% within six months. The career outlook remains strong with median salaries between $55,220 and $72,520 in various specializations.

The BSW program you choose will give you a solid foundation. You’ll be ready to advance social justice, support vulnerable populations, and create positive change in communities across Maine and beyond.