The University of New England (UNE) is a private university located in Biddeford, Maine, USA. It was founded in 1831 and has a long history of excellence in higher education. Today, UNE offers a range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs in various fields, including social work. UNE’s online Master of Social Work (MSW) program is one of the top-ranked online social work programs in the country. In this article, we’ll explore the UNE MSW program and why it’s a great choice for students who are interested in pursuing a career in social work.
Overview of UNE’s Online MSW Program
The UNE MSW program is designed to prepare students for advanced practice in the field of social work. The program is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and is offered entirely online. This means that students can complete the program from anywhere in the world, as long as they have an internet connection. The program is also designed to be flexible, with both full-time and part-time options available to students.
The UNE MSW program has two tracks: the Traditional Track and the Advanced Standing Track. The Traditional Track is designed for students who have a bachelor’s degree in a field other than social work, while the Advanced Standing Track is designed for students who have already earned a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree. Both tracks require students to complete a total of 64 credits, which includes both classroom and field education.
The curriculum of the UNE MSW program is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in social work theory and practice. Courses cover a wide range of topics, including human behavior and the social environment, social work research, social policy, and clinical social work practice. Students also have the opportunity to specialize in one of three areas: Individual and Family Practice, Organizational and Community Practice, or Integrated Practice.
Field Education
In addition to classroom education, the UNE MSW program also requires students to complete field education. Field education provides students with hands-on experience in the field of social work and is a critical component of the MSW program. The UNE MSW program requires students to complete a total of 1,000 hours of field education, which is divided into two placements.
The first field education placement is completed during the foundation year of the program and is designed to provide students with a broad range of social work experience. The second field education placement is completed during the concentration year of the program and is designed to provide students with more specialized experience in their chosen area of practice.
The UNE MSW program has partnerships with a wide range of social work agencies and organizations, which allows students to complete their field education in a variety of settings. Field education placements can include work in schools, hospitals, community organizations, government agencies, and other social service settings.
Admissions Requirements
The UNE MSW program has a selective admissions process and only admits students who meet certain criteria. To be considered for admission to the program, students must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Students must also have completed at least 6 credits in the social sciences and must have taken an introductory course in statistics.
In addition to academic qualifications, the UNE MSW program also considers other factors when making admissions decisions. These factors can include relevant work experience, community service, and other extracurricular activities. The program also requires students to submit a personal statement and letters of recommendation as part of the application process.
Why Choose UNE’s Online MSW Program?
There are several reasons why the UNE MSW program is a great choice for students who are interested in pursuing a career in social work. Here are just a few:
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Flexibility
One of the key benefits of the UNE MSW program is its flexibility. The program is offered entirely online, which means that students can complete the program from anywhere in the world. This is particularly beneficial for students who may not have the ability to attend a traditional on-campus program due to work, family, or other commitments. The program is also designed to be flexible in terms of scheduling, with both full-time and part-time options available to students.
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Accreditation
The UNE MSW program is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). This means that the program has met strict standards for quality and is recognized as one of the top social work programs in the country. Accreditation is important for students who are interested in pursuing licensure in the field of social work, as it ensures that the program meets the educational requirements for licensure.
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Hands-On Experience
The UNE MSW program requires students to complete a total of 1,000 hours of field education, which provides students with hands-on experience in the field of social work. Field education is a critical component of the MSW program, as it allows students to apply the knowledge and skills they have learned in the classroom to real-world situations. The UNE MSW program has partnerships with a wide range of social work agencies and organizations, which allows students to complete their field education in a variety of settings.
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Specialization Options
The UNE MSW program allows students to specialize in one of three areas: Individual and Family Practice, Organizational and Community Practice, or Integrated Practice. This allows students to focus their education and gain specialized knowledge and skills in a particular area of social work. Specialization can be particularly beneficial for students who have a specific career path in mind or who are interested in a particular area of social work practice.
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Supportive Learning Environment
The UNE MSW program provides students with a supportive learning environment. The program is designed to be interactive and collaborative, with small class sizes and opportunities for students to work closely with faculty and other students. The program also provides students with access to a range of support services, including academic advising, career services, and technical support.
Conclusion
The University of New England’s online Master of Social Work program is an excellent choice for students who are interested in pursuing a career in social work. The program is designed to be flexible and provides students with a strong foundation in social work theory and practice. The program also requires students to complete hands-on field education, which is a critical component of social work education. With accreditation, specialization options, and a supportive learning environment, the UNE MSW program is a top-ranked program that prepares students for advanced practice in the field of social work.