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. BSW-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.  BSW graduates are committed to lifelong learning and to working in partnership with others to improve the quality of life for all people. As BSW 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; 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 School of Social Work, students must meet certain benchmarks.  Prerequisites for progression into the core social work curriculum in the junior year include: A "C" or better in Introduction to Psychology (PSY 105) and Introduction to Sociology (SOC 150).   

Students must achieve a grade of “C” or better in BSW major coursework: SSW 200, SSW 300, SSW 310, SSW 320, SSW 330, SSW 340, SSW 350, SSW 400, SSW 410, SSW 425, SSW 430, SSW 440, SSW 460.

Additionally, students must receive a "C" or better in the following courses to remain in the BSW program: PSY 205, PSY 250, PUB 300.   Students will be given two chances to earn a "C" or better in required course work.

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.  Consistent with the Council on Social Work Education, the BSW 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 BSW program by completing a change of major form and an interview with teh BSW Director to determine eligibility.  Students requesting to transfer into the BSW 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.