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Vision

The University of New England School of Social Work envisions a world where social workers are at the forefront of advocating with individuals and communities for human dignity and social inclusion by mobilizing efforts to end inequities, exploitation, and violence.

Mission

The mission of the School of Social Work is to provide transformative and collaborative learning that embraces the values of social inclusion and promotes enhanced quality of life for individuals and communities.

Values

Our values promote social inclusion conceptualized as actions taken to improve quality of life, access to equitable resources, enhancement of human bonds within the context of cultural diversity, and engagement of people, populations, and communities to fully participate in society. Towards this end:

• We promote culturally informed practice that is respectful of the complexity and diversity of people’s lives and circumstances.
• We recognize that social exclusion prevents people from full and just participation in their communities as a consequence of inequities, discrimination, and disadvantage arising from adversity in early life and continuing across the life course.
• We practice social responsibility by raising public awareness of social exclusion; challenging discrimination; and acting with and on behalf of groups, populations, and communities.
• We support person-centered collaborative practices and partnerships that bring together diverse workers and community members to meet the best interests of individuals, families, and groups.

“The process of improving the ability, opportunity, and dignity of people, disadvantaged on the basis of their identity, to take part in society.” (2013, World Bank Publication)

References:

The School of Social Work prepares people for advanced professional practice and is accredited to offer the Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) degree by the Council on Social Work Education.

M.S.W. graduates learn to:

• Understand the potential for individual and collective human development when people live with dignity and social justice
• Identify people's strengths across diverse populations and how to build upon them
• Understand the multiple social, cultural, political, and economic factors influencing the design, development, and evaluation of social policies and programs
• Develop the knowledge and skills necessary to carry out multiple social work interventions consistent with the school's mission and the profession's ethics
• Develop intervention strategies that empower individuals, families, groups, or communities.

The M.S.W. degree offers graduates the opportunity to play active roles in the areas of physical and behavioral health, substance abuse, poverty, public welfare, women's and children's services, intimate partner violence, homelessness, applied arts and social justice, and other emerging areas of service delivery.

The program prepares graduates to work with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities in an array of settings and with diverse populations. The values and commitments embedded in the school's mission statement permeate our work in every area.

Program Goals

Prepare competent master-level professional social workers who at every system level provide leadership to:

• Promote social inclusion to enable people, populations, and communities to fully participate in society.
• Create person-centered collaborative and sustainable relationships across diverse communities and practice settings.
• Develop and apply ethical reflection, critical consciousness, and shared decision-making based on social work values and with consideration of the broader contexts of the world in which we live. 

These goals are integrated into the social work curriculum. Through their presence in courses, fieldwork internships, and internal school governance we bring our mission statement to life.

The School of Social Work at the University of New England is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education to offer the master's degree in social work.

Students in the campus-based program option can complete their M.S.W. in two years as a traditional full-time student or in three to four years as a part-time student. Students who have graduated from an accredited B.S.W. program can apply for Advanced Standing and complete their M.S.W. in just one year (full-time) or two years (part-time). Occasional campus-based M.S.W. courses are offered in a hybrid format that blends online learning with classroom experiences within the individual courses. Hybrid courses are not to be confused with the online M.S.W. program option. It is not possible for students to take both online courses via the online program option and campus-based courses via the campus-based program option at the same time. Hybrid courses are offered as part of the campus-based option only.

M.S.W students are required to complete 60 credit hours of graduate course study. Additionally, students are required to complete two separate field placements (internships) that consists of four semesters of supervised practice in approved social work settings. Generalist field placements will be at least 400 hours and specialization will be at least 500 hours.

Advanced Standing students complete 30 credit hours and one field placement consisting of two semesters. Students coming from programs outside of �Ӱ���Ƶ are required to take SSW/O 526 as a requirement of the M.S.W. program. Students coming directly from �Ӱ���Ƶ’s B.S.W. program are exempt from taking SSW/O 526 and take another elective in its place.

Focus Areas

The campus-based program option offers two focus areas* in Applied Arts and Social Justice, and Trauma-Informed Practice. The online-based program option offers focus areas in Trauma-Informed Practice, School Social Work, Medical Social Work, and Advanced Clinical Practice. Focus areas are integrated into the M.S.W. degree curriculum and completed within the required credit course structure (see individual focus area pages for more detail).

*The Applied Arts and Social Justice focus areas are offered as part of the campus-based program option

Generalist Year

Generalist social work courses emphasize an integrated social work perspective involving the social context and its impact on social policy, programs, and the social work profession. Courses include Anti-Oppression Social Work Practice; Human Behavior and the Social Environment I and II; Social Work Research; Action Research for Social Work Practice; Social Work Policy and Advocacy; Social Work Practice I and II; and Field Integrating Seminar and Practicums I and II. In addition, students spend 400 hours in a field setting, which permits students another learning mode through placements in social agencies and programs with structured on-site professional supervision.

Specialization Year

Specialization social work courses prepare students for a wide range of advanced practice roles. Students glean clinical skills necessary for advanced social work practice with individuals, families, and groups, while they take advanced courses, Advanced Social Work Practice I and II; Leadership, Administration, and Supervision; The DSM: A Social Work Perspective; Field Seminar and Practicum III and IV, and advanced electives.

The School of Social Work's curriculum is taught within a framework based in social work values of social inclusion, anti-oppression, and contextualizes human experience with consideration to social determinants of health and well-being. Students learn skills to translate practice knowledge into work in organizations and communities. The curriculum prepares graduates for professional leadership positions within their communities and beyond.

Traditional Student Progression

Advanced Standing Progression (Online and On-Campus)

*Campus Advanced Standing students take this course in the middle of August, prior to New Student Orientation and the start of the fall semester. This course is only taken by non-�Ӱ���Ƶ B.S.W. students. �Ӱ���Ƶ B.S.W. students take an additional elective in its place.

Graduation Requirements

Students must successfully complete all courses with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 prior to graduation and fulfill all curriculum requirements.

Graduates of the �Ӱ���Ƶ SSW will demonstrate knowledge, skills, and leadership in the following:

1. Practice social inclusion to enable people, populations, and communities to fully participate in society, enhance human bonds in the context of cultural diversity and ensure improved quality of life and equitable resource distribution.
2. Engage in culturally-informed relationship building respectful of the complexity and diversity of contexts and circumstances.
3. Utilize theories of human behavior, social systems, and social inclusion when offering interventions with people and their environments.
4. Promote ethical reflection, critical consciousness and shared decision-making based on social work values and with consideration of the broader contexts of the world in which we live.
5. Balance the roles of helpers, activists, and advocates through collaboration with communities to build healthy and sustainable resources.
6. Engage as critical consumers and producers of research and evaluation applied to clinical and community practices.
7. Practice person-centered and collaborative community partnerships across diverse settings.

Petitions for transfer credits for graduate social work courses to be submitted at the time of acceptance to the School of Social Work:

• Up to nine (9) credits may be transferred for courses completed with a minimum grade of “B” and equivalent to �Ӱ���Ƶ SSW foundation courses;
• P/F courses will not be accepted for transfer credit;
• No course electives nor courses from programs outside of social work will be considered for transfer credit;
• All courses to have been completed within seven (7) years of anticipated enrollment in the school;

Applicants petitioning for transfer credits must include the following

• Professional statement to include reasons for requesting transfer to the University of New England School of Social Work;
• A syllabus, with detailed readings and assignment descriptions, for each course being submitted for transfer credit;

Transfer students are required to adhere to the degree-requirement progression plan in effect at the time of your admission (Note: Individualized provisions may, at times, increase the total credit hours required for graduation from the School of Social Work)

SSW may require transfer students to enroll in SSW/SSWO 526 Integrating Clinical\Community Frameworks as part of their progression plan.

Consideration of transfer credit beyond nine (9) credits, 7-year matriculation as well as courses outside of social work may be considered on a case by case basis at the time of admission.

EXPERIENTIAL CREDIT

• Per CSWE, academic credit is not given for life experiences or previous work experience

Admission Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree or above from a regionally accredited institution or its equivalent. See International Admissions for details regarding evaluation of international degrees for grade and degree equivalency.
• Applications are reviewed holistically as a determination of academic readiness. The admissions committee values previous academic performance as indicated on transcripts and considers it as part of the review process.
• Computer with Internet connection, including the hardware and software requirements described on the page. Must also possess sufficient computer skills to navigate the Internet as all classes are accessed 100% online.

Application Process

• Completed online application:
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae
• Goal Statement 
• Two professional/academic references
• Official transcripts reflecting conferral of a bachelor’s degree or above from a regionally accredited institution.

The Master of Social Work – Advanced Standing Track requires the following additional materials for admission:

• Conferral of a Bachelor of Social Work (B.S.W.) degree from a CSWE accredited B.S.W. program, preferably within the last seven (7) years.
• Completion of coursework equivalent to �Ӱ���Ƶ’s Foundation courses at the undergraduate level with a “B” or better is strongly preferred.

Transcripts for any coursework appearing as transfer credit on the transcript of the conferred degree can be waived if the coursework is unrelated to the degree being sought. The program admissions committee defines all coursework not eligible for waiver.​

Procedures and Policies

• Applications for admission are accepted through �Ӱ���Ƶ’s online application only. Detailed instructions are included in the online application.
• Official transcripts, as well as other documents to support the application, must be submitted to the College of Professional Studies, either electronically or sent to 716 Stevens Ave, Portland, ME, 04103
• International applicants and applicants with international degrees must have their transcripts evaluated for degree and grade equivalency to that of a regionally accredited US institution. See International Admissions.
• All applicants to �Ӱ���Ƶ must be able to understand and communicate in English to be admitted to the university. �Ӱ���Ƶ accepts several methods of English Proficiency, see International Admissions.
• If an applicant cannot prove English Proficiency in another way, scores from the are required and must be submitted as a part of the completed application.
• All materials submitted as part of the application become the property of �Ӱ���Ƶ and will not be returned or released to anyone, including the applicant. This policy includes letters of reference, primary and secondary applications, personal statements, transcripts, and other supporting materials.

For additional information on the admissions process and requirements, please access the website.

Policy Exceptions

The Master of Social Work program and the Social Work Admissions Committee in collaboration with the College of Professional Studies reserve the right to make exceptions to the admissions criteria and to make changes or exceptions to policies and procedures, on a case by case basis, when it deems such a decision is necessary and appropriate.

Tuition and fees for subsequent years may vary. Other expenses include books and housing. For more information regarding tuition and fees, please consult the Financial Information section of this catalog.

Principles

Social work education requires simultaneous acquisition of theory and social work practice skills and is a competency-based education that rests upon a shared and accepted view of the nature of competence in professional practice. Social work competence is the ability to integrate and apply social work knowledge, values, and skills to practice situations in a purposeful, intentional, and professional manner to promote human and community well-being. (Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards, Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), 2015).

The essential technical standards presented are required for subsequent promotion from year-to-year, and ultimately graduating from the University of New England (�Ӱ���Ƶ) with either a Bachelor of Social Work (B.S.W.) or a Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) degree. These standards pertain to all students enrolled in either the online or on-campus M.S.W. program at �Ӱ���Ƶ.

�Ӱ���Ƶ’s social work faculty is committed to fostering relationships with its students that encourage personal and professional growth. Its policies and procedures attempt to reflect this commitment to proactive and supportive communication. At the same time, it is imperative that all students recognize that the primary responsibility for a successful Social Work education, both in and out of the classroom, rests with the student.

All students, including students with disabilities, must have the capacity to manage their lives and anticipate their own needs. Situations can arise in which a student’s behavior and attitudes resulting from a disability or other personal circumstances present a problem which impairs the student’s ability to meet the standards set forth, even after reasonable accommodations have been considered and, if appropriate, made by the program, all students must still meet the requirements set forth by the program.

All applicants, regardless of disability, will be held to the same admission standards, and all enrolled students, regardless of disability, will be held to the same academic standards, understanding that all properly submitted requests for reasonable accommodation will be considered.

Students are expected to maintain these academic and technical standards in all online, on-campus, and �Ӱ���Ƶ sponsored off-campus activities, including clinical and fieldwork experiences and relevant community service.

Academic Program Standards

All students must complete all Social Work program requirements and receive a passing grade in all courses and practicums to be eligible for graduation. The graduating M.S.W. student must have a cumulative grade point average of a 3.0 or better. In order to progress in the program, B.S.W. students must have a “C” or better in PSY 105 - Introduction to Psychology, SOC 150 - Introduction to Sociology, and SSW 200 – Introduction to Social Work. B.S.W. students must also receive a “C” or better in PSY 205 – Abnormal Psychology, PSY 250 – Lifespan Development, PUB 300 – Global Health, and all social work courses. B.S.W. students are given two chances to earn a “C” or better in their required coursework.

Technical Standards

Throughout the program, students are expected to maintain the technical standards set forth and demonstrate them online and in face-to-face interactions; this includes in their classroom comportment, written and oral products, and interactions with peers and faculty; in service-learning settings, and in their field practicum and other professional experiences. Student behaviors that fail to demonstrate these standards while in the program will be reviewed and appropriate action (e.g., remediation, counseling, or dismissal) will be taken. Because this expectation is separate from academic achievement, simply maintaining a GPA is not sufficient.

Ethics

The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics (2021) outlines explicit standards for professional conduct. All students are required to acquire their own copy of the Code of Ethics, and are subsequently responsible for reading, understanding, and following all Ethical Principals and Ethical Standards as outlined.

Indicators of Concern

• Violation of NASW Code of Ethics (2021), relevant laws, or policies

Respect for Diversity and Social Justice

�Ӱ���Ƶ SSW students are expected to:

• Exhibit a willingness to relate and work non-judgmentally across difference with others.
• Demonstrate knowledge of, and sensitivity to diversity, oppression, and privilege, including a willingness to examine personal beliefs, values, and assumptions that perpetuate oppression.
• Understanding that members of the social work profession must serve all persons in need of assistance, regardless of the person’s age, class, race, gender, religious affiliation, physical or cognitive ability level, sexual orientation, background, or value system.
• Demonstrate an interest in different cultural perspectives and circumstances and acknowledge diversity.
• Demonstrate the ability to solicit and identify quality sources of feedback, reflect on, and integrate the feedback, learn from mistakes and failures. And provide meaningful feedback to others (e.g. appropriately discussing and supporting diversity, be responsive to feedback and constructive criticism regarding professional behavior and attitude, and understand the seriousness of academic and disciplinary warnings).

Indicators of Concern

• Violation of NASW Code of Ethics (2021), relevant laws, or policies.
• Use of discriminatory language or stereotypes.
• Inability to recognize the impact of their own personal values and behaviors on their relationship with others.
• Discriminatory behavior or harassment towards others on the basis of race, gender, age sexual orientation, disability, religion, etc.

Communication

Communication includes speech, language, reading, writing, computer literacy, body language, and other, non-verbal cues.

�Ӱ���Ƶ SSW students are expected to:

• Ensure that all their communication is timely, respectful*, with speech free from bias, discriminatory language or stereotyping and responsive to the requests of faculty, field instructors, peers, clients, collaterals, potential and current practicum sites, and associated personnel, and to the School, College, and University as a whole.
• To read all communications posted by the School of Social Work (SSW) and are responsible for staying abreast of current and ongoing information pertinent to their roles as graduate and professional students.
• Advocate for themself in an ethical, direct, respectful, and responsible manner using SSW and agency-specific channels for conflict management.
• Demonstrate respect for the privacy of their clients; refrain from gathering information about clients from online sources without the client’s consent (i.e. googling client history, accessing client social media); photographing clients; or publishing client information on social media.
• Follow relevant laws, field education agency policy, NASW Code of Ethics (1.07) pertaining to social media and in use of technology in all aspects of service delivery.
• Maintain awareness of how personal communications using social media could affect professional relationships with clients, colleagues, and agencies.
• That their written assignments demonstrate: good spelling, appropriate use of punctuation, clear structure, paragraphing, good organization, follows logical sequence. Consistent use of APA style.

Indicators of Concern

• Violation of NASW Code of Ethics (2021), relevant laws, or policies.
• Use of discriminatory language or stereotypes.
• Written work is frequently vague, shows difficulty in expressing ideas clearly and concisely.
• Student has many errors in the areas of spelling, punctuati