Social Work

Overview

Location: Masterson Hall, Portland

Director: Jeanette Andonian

B.S.W. Coordinator: Paula Gerstenblatt

M.S.W. Coordinator: Dorothea Ivey

Professors: Johnson, Kohli; Associate Professors: Andonian, Gerstenblatt; Shanti; Assistant Professors: Casey, Gentles-Gibbs, Giamportone, Ivey, Wampole

Emeritus Professors: Belicose, Faherty, Fineran, Healy, Lazar, Rich, Wagner

Manager of Field Education: Fitch

Administrative Specialist: Kim Dominicus

The University of Southern Maine’s School of Social Work educates culturally-responsive/informed, strengths-oriented, community-embedded social workers. Our graduates are prepared for direct practice with diverse individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities, promoting social justice through critical inquiry and civic participation.

The School, which is part of the College of Management and Human Service, serves southern Maine by responding to the social work education, leadership, service, and evaluation and research needs of the region. The commitment to social and economic justice, and diversity and multiculturalism are integrated. The School strives for excellence in teaching and learning.

Graduates are prepared for entry-level professional practice in a range of areas such as, protective services, corrections, residential services to various populations, hospitals, nursing homes and assisted living facilities, neighborhood and community centers, child welfare, and drug and alcohol programs. The USM social work curriculum is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) at the baccalaureate and master’s levels. Students who receive a degree from a CSWE-accredited undergraduate program in social work may apply to graduate schools of social work for Advanced Standing status. In most schools, a successfully completed bachelor’s degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited institution fulfills the requirements of the first year of the MSW program. It is important to consult individual institutions for their acceptance criteria and procedures, which may vary.

Student Involvement

BSW students are encouraged to participate in the School’s Social Work Student Organization. The organization seeks to facilitate communication between students and faculty, ensure student involvement in school activities, provide for professional growth, and respond to community issues. Student representatives may attend faculty meetings and serve as advisory members on the school’s curriculum committees.

Programs

Bachelor of Arts

Social Work, B.A.

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