Your guide to MSW programs in Maine

Below, you’ll find a detailed guide that will include everything you need to know in order to become a social worker in Maine, as well as acquire an MSW or Master’s in Social Work degree. These degrees are emphasized due to their overall popularity and because all future social workers will need one to acquire clinical licensure and the ability to practice social work independently.

CONTENTS OF THIS GUIDE

• Social work in Maine
• MSW programs
• Online MSW programs
• How to become a social worker
• License requirements
• Social worker jobs and salary
• Job outlook
• School listings

Social work in Maine

Maine is a rugged and rural state, and the northernmost with the exception of Alaska. While its coastal regions are popular coastal destinations, with Portland in particular being known for its seafood, Maine overall has a handful of social problems that could use the assistance of qualified social workers.

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Specifically, Maine is one of those states most affected by substance abuse. There are some indications that it’s actually the state with the highest proportional rate of prescription drug abuse in the nation. Currently, Maine’s government is responding with focused social initiatives, which future social workers will be able to contribute to for great effect.

It also has a larger than average elderly population, with about 17 percent of the state being over 65 compared to the national average of just under 14 percent. Therefore, social workers looking to specialize in substance abuse and elderly care will find plentiful job opportunities once they acquire the appropriate social work license.

MSW programs in Maine

In order to do the most good in Maine, social workers will need to acquire a Master’s in Social Work degree. These degrees are needed you want to practice independently as a social worker and perform most clinical level tasks. These degrees will require you to have at least a bachelor’s degree in the field or appropriate social work credits, though the latter option may require more years of study.

All social work students should seek out programs that are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. This indicates that the program in question is rigorous enough such that the degree acquired will qualify a student for licensure.

CSWE-accredited programs will include:

• Social work core classes and concepts that cover the major topics for social worker needs to succeed
• Opportunities to take specialized classes or specialize in pathways for certain types of social work
• Electives to allow students to round out their education
• Some number of clinical practice hours – a set number will be required for licensure, while more will be needed for full social work licensure

Although Maine is not a particularly populous state, there are a handful of excellent MSW programs within its borders. The University of Maine offers both bachelor’s and master’s-level social work programs. This university offers an MSW that focuses on a “generalist” curriculum, although there are specializing certificate programs students can pursue as well. These are in leadership in rural gerontological practice, interprofessional gerontology, and disability. The program is also offered as both a regular two-year curriculum and a part-time four-year curriculum.

Online MSW programs in Maine

Students may also wish to pursue an online MSW program. Online programs are often advantageous since they’re usually offered in part-time formats and allow for asynchronous completion of work. With this scheduling flexibility, students can work or maintain a busy home life while completing their social work education from afar.

While students must still complete a certain number of clinical practice hours, these can be fulfilled at any qualifying medical center or clinic that is geographically close to their home.

The University of New England, a private institution that has campuses in both Portland and Biddeford, offers an on-campus and online MSW program. Three concentrations in clinical practice, community practice, or integrated clinical and community practice are available for all students. It can even be completed in as little as a year if you already have a BSW and want to acquire licensure ASAP. Other schedules, ranging from two years to three or four years, are also available depending on scheduling needs.

How to become a social worker in Maine

In Maine, students can acquire one of four social work licenses depending on their experience level and the number of clinical practice hours completed. The level of licensure one has will determine the kind of social work one can perform. 

Conditional Licensed Social Worker (LSW-C)

This is a basic credential that’s open to anyone with a bachelor’s degree in social work or a related field. It allows holders to complete minor social work in a clinic and is usually held by those still going to school for their MSW. This license is also temporary and is intended for those looking to move on to a higher level of licensure.

• Finish the LSW-C application and submit it to the Association of Social Work Board. Pay the $116 fee
• Receive your license if the application is approved

Licensed Social Worker (LSW)

This social work license will allow one who holds it to practice entry-level and non-clinical social work. However, all LSWs must practice under supervision during the first 32 hours of work experience.

• Submit your MSW application to the Board and pay the $116 fee
• Pass the ASWB Bachelor’s Exam, which costs $230 and has 170 multiple-choice questions
• Receive your license if you pass the exam

Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)

This license will allow social workers to practice non-clinical social work in Maine, and to do so privately as long as it is not clinical in nature.

• Submit your application to the Board and pay the $116 fee
• Pass the ASWB Master’s Exam and pay the $230 fee. The Exam is 170 questions
• Receive your license if you pass the exam

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

This last level of licensure will allow social workers who hold it to practice both clinically and privately.

• Submit your application to the Board and pay the $116 fee
• Pass the ASWB’s Master Exam, which costs $230 and which has 170 questions
• Receive your license if you pass the exam and have the appropriate experience

Social work license requirements in Maine

The Maine State Board of Social Work Licensure handles all social work licensure requirements within the state. Their requirements for LCSW licensure are as follows:

• 3,200 hours of supervised clinical experience
• 96 of those hours must be in consultation with a supervisor
• All hours must be completed within two to four years

Any out-of-state social workers can apply for the same level of licensure if they meet the statewide requirements listed above. Furthermore, all social workers must renew their licenses every two years. This costs $70, and renewal can be accomplished online. All social workers must complete 25 hours of continuing education credits, four of which must be in ethics.

Social worker jobs and social worker salary in Maine

We can find estimates for social worker salaries in Maine by looking at the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which separates social workers into four main categories:

• Child, family, and school social workers should expect an annual salary of $57,900 or $27.84 per hour. These number 1700 in the state.
• Healthcare social workers will receive an average salary of $55,490 or $26.68 per hour. There are only 710 healthcare social workers in Maine.
• Mental health and substance abuse social workers can expect a salary of 59,003 and $40 or $28.53 per hour. There are 1290 of these social workers practicing in Maine right now.
• All other social workers may expect an annual salary of $53,790 or $25.86. Only 580 practice in Maine at the time of this writing.

Considering that the national average for social worker salaries is just over $50,000, Maine social workers are normally paid comparably to others around the US. Furthermore, Maine is a relatively low cost of living state, except for a few coastal areas. Because of this, many social workers will be able to find ample well-paying job opportunities that allow them a good quality of life, with enough money to pay for school bills and the like. 

Outlook for social workers in Maine

The exact projections for social worker positions in Maine are not known. But nationally, the BLS indicates that almost 100,000 new social worker positions should crop up over the next 10 years or so. Many of these are likely to be in Maine and other states with growing elderly populations, particularly since healthcare social workers are becoming more necessary for this reason and others.

Furthermore, Maine’s state government is doubling down on many of its social programs to treat both its aging population and those affected by substance abuse. As a result, Maine may become a site of social work opportunities for the foreseeable future, particularly for those who set up roots early and/or go to school within the state.

Overall, social workers in Maine are likely to enjoy tons of job opportunities and good pay relative to other states in the nation. 

Social Work Programs in Maine

In this Section:
BSW programs
MSW programs