Social Work
Degree: Master of Social Work (M.S.W.)
College: Health Professions
Department: School of Social Work
Contact: Application materials may be obtained from the School of Social Work, University of New England, 716 Stevens Ave, Portland, Maine, 04103 or by calling 1-207-221-4513, or the Admissions Office at 1-207-221-4225. (TDY 1-207-382-0167).
Program information sessions are held at regularly scheduled times during the year. Interested applicants should call the School of Social Work at 1-207-221-4513 to find out the times of these meetings.
Overview
The School of Social Work prepares people for advanced professional practice and is accredited to offer the master of social work (MSW) degree by the Council on Social Work Education. MSW graduates learn to understand the potential for individual and collective human development when people live with dignity and social justice; to identify people's strengths across diverse populations and how to build upon them; to understand the multiple social, cultural, political and economic factors influencing the design, development and evaluation of social policies and programs; to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to carry out multiple social work interventions consistent with the School's mission and the profession's ethics; and to develop intervention strategies that empower individuals, families, groups, or communities.
The MSW degree offers graduates the opportunity to play active roles in health and mental health, alcohol and substance abuse, poverty and public welfare, women's and children's services, domestic violence, homelessness, 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.
Mission Statement
The School of Social Work at the University of New England is committed to the values of human dignity, individual and cultural diversity, individual and collective self-determination, and social justice. We honor the uniqueness of the individual while simultaneously respecting people's membership in groups distinguished by class, race or ethnicity, gender or sexual orientation, culture, religion, age or ability. With a strengths perspective as our primary organizing theme, our efforts to promote growth and change respective of such uniqueness demand a commitment to struggle against and ameliorate oppression in all its forms, including discrimination, social and economic injustice, and violence.
Professional social work knowledge and skills emanate from these values and form the basis for our educational program. We provide students with the opportunity to understand people's strengths, individually and collectively. We focus on identifying and understanding societal barriers to human dignity including thorough assessment of social, psychological, economic and organizational oppression, their impact on people's lives, and the strengths people have developed to endure, resist, and change. Our learning environment (1) facilitates and encourages self-examination and reflection; (2) provides respect for each student as both teacher/learner; and (3) demands that our own actions serve as models for operationalizing these values in the classroom, among colleagues, in our governance, and in the University and community.
We prepare our graduates as advanced social work practitioners firmly based in these values as the principles guiding their work. We provide students with the knowledge and skills to promote human relationships grounded in mutuality, compassion and dignity; to support and enhance individual and collective self-determination; and to influence social, economic and political systems to develop the human rights, resources and opportunities to achieve social justice.
Goals of the Program
| 1. | To prepare students for entry into advanced social work practice - to carry out professional roles and responsibilities consistent with social work ethics and the values embodied in the School's mission. | |
| 2. | To prepare students to understand the interactive and multiple historical and contextual factors that shape and define the social work profession, social policies and programs, and their impact with different client systems. | |
| 3. | To prepare students to understand structural, cultural and interpersonal oppression occurring in people's lives and its impact on individuals, families and communities. | |
| 4. | To provide students with the knowledge and skills to identify and build upon clients' strengths at multiple levels. | |
| 5. | To provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to produce effective interventions with people from diverse backgrounds, experiencing different types of problems, across different settings. | |
| 6. | To help students develop and implement professional practice relationships based upon empowerment and connection in order to enhance social functioning and social change consistent with the values of human dignity, individual and cultural diversity, self-determination, and social justice. | |
| 7. | To help students build the knowledge and skills necessary to influence social, economic and political systems to provide adequate and appropriate resources that honor diversity, and to achieve social justice. | |
| 8. | To help students use critical self-reflection, research and continuing knowledge building to enhance professional practice. | |
| 9. | To prepare students to work in unserved and under served areas. |
These goals are carefully specified as learning objectives and permeate our curriculum. Through their presence in courses, fieldwork internships, and internal School governance we bring our Mission Statement to life
Accreditation
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.
Requirements
The admissions process is intended to identify and select the most highly qualified applicants to the School of Social Work. An Admissions Committee oversees the selection process and recommends admissions policies to the School. A complete admissions application contains the following materials:
| 1. | School of Social Work admissions application form. | |
| 2. | Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate study indicating completion of an undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university. | |
| 3. | Indication that the applicant has taken a distribution of liberal arts courses, including content in human biology. If the applicant has not taken a course with content in human biology, it must be completed prior to matriculating into the MSW program. | |
| 4. | Two educational/professional references. | |
| 5. | A personal statement which expresses the applicant's reasons for pursuing a graduate social work degree at this point in his or her life; assesses the applicant's prior formal and informal learning and social work-related experiences; and discusses the applicant's perception of the School's Mission Statement and its applicability to professional social work. |
Evidence of relevant employment, volunteer, and/or client experiences in service systems or social programs and other learning experiences in addition to formal education are considered in the admissions evaluation process. Applicants whose formal academic or work/volunteer experiences are felt to be misrepresentations of their qualifications for admission are encouraged to address these issues in their personal statement and to ask their reference writers to do the same. For this reason, no specific GPA or standardized test score is required.
Procedures and Policies
It is the applicant's responsibility to complete the application files which must include all of the following items:
| 1. | School of Social Work application form. | |
| 2. | Personal Statement. | |
| 3. | Official Transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate study. These transcripts must be mailed directly from the issuing institution to the Admissions Office. | |
| 4. | Two educational/professions references. (Note: pursuant to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Acts of 1974, applicants should notify referents, including therapists, that no material can be held confidential). | |
| 5. | Application fee of $40.00. |
When all materials are received, the applicant is notified that the application file is complete. If notification is not received from the School within a reasonable time, the applicant should assume that his or her application is not complete and follow-up accordingly.
Applicants from outside the United States should submit their applications together with a financial affidavit and TOEFL scores (if their primary language is not English) at an early date because additional time is required to process these applications.
If a student is admitted to the School of Social Work prior to the completion of his or her bachelor's degree, the admission is contingent upon the School's receipt of evidence of graduation and the supplemental transcript of any undergraduate or graduate work in progress at the time of acceptance.
Non-Matriculated Students
Each semester, the School offers two of its foundation courses to non-matriculating students. If non-matriculating students are later accepted into the School, these courses are transferred and the requirements for them waived (assuming a grade of "B" or better). Applications for non-matriculated classes are due by August.
Transfer Credit
The transfer of credit for graduate courses taken at another institution (other than advanced standing) may be possible under the following conditions:
| 1. |
Transfer students with one full year of graduate social work education. |
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| 2. |
Transfer students with less than one full year of graduate education. |
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| a. |
The request for transfer of credit must be initiated at the time of application to the School, but in no event later than the beginning of their attendance as degree seeking students. |
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| b. |
The transferred credit must have been earned as graduate credit at an accredited university or college within five years preceding the request for transfer. |
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| c. |
The transferred credit must be accepted by the School as having a direct relevance to the program of study at the School of Social Work. Most first-year foundation level courses taken from another accredited graduate school of social work are transferable, but may not meet the requirements to waive a given course taught in the University's social work curriculum. A maximum of nine credit hours for graduate credits earned in another discipline may be transferred toward elective or required courses in the School's program providing that these credits were not taken as part of an earned graduate degree at another institution. |
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| d. |
All transferred credits must carry a minimum grade of B. |
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| 3. |
Transfer credit earned from a completed graduate program of study in another discipline. |
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| 4. | Procedures to apply for transfer credits. Applicants wishing to apply for a transfer of credit, whether to be applied toward elective credit or for waiver of required courses, must provide the School with a written petition for the transfer along with the following documents: an official transcript showing that the course(s) were taken and passed with a grade of B or better; a copy of the course descriptions, syllabi, or bibliographies in which the course and course assignments are described. |
Advanced Standing
Qualified graduates of BSW programs accredited by the Council on Social Work Education can be considered for Advanced Standing under the following conditions:
| 1. | Graduation from a C.S.W.E. accredited BSW program within five years of their enrollment in the School of Social Work. | |
| 2. | A minimum 3.0 GPA for their last 60 undergraduate credit hours. | |
| 3. | A review by the Admissions Committee of course outlines/syllabi and field work evaluations indicating that the applicant has had the class and field experiences that parallel the University of New England School of Social Work Foundation year and received a minimum of a B (3.0) average on a four-point scale. | |
| 4. | The applicant provides evidence of significant experience in the human service field with M.S.W. supervision preferred. | |
| 5. | The applicant completes all other admissions requirements including the personal statement and references. | |
| 6. | Applicants meeting the above criteria may have up to thirty-two (32) credit hours awarded toward degree requirements. Applicant also may be required to take additional coursework preceding regular enrollment to address knowledge deficits or gaps in their undergraduate education. | |
| 7. | Students admitted into advanced standing are required to enroll in two 2.5 credit hour summer intensive courses prior to the fall semester ( SSW 515 Integrating Micro and Macro Frameworks; and SSW 525 Introduction to Advanced Practice). Students not meeting the UNE foundation field requirements (560 hours) may be required to complete an additional field practicum (up to 3 credit hours). |
Credit for Experiential Learning
Applicants may not receive academic credit for work experience in the field or for life experience.
Students may undertake their graduate education in the School of Social Work on a full-time or part-time basis. Full-time students complete the program in four semesters (two academic years or extended years, with 1-2 summer sessions) while part-time students have three academic years to successfully complete their studies. The School offers a number of classes in the evenings and during the May-June summer session to permit students opportunities for distributing their requirements more evenly over the calendar year. In addition, the School of Social Work may offer advanced standing status to qualified graduates of accredited BSW programs (See Advanced Standing). Advanced Standing has both full-time and part-time options.
The School of Social Work also offers a part-time MSW program in Presque Isle, Maine. Only the Individual, Family, and Group Practice concentration is available at the Presque Isle campus.
All students are required to complete 64 credit hours of graduate study divided between classroom and fieldwork education. Field placements, or internships, consist of four semesters of supervised practice in approved social work settings; each semester includes 280 hours of practice experience.
The curriculum is designed to provide an integrated foundation or knowledge base and advanced skills for social work practice within a concentration (individual, family, and group practice or organizational and community social work practice).
Foundation year 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 Human Behavior and the Social Environment I and II; Social Work Policy and Programs I and II; Social Work Practice I and II; Research I and II; and Integrating Seminars I and II. In addition, students spend 560 hours in a field setting, which permits students another learning mode through placements in social agencies and programs with structured on-site professional supervision.
Advanced-year concentrations are offered in individual, family, and group practice, and organization and community social work practice. Two advanced-year required courses and electives build upon foundation knowledge and prepare the student for advanced practice in specialized areas. Both the foundation and the advanced year build upon an expected grounding in liberal arts.
Two advanced-year concentrations have been developed:
| 1. | Individual, Family, and Group Practice | |
| 2. | Organization and Community Social Work Practice |
The individual, family, and group practice concentration prepares students with knowledge and skills for advanced practice primarily focused with individuals, families, and groups in multiple settings. Organization and community social work practice provides students with knowledge and skills in an array of advanced practice roles in the areas of program and policy development, administration, supervision, political advocacy, community practice, and evaluation. Both concentrations prepare graduates for professional leadership positions within their communities.
Certain advanced-level bridge courses are taken by all students, regardless of the concentration selected. The School of Social Work believes that students in each concentration are enriched by having a better understanding of the other's theories, methods, and practice issues. Required bridge courses between the concentrations make the School of Social Work curriculum unique and dynamic. Social Work With Groups represents this type of course. Students' learning is enriched by dialogue reflecting different practice emphases emanating from common professional values. Electives further enrich the foundation and required advanced year curriculum.
| Master of Science in Social Work (64 Credits) |
Credits
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| Year One - Foundation | ||||
| SSW 501 Human Behavior & the Social Environment I |
3
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| SSW 502 Human Behavior & the Social Environment II |
3
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| SSW 505 Social Welfare Policy and Programs I |
3
|
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| SSW 506 Social Welfare Policy and Programs II |
3
|
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| SSW 503 Social Work Research I |
3
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| SSW 504 Social Work Research II |
3
|
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| SSW 510 Social Work Practice I |
3
|
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| SSW 511 Social Work Practice II |
3
|
|||
| SSW 520 Field Practicum I/Seminar |
4
|
|||
| SSW 522 Field Practicum II/Seminar |
4
|
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| Year One Total |
32
|
|||
| Year Two - Concentration | ||||
| SSW 552 IFG Practice I or SSW 564 Program Dev & Community Practice |
3
|
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| SSW 553 IFG Practice II or SSW 565 Administration and Supervision |
3
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| SSW 597 Advanced Psychosocial Assessment |
3
|
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| SSW 571 Social Work Practice with Groups |
3
|
|||
| SSW 580 Field Practicum III/Seminar |
4
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| SSW 582 Field Practicum IV/Seminar |
4
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| Elective |
3
|
|||
| Elective |
3
|
|||
| Elective |
3
|
|||
| Elective |
3
|
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| Year Two Total |
32
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| Total Program |
64
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| Advanced Standing Program (66 Credits)* | ||||
| Transfer Credits |
29
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| SSW 515 Integrating Micro Macro Framework |
2.5
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| SSW 525 Introduction to Advanced Practice |
2.5
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| SSW 552 IFG Practice I or SSW 564 Program Dev & Community Practice |
3
|
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| SSW 553 IFG Practice II or SSW 565 Administration and Supervision |
3
|
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| SSW 597 Advanced Psychosocial Assessment |
3
|
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| SSW 571 Social Work Practice w/Groups |
3
|
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| SSW 580 Field Practicum III/Seminar |
4
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| SSW 582 Field Practicum IV/Seminar |
4
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| Elective |
3
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| Elective |
3
|
|||
| Elective |
3
|
|||
| Elective |
3
|
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| Total Advanced Standing Program |
66
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| * 66 credits includes transfer credits |
Grading System
The School of Social Work has a letter grading system (A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C and F). Students in the program are expected to maintain a "B" (3.0) average over the course of their study. Students who receive two or more C's in courses undergo an educational review. Students who receive an F in the first semester of a two-semester course sequence may not take the second semester of that course until the first semester is repeated or the failing grade is otherwise resolved. Any student who fails two or more classes is dismissed from the program.
Incomplete Policy
A student who believes she/he is unable to complete the work for a given course by the end of the term may apply for an extension by discussing this with the instructor and completing a Request for Incomplete Form (available in the SSW office). At the time of this meeting, a plan must be agreed upon for completion of the course work, including a date of completion, not to exceed four weeks following the end date of the course. This form must be completed by the last day of class for the given course. Any student who does not follow the above guidelines will receive an F for the course. In exceptional circumstances (death in family, significant illness, accident), an additional extension may be requested. Any such request must be reviewed and signed by the School director.
Course Add/Drop or Withdrawal
Course changes (add/drops) are allowed during the first five days of classes; tuition may be adjusted dependent upon number of hours enrolled. After the first week of classes no refunds are made for course changes.
In normal length semesters, a matriculated student may withdraw from a course without academic penalty (a grade of W is assigned) at any time during the first two-thirds of the semester. If withdrawal occurs after that date, the grade of WP (withdrew passing) or WF (withdrew failing) will be entered, subject to determination by the instructor. The grade of WF is computed in the grade point average. Short-term programs or courses may be subject to specific policy regarding add/drop or withdrawal. Consult with the instructor and/or program director regarding such policy.
Repeat Course Policy
MSW students may repeat a course in the event of a failing grade if that is the recommendation of the Educational Review Committee. However, only the second or last course will receive credit on the student's transcript.
Upon completion of a repeated course, a new listing and assigned grade are placed on the student's transcript. The original course listing and grade remain on the student's transcript. All courses are listed chronologically on the transcript by semester or academic period in which the student is enrolled.
Readmission
A student who has officially withdrawn can reapply through the Office of Admissions. Special consideration for students who leave the School in good standing will be given if their application for readmission is received within two years of their departure from the MSW program. Applications for readmission received more than two years from withdrawal will be considered as new applications.
Returning Students
Students who leave the School in good standing prior to completion of the requirements for the MSW degree are given special consideration for readmission. Credit is not given, however, for graduate work completed more than five years prior to the student's readmission.
Tuition and Fees
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.
Financial Aid
Detailed information and applications are available on request from the Financial Aid Office at the University Campus. Call 207-602-2342 or visit the Financial Aid website.
Upon successful completion of 64 credit hours of graduate study divided between classroom and field work education, students are awarded the master of social work degree from the University of New England. Students with advanced standing must successfully complete a minimum of 37 credit hours of course and field work to qualify for graduation.
| Wilson, Martha Ph.D., University of Alabama; DSW, University of Alabama; M.S.W., University of Alabama. |
Program Director Professor |
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| Anderson, Wanda M.S.W., University of Hawaii; B.A., University of Maine, Orono. |
Clinical Assistant Professor | |
| Ayer, Nancy M.S.W., West Virginia; B.A., University of Southern Maine. |
Clinical Associate Professor | |
| Boudman, Judith M.S.W., University of Maine, Orono; B.A., University of Maine, Orono. |
Instructor | |
| Coha, Amy M.S.W., University of Michigan; B.S. State University of New York at New Paltz. |
Clinical Associate Professor | |
| Cohen, Marcia B. Ph.D., Brandeis University; M.S.W., Columbia University; B.A., Clark University. |
Professor | |
| Cohen-Konrad, Shelley Ph.D., Simmons College; M.S.W., Simmons College. |
Assistant Professor | |
| Colpitts, Julia M.S.W., Smith College. |
Assistant Professor | |
| Gray, Elizabeth A. M.S.W., University of Connecticut; B.A., Salve Regina College. |
Field Director Clinical Associate Professor |
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| Graybeal, Clay T. Ph.D., Rutgers University; M.S.W., Fordham University; B.A., Ohio University. |
Professor | |
| McLaughlin, Tom Ph.D., Union Institute and University; M.S.W., University of New England; B.A. University of Southern Maine. |
Assistant Professor | |
| Moore, Vernon L. Ed.D., Vanderbilt University; M.S.W., University of Louisville; B.A., University of Oklahoma. |
Associate Professor | |
| Prichard, David C. Ph.D., Virginia Commonwealth University; M.A., University of Maine; B.A., University of Maine. |
Professor | |
| Shore, Nancy Ph.D., University of Washington; M.P.H., University of Washington; M.S.W., University of Washington. |
Assistant Professor | |
| Rose, Stephen M. Ph.D., Brandeis University; M.S.S.A. (M.S.W.), Case Western Reserve University; B.A., Brandeis University. |
Professor |
Notice and Responsibilities Regarding this Catalog
This Catalog documents the academic programs, policies, and activities of the University of New England for the 2006-2007 academic year. The information contained herein is accurate as of date of publication August 1, 2006.
The University of New England reserves the right in its sole judgment to make changes of any nature in its programs, calendar, or academic schedule whenever it is deemed necessary or desirable, including changes in course content, the rescheduling of classes with or without extending the academic term, canceling of scheduled classes or other academic activities, in any such case giving such notice thereof as is reasonably practicable under the circumstances.
While each student may work closely with an academic advisor, he or she must retain individual responsibility for meeting requirements in this catalog and for being aware of any changes in provisions or requirements.