Master of Social Work Admission Requirements

Admission Requirements

Applicants are encouraged to review the Master of Social Work (MSW) requirements for admission for each track prior to beginning their application, as the admission requirements vary for each track option.

Traditional Track

  • Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution or equivalent.
    • See our International Admissions page for additional admissions requirements including details regarding the 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 Technical Requirements page. Must also possess sufficient computer skills to navigate the internet as all classes are accessed 100% online.

Advanced Standing Track

  • Graduation from a CSWE-accredited Bachelors of Social Work program within the last 7 years is required.
  • 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.
  • Equivalent coursework at the undergraduate level to UNE’s generalist year courses completed with a “B” or better is strongly preferred.
  • Evidence of significant experience in the human services field with MSW supervision.
  • Computer with internet connection, including the hardware and software requirements described on the Technical Requirements page. Must also possess sufficient computer skills to navigate the internet as all classes are accessed 100% online.

What this program looks for in an applicant

We recognize that social work is a continually evolving field of study that draws applicants from diverse backgrounds. There is no one typical background for a successful social work student. Successful social work students bring rich backgrounds and diverse professional and academic experiences to their education, are characterized by a lifelong curiosity, are self-motivated, and have an inclination towards advocacy in its many forms. The ability to learn and adapt to new tools and technology is an asset in this program, and students who possess the skill of managing multiple competing priorities in a timely fashion are often the most successful in our online learning environment.

Go To Application

Application Process

Step 1

  • Create an account for the Online Application Portal, start a new application, and fill out all required fields
    • Goal Statement/Essay: 500 – 1000 words. What inspired you to pursue the field of social work? Describe your current strengths and areas of growth, and your goals/aspirations as a future MSW. Additionally, please describe your personal or professional experiences with diversity, equity, inclusion.
    • Optional: How does your GPA accurately reflect your current abilities, talents, and readiness to enter a graduate program?

Step 2

Upload all supporting documents:

  • Resume/CV: Must be current and include current professional roles and responsibilities as well as any volunteer, service-learning, or community service experience.
  • Two completed Applicant Recommendation Forms – may be completed in one of the following ways:
    • 1. Electronic – Please provide your enrollment counselor with contact information for two references. An electronic form will be sent directly to your references to complete. The completed form will be sent to the enrollment counselor and added to your application.
    • 2. Print – You may print these forms out and complete the applicant section by hand, then give them to your supervisor/recommenders to complete and send back to us. Please remember these forms need to be submitted to us by your supervisor or recommender directly, either by email or mail.
    • Please note that these recommendation forms are confidential and will not be added to the official student file
    • For Advanced Standing applicants, recommendation letters must be filled out by a fieldwork supervisor or current or past work supervisor, and a faculty member from your BSW program. Letters from co-workers and friends will not be reviewed.
  • Advanced Standing applicants are required to submit copies of field evaluations and verification of field hours completed.

Step 3

  • Request an official transcript reflecting conferral of bachelor’s degree.
  • Official transcripts must be submitted to UNE directly from the institution. Please contact your college or university as soon as possible and request that they send an official transcript via mail to the address below or by certified electronic delivery. We will notify you as soon as we receive your official transcript. If your transcript is from an international institution, it will need to be translated and/or evaluated for U.S. grade and degree equivalency and sent to us directly from the evaluation company. Please contact an enrollment counselor for more information.
  • If sent electronically, request that your transcript be sent to: socialworkonline@une.edu
  • If mailed, request that your transcript be addressed to:
University of New England
College of Graduate & Professional Studies
Attention: Social Work
716 Stevens Avenue
Portland, ME 04103

  • Please Note: Additional transcripts may be required or requested. You can always submit additional transcripts if you feel they would strengthen your application.

Step 4

  • Pay non-refundable $40 application fee.

Procedures and Policies

Students may apply to transfer up to three 3-credit courses (maximum of nine credits) into the Master of Social Work – Advanced Standing program or up to three 3-credit courses (maximum of nine credits) into the Master of Social Work – Traditional program.

Transfer courses must:

  • Be classified as graduate level
  • Be from a CSWE accredited institution
  • Be equivalent to a required program course, not an elective
  • Have been taken within seven years of application
  • Have been completed with a grade of “B” or better (P/F courses will not be accepted for transfer credit)

To request consideration for transfer credit, a student must provide an official transcript and a course syllabus for each course. Your enrollment counselor or student support specialist can assist you with this request. Transfer credit is awarded at the discretion of the School of Social Work based on specific program details listed above. Requests for approval of transfer credit should be submitted to, and will be granted at the discretion of the Program Director.

Policy Exceptions

The School of Social Work reserves the right to make exceptions to the transfer credit policy and to make changes or exceptions, on a case by case basis when it deems such a decision is necessary and appropriate.

All application materials submitted to UNE are valid for 12 months from the date received by the University. To avoid needing to re-request transcripts and letters of recommendation, we recommend that you complete your application and enroll in a timely manner. In the event that you need to re-apply or re-activate your application, materials older than 12 months will need to be re-submitted without exception.

Students not seeking a degree may enroll in individual courses as non-matriculated students, space permitting, and upon approval by the program manager. Non-matriculated students must hold a bachelor’s degree and submit an official transcript reflecting the conferral of the degree. Students may not move from non-matriculated to matriculated status within the same semester. Please contact an enrollment counselor to assist in this process.

More information explaining the admissions requirements for international students or applicants with international degrees can be found here on the International Admissions page. If you have specific questions, please contact an enrollment counselor for personal guidance through the application process.

 

Your Dedicated Enrollment Counselors

Enrollment counselors are here to help you understand the Social Work admission requirements and assist you throughout the entire application process.

Dave Erbach

Dave Erbach

Enrollment Counselor III

(207) 221-4974

derbach@une.edu


 

Questions?

If you have any questions about application requirements, the coursework or program requirements, please speak to one of our enrollment counselors at the email or phone number below.