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 a wide and varied range of social service, health, mental health, and community-based settings. B.S.W.-prepared social workers acquire critical thinking and problem-solving skills to work effectively with a range of individuals and diverse populations. The program instills values that foster students’ commitment to support individuals, families, and communities to improve their lives. Students will also develop the skills to participate in transforming lives by promoting social justice, cultural diversity, and human dignity. B.S.W. graduates are committed to lifelong learning and to working in partnership with others to improve the quality of life for all people. As B.S.W. graduate, it is possible to accelerate into our MSW program and complete your Master's degree in one year. Experiential education is one of the hallmarks of social work education and is realized through two sequential Field Practicum courses; SSW 410 and SSW 441. Both courses provide 400 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. Failure to maintain the minimum grade point average requirements will result in academic probation as described in the Undergraduate Academic Catalog of the University of New England.

B.S.W. Benchmarks

Students selecting the B.S.W. program must meet certain benchmarks. Prerequisites for progressing into the core social work curriculum include: 

A “C” or better in the following courses:

• PSY 105 – Introduction to Psychology - 3 credits
• SOC 150 – Introduction to Sociology

A “C” or better in all required social work courses: 

• SSW 200 – Intro to Social Work - 3 credits
• SSW 310 – Social Welfare Policy & Advocacy - 3 credits
• SSW 330 – Advocacy in Social Work Practice - 3 credits
• SSW 300 – Human Behavior & SW Theory I - 3 credits
• SSW 320 – Human Behavior & SW Theory II - 3 credits
• SSW 350 – Ethics in SW Practice - 3 credits
• SSW 340 – Research Methods for E-B Practice - 3 credits
• SSW 400 – Advanced SW Methods I - 3 credits
• SSW 430 – Advanced SW Methods II - 3 credits
• SSW 460 – SW w/Groups & Communities - 3 credits
• SSW 465 – Substance Use Disorder - 3 credits

A grade of Pass (P) in:

• SSW 335 – Introduction to Field Practicum - 1 credit (students admitted Fall 2021 forward)
• SSW 410 – Field Practicum & Seminar I - 6 credits
• SSW 441 – Field Practicum & Seminar II - 6 credits
   

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

• Demonstrate Ethical and Professional Behavior
• Engage Diversity and Difference in Practice
• Advance Human Rights and Promote Social Inclusion
• Utilize Evidence-informed Research
• Engage in Policy Practice
• Engage with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
• Intervene with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
• 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. Consistent with the Council on Social Work Education, the B.S.W. program does not offer credit for "life experience" under any circumstance.

For entrance into the B.S. in Social Work major, students must have completed a high school with a GPA of 2.0 in a 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.W. program by completing a change of major form and an interview with the B.S.W. Director to determine eligibility. Students requesting to transfer into the B.S.W. program must be in academic good standing with a grade point average of 2.5 or better at the time of the request.

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.

Students must take 18 credits to complete this minor. Classes can be taken in any order barring any prerequisites that may be required for some courses.