continuing
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research
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Overview 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 75 graduate students in the programs. The BASW program features: - Small, individualized classes - 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. - Excellent opportunities for student involvement in School
service activities and governance through the Social Work
Student Organization. - Recognition of academic excellence through the Eta Zeta
Chapter of Phi Alpha, the Social Work Honor Society. - A diverse student group representing many ages, interests, and backgrounds. - Computer Cluster located at the School of Social Work 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 Labour 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 Mental Health, Mental Retardation and
Substance Abuse, 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.
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