Academic Programs
Undergraduate
Overview |
Course Descriptions
|
Sample Plan of Study
The University of
Maine has offered undergraduate education in social work and social
welfare since the 1950's. In 1972, UM began offering the BA in Social
Work degree, with the initial accreditation of the program in 1979. The
two-year, fully accredited graduate program leading to the Master of
Social Work degree began in 1988. The School has grown to an average
enrollment of over 120 undergraduate and 150 graduate students in the programs.
Click here for the complete BASW Program Guide
The BASW program
features:
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Small, individualized classes
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A nationally recognized faculty with
expertise in social work with children and families, mental health,
healthcare, poverty, international social work, school social work,
and persons with disabilities.
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Excellent opportunities for student
involvement in School service activities and governance through the
Social Work Student Organization.
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Recognition of academic excellence
through the Eta Zeta Chapter of Phi Alpha, the Social Work Honor
Society.
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A diverse student group representing
many ages, interests, and backgrounds.
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Courses offered on the Orono Campus and at the
Hutchinson Center in Belfast.
Bachelor of Arts in Social Work
Program
Accreditation. The BASW program of the
School of Social Work is accredited by the Council on Social Work
Education. Each BASW graduate is qualified to take the examination for
certification as a Licensed Social Worker in the state of Maine.
Curriculum. The UM School of Social
Work educates social workers from a generalist perspective of social
work practice. The undergraduate curriculum in Social Work builds upon a
solid liberal arts foundation with courses in human behavior and the
social environment, social welfare policies and issues, social work
research, social work practice, and field instruction.
Field Practicum. During the junior and
senior years, students complete field experiences and internships in
agencies such as child protective services, medical social work,
geriatric social work, community mental health, teen parent programs, and
community services. The field practica are an integral part of the BASW
education program and provide each student with the opportunity to apply
classroom learning to "hands on" social work practice.
Career Opportunities
Employment. Many opportunities for
social workers are available in Maine and throughout the United States.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, over the next six
years the number of social work jobs is expected to increase faster than
the average for all occupations (statement by Executive Director of the
Council on Social Work Education, 2000).Bachelor of Arts in Social Work
graduates are employed in public settings - Maine Department of Human
Services, Department of Behavioral and Developmental Services, and in private, non-profit organizations - youth-serving
agencies, nursing homes, day care centers, hospitals, adoption agencies,
community centers, and mental health programs.
Working with People. Graduates work
with people of all ages and with a wide variety of problems and issues:
children, elders, families, persons with mental illness, children living
in foster care, families receiving hospice care.
Graduate Study
Bachelor of Arts in Social Work
graduates qualify for "advanced standing" in the Master of Social Work
program of the University of Maine and at many graduate programs of
Social Work nationwide. In most programs, admission to "advanced
standing" means that the student may complete the MSW program in less
than the traditional two years. The Bachelor of Arts in Social Work is
also good preparation for graduate study in psychology, human
development, family studies, and counselor education.
