Social Work

To provide transformative and collaborative learning that embraces the values of social inclusion and promotes enhanced quality of life for individuals and communities. 

The University of New England Bachelor’s in Social Work degree prepares generalist social work professionals for employment in an array of human service, mental health, and health care settings. BSW-prepared social workers acquire critical thinking and problem-solving skills to work effectively with a range of individuals and diverse populations. In addition, the program instills values that foster students’ commitment to cultural and social responsibility and advocacy for social and economic justice. BSW graduates are committed to lifelong learning and to working in partnership with others to improve the quality of life for all people.

Experiential education is realized through two sequential Field Practicum courses; BSW 410 and BSW 440. Both courses provide 450 hours over two semesters in agency/organization settings. 

Students in the Bachelors in Social Work major are subject to University undergraduate academic standards as well as requirements set forth by the Westbrook College of Health Professions. 

In keeping with the guidelines of the University of New England, all undergraduate students must achieve a minimum semester-end grade point average as follows:

Failure to maintain the minimum grade point average requirements will result in academic probation as described in the Undergraduate Catalog of the University of New England.

In keeping with the guidelines for the Westbrook College of Health Professions, students must achieve a minimum grade of a “C” in the following courses:  MAT 120/150; CHE 130; BIO 104; BIO 208; BIO 209; IHS 220. (LIST ANY OTHER SCIENCE COURSES).  Failure to achieve a “C” will result in program level probation, and may affect academic progression.

Students may enroll in any math/ science courses referenced above a maximum of two times.

Students need to achieve a grade of “C” or better in BSW major coursework.

Social Work is a competency-based education. We are, through our accreditors, mandated to ensure that our BSW graduates are competent generalist practitioners in the areas listed below: 

1. Demonstrate Ethical and Professional Behavior
2. Engage Diversity and Difference in Practice
3. Advance Human Rights and Promote Social Inclusion
4. Utilize Evidence-informed Research
5. Engage in Policy Practice
6. Engage with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
7. Intervene with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
8. Evaluate Practice with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities

Courses completed at another accredited college can be transferred to this degree program.  Transferred courses must be reasonably close in scope and content to the required courses offered at UNE in order to count as exact equivalents.  Otherwise, they may transfer as general electives.  All courses completed must be no older than five years.  Other restrictions apply.  See Undergraduate Admissions also.

For entrance into the B.S. in Social Work major, students must have completed a high school curriculum reflective of collegiate preparation.  This profile includes: 

• 4 years of English,
• 3 years of mathematics,
• 2 years of science with a laboratory,
• and 2 years of social science.

Applicants submit their materials to the Office of Admissions during the fall of the year prior to matriculation.  Qualified students who apply after the fall are admitted on a space-available basis.

Internal Transfer Students

Students who are enrolled in another major at the University of New England may apply for admission into the B.S. in Social Work by completing a change of major form.  The Admissions Committee meets at the close of the each semester to determine eligibility.

The applicant is encouraged to explore professional possibilities by shadowing a nutrition professional, exploring professional nutrition web-sites, volunteering in a program that provides nutritional services or education to the community, and through speaking with faculty who teach in the program.  Please include any of these relevant experiences in the required essay referenced below.

The process to apply for a change of major into the B.S. in Social Work includes:

1.  Make an appointment and discuss interest in the major with a faculty/administrator of the program.

2.  Complete and submit a Request to Change a Major form.  This document is located at the University of New England Registrar’s home page.

3.  Compose an essay of 300 words (approximately) describing the rationale for change of major into the Social Work major.  Include personal interest, appropriate relevant experience, individual aptitude and personal strengths which complement the major.

4.  Demonstrate solid achievement in mathematics/ science course work and academic good standing with a grade point average of 2.5 or better at the time of the request.

5.  Submit all materials to the Program Administrator by the end of the academic semester.

See Undergraduate Admissions also.

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.