Why University of New England?
The University of New England, located in Biddeford, Maine, offers an online Master of Social Work aimed at working students desiring flexibility while they work towards a career in social work. UNE, a medium-sized private university, does not require applicants to hold an undergraduate degree in any particular subject.
Standardized test scores are not required, and a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.00 is expected.
Program Snapshot
| University Name | University of New England |
| Location | Biddeford |
| State | Maine |
| Niche.com Grade | B- |
| Name of Degree | Master of Social Work |
| School or Department Administering Program | School of Social Work |
| Credits | 64 |
| Cost per credit | $980.00 |
| Tuition for Entire Program | $62,720 |
| Test Requirements | No |
| Minimum GPA | 3.00 |
| Prerequisite Courses and Skills | none |
| Campus Visit Required? | No Visit Required |
| Typical Time to Complete | 3 years |
| When Can Students Start the Program? | 6 starts per year |
| Program Concentrations | none |
| Synchronous Classes | No |
| Required Courses |
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| Does the Program Include a Capstone? | No |
| Does the Program Include a Practicum or Internship? | Yes |
| Other Features that Make the Program Unique | experiential, integrated approach to learning; philosophy of inclusion; close and nurturing community; 3 field experience options: traditional, block, and simulation/onsite (SOS) |
| Program Objectives (quoted directly from the program) | 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. |
| Program Description | With 6 start times each year and fully asynchronous classes, this flexible 64-credit program is aimed at students balancing school with other responsibilities. Course focus on social justice and empowerment of individuals, communities and groups. A practicum is required but no capstone is expected. |
What will I Learn?
The emphasis throughout the program is 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.
These objectives are met through courses that cover both theory and practice. Introductory concepts are offered in required courses in Human Behavior & the Social Environment and Social Policy and Advocacy. Skills and approaches are taught in Social Work Practice I and Social Work Practice II. Students apply and analyze these approaches throughout required Field Practicum courses and accompanying seminars. The program’s research-based focus is evident in required courses on Social Work Research and Action Research for Social Work Practice. Second-year students dig deep into Contemporary Theory of SW Practice: Individuals and Families, Advanced Social Work Practice with Families, and Social Work Practice with Groups. Specific topics are covered in Administration & Supervision, Field Substance Abuse: A Social Work Perspective and Advanced Psychological Assessment.
How much will the program cost?
Students finish their degree within 3 years and pay $980.00 per credit for a total of 64 credits, or just under $63,000.
How does the program fit into my life?
This program is designed to be flexible, with six start times available per year. All courses are taught asynchronously, meaning that students complete work and attend prerecorded online lectures on their own schedule. No visit to campus is required. Flexibility is also offered in terms of the field practicum, which is offered in traditional, block and simulation/onsite models.
Summary
Offering flexible intakes and asynchronous course delivery, the online MSW at the University of New England may be attractive to many students who have not yet heard of this smaller, more geographically remote university. The school prides itself on its inclusive approach to student experience and to the social work profession. Partially due to its higher number of required credits, this program is on the higher end of the scale in terms of cost, but may offer advantages in terms of fitting in professional education with full-time employment or family responsibilities.
