Start your career with the spruce islands of Acadia National Park, the lobster shacks up the coast and a state-wide network of social workers 4,090 strong, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).  So bring your unique set of skills in counseling, therapy and education to connect clients with public or private resources across the Pine Tree State.

Information below was retrieved May 2022 and is only meant to be a high-level overview. Requirements may change, always check with the state licensing board for complete and up to date information

Sponsored Online Social Work Programs

Howard University

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Master of Social Work (MSW)

The online Master of Social Work program from Howard University School of Social Work prepares students for advanced direct or macro practice in culturally diverse communities. Two concentrations available: Direct Practice and Community, Administration, and Policy Practice. No GRE. Complete in as few as 12 months.

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University of Denver

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Master of Social Work (MSW)

The University of Denver’s Online MSW Program is delivered by its top-ranked school of social work and offers two programs. Students can earn their degree in as few as 12 months for the Online Advanced-Standing MSW or 27 months for the Online MSW.

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Fordham University

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Master of Social Work (MSW)

Fordham’s skills-based, online MSW program integrates advanced relevant social work competencies, preparing students to serve individuals and communities while moving the profession forward. This program includes advanced standing and traditional MSW options.

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Simmons University

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Master of Social Work (MSW)

Aspiring direct practitioners can earn their MSW online from Simmons University in as few as 9 months. GRE scores are not required, and the program offers full-time, part-time, accelerated, and advanced standing tracks.

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Syracuse University

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Master of Social Work (MSW)

Syracuse University’s online Master of Social Work program does not require GRE scores to apply and is focused on preparing social workers who embrace technology as an important part of the future of the profession. Traditional and Advanced Standing tracks are available.

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Case Western Reserve University

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Master of Social Work (MSW)

In as few as a year and a half, you can prepare for social work leadership by earning your Master of Social Work online from Case Western Reserve University’s school of social work.

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Common Steps to Become a Maine Social Worker

Before becoming a social worker in Maine you must earn a bachelor’s level education in social work and a social work license depending on what career path you choose. Maine offers five types of social work licensure options: LSX (Licensed Social Worker, Conditional), LS (Licensed Social Worker), LM (Licensed Master Social Worker), MC (Licensed Master Social Worker, Conditional Clinical) and LC (Licensed Clinical Social Worker). There may also be additional requirements such as a background check and clinical supervision based on your goals. Below are the steps on how to obtain each type of license in Maine; this information was retrieved from the Maine State Board of Social Worker Licensure as of March 2022.

To become a Licensed Social Worker, Conditional (LSX) in Maine, you must:

1. Complete an approved Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree program.
2. Submit your application to the board, along with a $70 application fee.
3. Undergo a required criminal background check, and pay a $21 fee.

To become a Licensed Social Worker (LS) in Maine, you must:

1. Complete an approved BSW degree program.
2. Submit your application to the board

To become a Licensed Master Social Worker (LM) in Maine, you must:

1. Complete an approved MSW degree program.
2. Submit your application to the board

To become a Licensed Master Social Worker, Conditional Clinical (MC) in Maine, you must:

1. Complete an approved MSW degree program.
2. Submit your application to the board

To become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LC) in Maine, you must:

1. Complete an approved and accredited Master of Social Work (MSW) degree program.
2. Submit your application to the board

MSW programs in Maine teach students advanced social work theories and practical knowledge. MSW programs include coursework on human development, social work policy, intervention and social work practice for poverty, oppression and trauma.

MSW students in Maine also complete a social work practicum where they’re able to get real social work practice under the supervision of a licensed Maine social worker. There are full-time, part-time and advanced-standing MSW programs available in Maine. The following are CSWE accredited or in candidacy MSW programs in Maine.

There are two online MSW programs in Maine that are accredited by the CSWE and offered on at least a part-time basis with an advanced standing option.

The online MSW programs typically offer the same curriculum and coursework as traditional on-campus Florida programs. Students may also be taught by the same professors and complete fieldwork as part of the program.

Maine has five types of licenses for social workers: Licensed Social Worker, Conditional (LSX), Licensed Social Worker (LS), Licensed Master Social Worker (LM), Licensed Master Social Worker, Conditional Clinical (MC) and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LC). While you may practice entry-level social work under the title of “social worker” with a bachelor’s degree, the Maine Board requires an MSW to practice more specialized social work. All information on LSX, LS, LM, MC and LC licenses listed below was retrieved from the State Board of Social Worker Licensure.

Becoming an LSX allows non-BSWs to practice supervised, non-clinical social work to ultimately qualify candidates for a full LS license.

Becoming an LS allows you to practice entry-level non-clinical social work. The first 3,200 hours under licensure must be supervised.

Becoming an LM allows you to practice advanced non-clinical social work without supervision upon earning your license.

Becoming an MC allows you to practice both clinical and non-clinical social work with limited supervision while working toward an LC license.

Becoming an LC allows you to provide clinical and non-clinical services while performing assessments, diagnoses and emotional and mental disorder treatments with no supervision required after licensure.

Information on the above social work salaries in Maine was retrieved from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates: – Maine in May 2022.

For those just starting on their path to social work, there are state-wide scholarships and programs in place to assist you. While each state has different offerings, below are some scholarships to help you become an LSX, LS, LM, MC or LC in the state of Maine.

There are countless local and national associations and organizations with goals to promote, develop and protect the practice of social work and social workers. Better social work means better solutions for issues such as child and elderly welfare, healthcare reform, and other issues affecting the disadvantaged populations in Maine and beyond.

Maine allows licensure by reciprocity if out-of-state applicants meet the requirements for in-state social work. This includes educational prerequisites, a $116 fee, official ASWB exam scores and current license verification to be submitted on the Maine State Board of Social Work site.

Social workers must renew their license every two years. The renewal fee for each license is $70. Additionally, licensees must earn 25 hours of continuing education. To renew, complete the online renewal form and pay the associated fee.

Search for your social work license at the Maine Board of Social Work Licensure search. The site’s options will allow you to search your name and find your license number, license status and details surrounding your professional information.

Last updated June 2022.