MSW Programs in Maine Online
Maine’s commitment to innovative social work education has resulted in a growing selection of CSWE-accredited online and partially-online Master of Social Work programs that address the Pine Tree State’s unique demographic and geographic realities. As one of the most rural states in the nation with an aging population and scattered communities stretching from coastal fishing villages to northern timber regions, Maine’s online MSW programs have become essential for training social workers who can serve diverse populations across vast distances. These programs feature curriculum specializations that reflect Maine’s distinctive needs, including rural and remote practice, aging and elder services, substance use disorders, seasonal affective and mental health interventions, and maritime community social work—concentrations that prepare graduates to address the intersection of geographic isolation, economic challenges, and population health disparities that characterize much of Maine’s social service landscape.
The online MSW educational environment in Maine emphasizes self-reliance, community connection, and innovative service delivery models that align with the state’s independent spirit and tradition of neighbor-helping-neighbor. Programs are structured to prepare graduates for Maine’s licensing requirements while developing competencies in telehealth, mobile outreach services, and cross-sector collaboration essential for practice in a state where social workers often serve multiple roles within small communities. Maine’s MSW graduates find career opportunities in integrated healthcare systems, coastal and rural hospitals, school-based health centers, community action agencies, and specialized practices serving the state’s significant veteran population and seasonal workforce, with particular demand for professionals skilled in geriatric social work, addiction counseling, and rural mental health services that can adapt to Maine’s unique seasonal rhythms and tight-knit community structures.
2026 Best Maine MSW Programs Online
University of Southern Maine
Portland, ME - Public 4-Year - usm.maine.edu
Master's - Master of Social Work
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Southern Maine's online Master of Social Work program offers a dynamic and flexible pathway for aspiring social work professionals. Featuring a hybrid learning model, students can complete the 61-credit degree in 2-4 years with full-time or part-time options. CSWE nationally accredited, the program eliminates GRE requirements and focuses on holistic admission criteria. Unique program attributes include two 9-month internships, PhD-trained faculty, and comprehensive preparation for LMSW licensure. Emphasizing diversity, equity, and social justice, the curriculum prepares graduates to address complex social challenges across varied practice settings. Advanced standing is available for BSW graduates, and the program welcomes international students with liberal arts prerequisites.
- 61 total credit hours
- Full-time: 2 years completion
- Part-time: 3-4 years completion
- CSWE nationally accredited
- Application deadline: November 15
- No GRE required
- 3.0 GPA minimum requirement
- Advanced standing available
- Two 9-month internships
- Blended and in-person options
University of Maine
Orono, ME - Public 4-Year - umaine.edu
Master's - Master of Social Work (MSW)
Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of Maine's online Master of Social Work (MSW) program offers a comprehensive pathway for aspiring social work professionals. Students can complete the 63-credit curriculum through flexible full-time, extended, and blended online-hybrid formats within 2-4 years. With advanced standing available for BSW graduates, the program emphasizes ethical practice and generalist skills. The CSWE-accredited curriculum provides small class sizes, direct faculty engagement, and experiential learning opportunities. Designed for Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont residents, the program prepares students to make meaningful societal impacts across diverse practice settings. No specific entrance exam is explicitly required for admission.
- Two-year full-time MSW program
- Extended 3-4 year part-time option
- Blended online-hybrid format
- Advanced standing available
- 63 semester credit hours
- Accredited through 2027
- Small class sizes
- Maine, NH, VT residents eligible
- Campus and online options
- Faculty-led experiential learning
Master's - Master of Social Work (MSW)
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Maine's hybrid Master of Social Work (MSW) program delivers an advanced generalist curriculum designed for flexible learning. Spanning 63 credit hours, students can choose between full-time two-year or extended four-year tracks. The program offers comprehensive field internships, experienced faculty mentorship, and advanced standing for BSW graduates. Exclusively serving residents of Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont, the program maintains CSWE accreditation through 2027. With an average of 135 graduate students per cohort, the program provides intimate learning environments and personalized educational experiences. Admission does not appear to mandate a specific entrance examination.
- Fully CSWE accredited program
- 63 semester credit hours
- Multiple program formats
- Full-time 2-year option
- Extended 4-year option
- Blended online-hybrid program
- Advanced standing available
- Small class sizes
- Field internship experiences
- Admits Fall cohort only
List of Maine Online MSW Programs
Orono, ME
University of Maine
- Master's - Master of Social Work (MSW)
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Fully CSWE accredited program
- 63 semester credit hours
- Multiple program formats
- Full-time 2-year option
- Extended 4-year option
- Blended online-hybrid program
- Advanced standing available
- Small class sizes
- Master's - Master of Social Work (MSW)
Online Learning - Website
- Two-year full-time MSW program
- Extended 3-4 year part-time option
- Blended online-hybrid format
- Advanced standing available
- 63 semester credit hours
- Accredited through 2027
- Small class sizes
- Maine, NH, VT residents eligible
Portland, ME
University of Southern Maine
- Master's - Master of Social Work
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 61 total credit hours
- Full-time: 2 years completion
- Part-time: 3-4 years completion
- CSWE nationally accredited
- Application deadline: November 15
- No GRE required
- 3.0 GPA minimum requirement
- Advanced standing available
2026 Affordable Online Maine MSW Program Options
| University of Southern Maine |
|
|
| University of Maine |
|
|
List of Maine Advanced Standing Online MSW Programs
Advanced Standing MSW programs in Maine offer an expedited pathway for graduates holding a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from a CSWE-accredited program, allowing them to complete their master’s degree in an accelerated timeframe. These programs focus on developing advanced practice skills, community-based interventions, and culturally responsive approaches to address the unique social service needs of Maine’s rural and coastal populations.