Best Online & Affordable MSW Programs in Maine
Delve into the world of Master of Social Work (MSW) programs in Maine, where a rich tapestry of academic offerings and professional opportunities awaits. From navigating program admissions to selecting the right fit for your career goals, this guide will illuminate the path to becoming a licensed social worker in Maine’s scenic and community-focused state.
2026 Best MSW Programs in Maine
University of Southern Maine
Portland, ME - Public 4-Year - usm.maine.edu
Master's - Master of Social Work
Campus Based - Visit Website
University of Southern Maine's Master of Social Work program offers a transformative educational journey for aspiring social work professionals. Spanning 61 credit hours, the CSWE-accredited curriculum provides robust training in social justice, advanced practice techniques, and community engagement. Students benefit from flexible full-time and part-time tracks, with advanced standing available for BSW graduates. The program uniquely emphasizes practical field experiences through two immersive 9-month internships, ensuring graduates are comprehensively prepared for diverse practice settings. With no GRE requirement and a focus on holistic professional development, students can pursue state licensure and certification with a competitive 3.0 minimum undergraduate GPA.
- CSWE nationally accredited program
- Full-time: 2 years, part-time: 3-4 years
- 61 total credit hours required
- No GRE required for admission
- Apply by November 15 annually
- Advanced standing for BSW graduates
- Two 9-month field internships
- Blended and in-person study modes
- 3.0 minimum undergraduate GPA
- Liberal arts prerequisite credits
Master's - Master of Social Work
Campus Based - Visit Website
Designed for compassionate change-makers, the University of Southern Maine's low-residency MSW program empowers students to address complex social challenges through innovative learning strategies. The nationally accredited curriculum integrates rigorous academic training with extensive field education, allowing students to develop advanced professional skills. With flexible completion timelines ranging from 2-4 years, the program accommodates diverse student needs. Highlighting diversity, equity, and social justice principles, graduates are strategically positioned for impactful community service. The program's distinctive approach includes two comprehensive 9-month internships, no GRE admission requirements, and pathways for BSW graduates seeking advanced standing.
- 61 total credit hours required
- Full-time: 2 years completion
- Part-time: 3-4 years completion
- CSWE nationally accredited
- No GRE required
- November 15 application deadline
- 3.0 GPA minimum requirement
- Two 9-month field internships
- Blended and in-person learning
- Advanced standing for BSW
Master's - Master of Social Work
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Southern Maine's hybrid Master of Social Work program represents an innovative approach to professional social work education. By blending online and in-person learning modalities, the program offers unprecedented flexibility for working professionals and career changers. Graduates emerge with advanced skills to navigate complex social challenges, supported by a curriculum emphasizing diversity, equity, and social justice. The 61-credit program provides comprehensive training through two intensive 9-month internships, preparing students for diverse practice environments. With no GRE requirement, a competitive 3.0 GPA threshold, and advanced standing options for BSW graduates, the CSWE-accredited program ensures students are thoroughly equipped for licensure and meaningful professional contributions.
- 61 total credit hours
- Full-time: 2 years completion
- Part-time: 3-4 years completion
- CSWE nationally accredited
- Application deadline: November 15
- No GRE required
- 3.0 GPA minimum requirement
- Advanced standing available
- Two 9-month internships
- Blended and in-person options
University of Maine
Orono, ME - Public 4-Year - umaine.edu
Master's - Master of Social Work (MSW)
Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Maine's campus-based Master of Social Work program offers a comprehensive 63-credit curriculum designed for aspiring social work professionals. With full CSWE accreditation through 2027, students can choose from multiple enrollment pathways including full-time (2-year), extended (4-year), and blended online-hybrid formats. The program emphasizes small class sizes, direct faculty interaction, and substantial field internship experiences. Advanced standing opportunities exist for BSW graduates, enabling accelerated progression. Ideal for those seeking flexible, high-quality social work education, the program prepares students to address complex community challenges with advanced generalist practice skills and ethical competence.
- Full CSWE accreditation through 2027
- Multiple program delivery formats
- 63 semester credit hours
- Full-time and extended study options
- Advanced standing for BSW graduates
- Online-hybrid option available
- Campus, extended, and blended formats
- Admitted Fall semester only
- Small class sizes
- Experiential learning opportunities
Master's - Master of Social Work (MSW)
Online Learning - Visit Website
University of Maine's online Master of Social Work program provides a flexible, comprehensive educational pathway for working professionals and distance learners. Spanning 63 credit hours, the program offers multiple enrollment options including full-time, extended, and blended formats. Fully accredited by CSWE through 2027, students benefit from small class sizes, personalized faculty mentorship, and robust experiential learning opportunities. The curriculum is strategically designed for Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont residents, focusing on advanced generalist skills. With advanced standing available for BSW graduates, the program equips students to make meaningful societal impacts through innovative social work practice.
- Two-year full-time MSW program
- Extended 3-4 year part-time option
- Blended online-hybrid format
- Advanced standing available
- 63 semester credit hours
- Accredited through 2027
- Small class sizes
- Maine, NH, VT residents eligible
- Campus and online options
- Faculty-led experiential learning
Master's - Master of Social Work (MSW)
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Maine's hybrid Master of Social Work program delivers a dynamic, flexible educational experience for aspiring social work professionals. Offering multiple enrollment tracks including full-time (2-year) and extended (4-year) options, the 63-credit curriculum emphasizes comprehensive training in advanced generalist practice. CSWE-accredited through 2027, the program features intimate class sizes, experienced faculty, and substantial field internship experiences. Designed exclusively for residents of Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont, students can leverage advanced standing opportunities. The program's blended online-hybrid model ensures accessibility while maintaining rigorous academic and professional standards.
- Fully CSWE accredited program
- 63 semester credit hours
- Multiple program formats
- Full-time 2-year option
- Extended 4-year option
- Blended online-hybrid program
- Advanced standing available
- Small class sizes
- Field internship experiences
- Admits Fall cohort only
MSW Degree Program Requirements/Eligibility in Maine
Maine Traditional MSW Admissions Requirements
If you have a bachelor’s degree in another subject other than social work, you’ll need to enroll in a two-year traditional MSW program. Traditional MSW programs usually require around 60 credits. To start applying, make sure that you have the following:
- Bachelor’s degree, typically in psychology or a related area, from a regionally accredited institution
- Minimum GPA requirement (typically around 3.0)
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement or essay
- Resume or CV outlining relevant experience
- Completion of prerequisite courses (such as psychology, sociology, or human services)
- GRE scores (some programs may waive this requirement)
- Interview (some programs may require an interview as part of the application process)
- Background check and/or fingerprinting
Maine Advanced-Standing MSW Admissions Requirements
If you have a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree and a GPA of 3.5 or higher, check out advanced-standing MSW programs. Enrolling as an advanced-standing MSW student allows you to complete your studies by fulfilling 35 credits and graduating within one year. Check out these advanced-standing MSW programs in Maine:
- University of Maine – visit site
- University of Southern Maine – visit site
- University of New England – visit site
RELATED: Learn more about Social Work Salaries
Maine MSW Program Tuition and Costs
Maine’s MSW programs offer a range of tuition costs. The most affordable options are reserved for Maine residents at $445 a credit; however, nonresidents can find affordable online options at $494 a credit. Take a look at these examples to get a good idea of how much you’ll be spending on MSW programs in Maine.
| School | Tuition (per credit hour) | Total Credits | Total Tuition |
| University of Maine | $616 (Residents) $1,854 (Non-residents) | 63 | $38,952 (Residents) $116,856 (Non-residents) |
| University of Southern Maine | $445 (Resident) $1,350 (Non-resident) $460-494 (Online) | 61 | $27,145 (Resident) $82,350 (Non-resident) $28,060-30,134 (Online) |
| University of New England | $1,050 (Online) | 60 | $63,000 (Online) |
2026 Affordable MSW Program Options
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| University of Southern Maine |
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| University of Maine |
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Are Online MSW Programs in Maine as Good as Campus-Based?
Online MSW programs are a great way to cut costs and balance studies, work, and personal time. However, for some, online programs lack academic resources and have limited learning options. Take a look at these important differences between online and traditional MSW programs.
Traditional MSW vs. Online MSW Programs in Maine
| Traditional MSW Programs | Online MSW Programs | |
| Format | In-person classes | Online classes with some in-person requirements |
| Flexibility | Limited scheduling options | More flexibility in scheduling, often part-time options |
| Location | Geographically limited | Accessible from anywhere with internet connectivity |
| Learning Environment | Classroom-based | Virtual classroom, discussion boards, and online resources |
| Networking | Local networking opportunities | Networking with students and professionals from diverse locations |
| Cost | Tuition, commuting, and relocation expenses | Generally lower tuition and flexibility to continue working |
| Hands-on Experience | Field placements and internships | Virtual or field placements and internships arranged in the student's local area |
In your research, remember that to get licensed as a social worker, your program must be accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Look for the CSWE logo on University websites where MSW programs are offered.
Learn more about Social Work Degree Options:
- Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
- Master of Social Work (MSW)
- Graduate Certificate in Social Work
- Doctorate of Social Work (DSW)
Getting Your Maine Social Work License
Maine, like other states, has specific requirements for social work graduates to become licensed. Learn about Maine’s requirements in our Social Work Licensure Guide.
Popular Social Work Careers
Discover the specializations available to you within social work. These social work careers can help you work with diverse populations in a variety of environments.
School Social Worker
School social workers provide counseling, support, and advocacy for students facing social, emotional, or behavioral challenges. They collaborate with teachers, parents, and other professionals to develop student success strategies, provide crisis intervention, and facilitate support groups.
Healthcare Social Worker
Healthcare social workers assess patients' social, emotional, and practical needs. They provide counseling and support, coordinate care with healthcare providers, advocate for patients' rights, and connect patients and their families with community resources to ensure holistic and comprehensive care.
Court Social Worker
Court social workers assess the needs of individuals involved in court cases. They develop intervention plans, provide counseling and support, monitor progress in court-ordered programs, collaborate with legal professionals, and advocate for clients' best interests in legal proceedings.
List of MSW Degree Programs in Maine
Orono, ME
University of Maine
- Master's - Master of Social Work (MSW)
Campus Based - Website
- Full CSWE accreditation through 2027
- Multiple program delivery formats
- 63 semester credit hours
- Full-time and extended study options
- Advanced standing for BSW graduates
- Online-hybrid option available
- Campus, extended, and blended formats
- Admitted Fall semester only
- Master's - Master of Social Work (MSW)
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Fully CSWE accredited program
- 63 semester credit hours
- Multiple program formats
- Full-time 2-year option
- Extended 4-year option
- Blended online-hybrid program
- Advanced standing available
- Small class sizes
- Master's - Master of Social Work (MSW)
Online Learning - Website
- Two-year full-time MSW program
- Extended 3-4 year part-time option
- Blended online-hybrid format
- Advanced standing available
- 63 semester credit hours
- Accredited through 2027
- Small class sizes
- Maine, NH, VT residents eligible
Portland, ME
University of Southern Maine
- Master's - Master of Social Work
Campus Based - Website
- CSWE nationally accredited program
- Full-time: 2 years, part-time: 3-4 years
- 61 total credit hours required
- No GRE required for admission
- Apply by November 15 annually
- Advanced standing for BSW graduates
- Two 9-month field internships
- Blended and in-person study modes
- Master's - Master of Social Work
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 61 total credit hours
- Full-time: 2 years completion
- Part-time: 3-4 years completion
- CSWE nationally accredited
- Application deadline: November 15
- No GRE required
- 3.0 GPA minimum requirement
- Advanced standing available
- Master's - Master of Social Work
Campus Based - Website
- 61 total credit hours required
- Full-time: 2 years completion
- Part-time: 3-4 years completion
- CSWE nationally accredited
- No GRE required
- November 15 application deadline
- 3.0 GPA minimum requirement
- Two 9-month field internships
