SWAG��Ƶ

Vision:

The SWAG��Ƶ School of Social Work envisions a world where social workers are at the forefront of advocating with individuals and communities for human dignity and social inclusion by mobilizing efforts to end inequities, exploitation, and violence. 

Mission:

The mission of the School of Social Work is to provide transformative and collaborative learning that embraces the values of social inclusion and promotes enhanced quality of life for individuals and communities. 

Values:

Our values promote social inclusion¹ conceptualized as actions taken to improve quality of life, access to equitable resources, enhancement of human bonds within the context of cultural diversity, and engagement of people, populations, and communities to fully participate in society. Towards this end:

• We promote culturally informed practice that is respectful of the complexity and diversity of people’s lives and circumstances.
• We recognize that social exclusion prevents people from full and just participation in their communities as a consequence of inequities, discrimination, and disadvantage arising from adversity in early life and continuing across the life course.
• We practice social responsibility by raising public awareness of social exclusion, challenging discrimination and acting with and on behalf of groups, populations, and communities.
• We support person-centered collaborative practices and partnerships that bring together diverse workers and community members to meet the best interests of individuals, families, and groups.

1. “The process of improving the ability, opportunity, and dignity of people, disadvantaged on the basis of their identity, to take part in society.” (2013, World Bank Publication)

References:

The School of Social Work prepares people for advanced professional practice and is accredited to offer the Master of Social Work (MSW) degree by the Council on Social Work Education. MSW graduates learn to understand the potential for individual and collective human development when people live with dignity and social justice; to identify people's strengths across diverse populations and how to build upon them; to understand the multiple social, cultural, political and economic factors influencing the design, development and evaluation of social policies and programs; to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to carry out multiple social work interventions consistent with the School's mission and the profession's ethics; and to develop intervention strategies that empower individuals, families, groups, or communities.

The MSW degree offers graduates the opportunity to play active roles in health and mental health, alcohol and substance abuse, poverty and public welfare, women's and children's services, domestic violence, homelessness, corrections, applied arts and social justice and other emerging areas of service delivery. The program prepares graduates to work with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities in an array of settings and with diverse populations. The values and commitments embedded in the School's Mission Statement permeate our work in every area.

Program Options

The School of Social Work offers several options for those interested in getting their MSW degree: a traditional face-to-face option (with hybrid course options) and an online option.  In the campus-based program, students attend classes at the Portland campus.  Hybrid classes meet every third week on campus and in the intervening weeks meet online. The online option is a fully online degree that does not require the student to come to campus.  All options use the same curriculum taught by the School faculty.  In addition to our regular 2-year, full-time program and part-time options,we feature an accelerated option that enables eligible students to obtain an MSW degree in a shorter timeframe. 

Program Goals

Prepare competent Master-level professional social workers who at every system level provide leadership to:

• Promote social inclusion to enable people, populations and communities to fully participate in society.
• Create person-centered collaborative and sustainable relationships across diverse communities and practice settings.
• Develop and apply ethical reflection, critical consciousness and shared decision-making based in social work values and with consideration of the broader contexts of the world in which we live. 

These goals are integrated into the social work curriculum. Through their presence in courses, fieldwork internships, and internal School governance we bring our Mission Statement to life.

The School of Social Work at the SWAG��Ƶ is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education to offer the master's degree in social work.

Students in the campus-based may choose to complete their degree in as little as 16 months through the accelerated track.  Students may also attend for the traditional 2 years, or attend part-time for up to 4 years.  Online students can apply to take the program in 3 or 4 years.   In addition, the School of Social Work offers advanced standing status to qualified graduates of accredited BSW programs (See Advanced Standing). Advanced Standing has both full-time and part-time options for campus-based students and traditional or accelerated options for online students.

At no extra cost, students may also earn a Certificate in Applied Arts and Social Justice by utilizing their electives to explore how creative processes can be powerful forces of social and individual change.

All students are required to complete 64 credit hours of graduate study divided between classroom and fieldwork education. Field placements, or internships, consist of four semesters of supervised practice in approved social work settings; each semester includes 280 hours of practice experience. The curriculum is designed to provide an integrated foundation or knowledge base and advanced skills for social work practice within a concentration (Clinical Practice, Community Practice, or Integrated Clinical/Community Practice).

Foundation Year courses emphasize an integrated social work perspective involving the social context and its impact on social policy, programs, and the social work profession. Courses include Human Behavior and the Social Environment I and II; Social Work Policy and Programs I and II; Social Work Practice I and II; Research I and II; and Field Integrating Seminars I and II. In addition, students spend 560 hours in a field setting, which permits students another learning mode through placements in social agencies and programs with structured on-site professional supervision.

Concentrations are offered in Clinical Practice, Community Practice, and Integrated Clinical/Community Practice.  The Clinical Concentrations prepare students with knowledge and skills for advanced practice primarily focused on individuals, families, and groups in multiple settings.   The Community  Concentrations provide students with knowledge and skills in an array of advanced practice roles in the areas of program and policy development, administration, supervision, political advocacy, community practice, and evaluation.  The Integrated Concentration combines the core curriculum of both the Clinical and Community Practice Concentrations. All concentrations prepare graduates for professional leadership positions within their communities, and all are enriched by a selection of electives.

Graduation Requirements

Students must successfully complete all courses prior to graduation and fulfill all curriculum requirements.

WCHP Academic Policies

The Department of Social Work, the Westbrook College of Health Professions, and the SWAG��Ƶ are committed to offering a quality Social Work education program that complies with the evaluative criteria of the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). The program provides learning experiences to enable graduates to achieve the outcomes required for the practice of Social Work.  Please refer to the WCHP Graduate Program Progression Policies and Procedures for detailed description of academic standards.

Grading System

The School of Social Work has a letter grading system (A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, C-, D and F).  Students in the program are expected to maintain a "B" (3.0) average over the course of their study.  Any student who fails two or more classes is dismissed from the program.  *The exception to this policy is as followed: The grade mode is set to Pass/Fail for the following courses- SSW 520, 522, 580 & 582.

Incomplete Policy

A student who believes she/he is unable to complete the work for a given course by the end of the term or semester may apply for an extension by discussing this with the instructor and completing a Request for Incomplete Form (available on the ). At the time of this meeting, a plan must be agreed upon for completion of the course work, including a date of completion, not to exceed four weeks following the end date of the course for on-campus incompletes and seven (7) days for online incompletes (with the understanding, when relevant, that the student may not progress to the next sequenced course without fulfilling the prerequisites). This form must be completed by the last day of class for the given course. Any student who does not follow the above guidelines will receive an F for the course. In exceptional circumstances (death in family, significant illness, accident, etc.), an additional extension may be requested. Any such request must be reviewed and signed by the School director.

Course Add/Drop or Withdrawal

Course changes (add/drops) are allowed during the first five days of classes for on-campus students and first three days of classes for online students; tuition may be adjusted dependent upon number of hours enrolled. After the first week of classes no refunds are made for course changes.

A matriculated student may withdraw from a course without academic penalty (a grade of W is assigned) at any time during the first two-thirds of the course. If withdrawal occurs after that date, the grade of WP (withdrew passing) or WF (withdrew failing) will be entered, subject to determination by the instructor. The grade of WF is computed in the grade point average.

Repeat Course Policy

MSW students may repeat a course in the event of a failing grade if that is the recommendation of the Student Development Committee. However, only the second or last course will receive credit on the student's transcript.

Upon completion of a repeated course, a new listing and assigned grade are placed on the student's transcript. The original course listing and grade remain on the student's transcript and will be counted as one of the two failed classes a student is allowed prior to dismissal from the program. 

All courses are listed chronologically on the transcript by semester or academic period in which the student is enrolled.

Readmission

A student who has officially withdrawn can reapply through the Office of Admissions. Special consideration for students who leave the School in good standing will be given if their application for readmission is received within two years of their departure from the MSW program. Applications for readmission received more than two years from withdrawal will be considered as new applications.

Returning Students

Students who leave the School in good standing prior to completion of the requirements for the MSW degree are given special consideration for readmission. Credit is not given, however, for graduate work completed more than seven years prior to the student's readmission.

Graduates of the SWAG��Ƶ SSW will demonstrate knowledge, skills, and leadership in the following:

1.   Practice social inclusion to enable people, populations, and communities to fully participate in society, enhance human bonds in the context of cultural diversity and ensure improved quality of life and equitable resource distribution.  

2.   Engage in culturally-informed relationship building respectful of the complexity and diversity of contexts and circumstances. 

3.   Utilize theories of human behavior, social systems and social inclusion when offering interventions with people and their environments. 

4.   Promote ethical reflection, critical consciousness and shared decision-making based in social work values and with consideration of the broader contexts of the world in which we live. 

5.   Balance the roles of helpers, activists, and advocates through collaboration with communities to build healthy and sustainable resources. 

6.   Engage as critical consumers and producers of research and evaluation applied to clinical and community practices. 

7.   Practice person-centered and collaborative community partnerships across diverse settings. 

TRANSFER CREDIT

Transfer of credit for MSW graduate courses taken at another institution may be possible under the following conditions

• Students with one full year of graduate social work education from another CSWE accredited graduate school of social work, who desire admission to the second year of the SWAG��Ƶ’s School of Social Work:
  • Must have completed a full year of graduate study in courses equivalent to the foundation courses at SWAG��Ƶ’s SSW and have earned a minimum grade of “B” in all courses.
  • Credit will not be given for graduate work that was completed more than seven years prior to admissions to SWAG��Ƶ.
  • A transfer student that transfers in thirty-two (32) credits equivalent to the SWAG��Ƶ’s School of Social Work foundation year must satisfactorily complete a minimum of thirty-five (35) credit hours at SWAG��Ƶ’s SSW in order to earn a degree from SWAG��Ƶ.  This includes enrolling in SSW 526 Integrating Clinical/Community Frameworks.
  • Transfer students are required to adhere to the degree requirements in effect at the time of their admission.  Individualized provisions may, at times, increase the total credit hours required beyond the above-mentioned minimum. 
• Transfer students with less than one full year of MSW graduate education
  • The request for transfer of credit should be initiated at the time of application to the School, but in no event later than the beginning of their attendance as degree seeking students.
  • The transferred credit must be for courses that are equivalent to the SWAG��Ƶ SSW foundation required courses.
  • A student cannot complete a portion of the Field Placement requirement while at SWAG��Ƶ; only the full two-semester (8 credits; 560 hours) of Field Practicum/Seminar with be transferred in.
  • Electives courses will not be considered for transfer credits.
  • All transferred credits must carry a minimum grade of B.  
  • The SWAG��Ƶ SSW reserves the right to require transfer students who do not transfer in the full foundation year to complete SSW 526 Integrating Clinical\Community Frameworks as a way to orient them to the curriculum and support their success.
• Transfer credit earned from a graduate program of study in another discipline will not be accepted.

Students applying for transfer credits must provide the SSW with the following:

• Name of the course(s) for which transfer credit is being requested and the name of the SWAG��Ƶ SSW equivalent foundation course.
• An official transcript showing that the courses were taken and the grade received.  
• Course descriptions and syllabi.
• The request for transfer of credit should be initiated at the time of application to the School, but no later than the beginning of the student’s enrollment in the program.
• Additional information could be requested by the admissions committee.

ADVANCED STANDING

• Qualified graduates of BSW programs accredited by the Council on Social Work Education may be considered for Advanced Standing under the following conditions:
  • Graduation from a CSWE accredited BSW program within seven (7) years of enrollment in the School of Social Work, Masters degree program, is preferred. Exceptions to this time frame may be made on a case-by-case basis depending on work experience and the quality of the application materials.
  • It is strongly preferred that Advanced Standing applicants have received a “B” or better in all BSW courses. If you do not meet this expectation you must address this in your professional statement.
  • Evidence of work or volunteer experience working with people in a human service environment.
  • Three letters of reference including:
    • A letter from a  faculty member within the BSW program who can speak to your academic abilities;
    • A letter from a supervisor/instructor from the BSW internship/field site or social service employment position;
    • A third letter from someone of your choice who speaks to your professional qualifications for an MSW program.
• Field Evaluations must be submitted, documenting the grade and hours completed in the BSW field placement. If the applicant’s BSW program is not able to supply the original Field Evaluations, a letter must be provided confirming that the student received a passing grade and the number of field hours documented.
• Students admitted into advanced standing for the campus-based option must enroll in the required SSW 526 – Integrating Clinical/Community Practice Frameworks 3-credit course to be completed during the first 2 weeks of August prior to starting the fall semester. (Advanced Standing online students will take SSW 526 during their first semester in the program not prior to the start of the program.)

EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING

Applicants may not receive academic credit for work experience in the field or for life experience.

ACADEMIC/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

To be considered for admission, you must have

• Completed a Bachelor’s degree from a US regionally accredited college or university or international equivalent. (If degree is in progress at time of acceptance, degree must be completed prior to matriculation.)
• Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better is preferred.  (If your GPA is lower, you must address this in your professional statement.)
• Evidence of work or volunteer experience working with people in a human service environment is required.
• Demonstration of graduate-level writing skills as evidenced by the required professional essay.
• While interviews are not required, the Admissions Committee may request an interview with follow-up questions after reviewing your application.

Note: Before matriculation, accepted/deposited students will be expected to meet all health immunization requirements and; to obtain a physical examination with proof of up-to-date immunization status. Please visit for details. 

As required by field placement sites, students may be subject to criminal background checks and drug screens prior to entering field placement sites, and periodically throughout their field placement.

PROCEDURES AND POLICIES

• Applications for admission are submitted through SWAG��Ƶ’s . (Applicants must certify that all information submitted in the admission process, - including the application, the professional essay, and any other supporting materials, is their own work, factually true and honestly presented).  A completed application includes:
  • A professional essay written using APA standards (no more than 6 pages, 12 point font, double spaced with 1-inch margins) specifically addressing  all of the following:
    • With reference to and the definition of “social inclusion” provided therein, please share your views on how you understand social inclusion and its connection to social justice, cultural diversity, and human dignity.
    • Please share two examples that you have observed in society where social inclusion was absent.  What are your recommendations for how to address these issues?
    • Your own assessment of your personal strengths and areas in need of development relative to becoming a professional social worker.
    • Please refer to a time you were working in a professional social service setting (employment or volunteer) and you made a mistake or were not able to meet expectations associated with the tasks assigned to you and provide the following:
      • Briefly describe this situation and share what, if anything you would do differently.
      • Describe how this experience has impacted you as a professional.·         
  • The names and emails of two (2) education/professional reference letter writers as part of the application. Reference letters from friends and family members are not acceptable.
  • Submission of a current resume.
  • Submission of official transcripts from ALL colleges and universities attended to the Office of Graduate and Professional Admissions, 716 Stevens Avenue, Portland, ME, 04103.
• Advanced Standing applicants please see section on Advanced Standing below
• Applications are reviewed as they are completed. Only those applications completed by the application deadline will be considered for admission. Decisions are made on a rolling basis. Once an applicant is accepted, a deposit will be required to hold a seat in our class. 
• Since field planning is an important part of our program, applicants are encouraged to apply early to give us time to help you find the field placement just right for you.
• Scholarship and grant funds are limited and are awarded on a rolling basis after acceptance. Funds are currently available for our campus-based program only. Scholarship awards are both merit and need based. Students interested in being considered for a scholarship or grant award must submit a letter of request at the same time of application to the Office of Graduate and Professional Admissions.  If you are accepted your letter will be forwarded to the SSW for consideration.  
• International applicants and applicants with international degrees must have transcripts evaluated for degree and grade equivalency to that of a regionally accredited US institution. . See .
• All applicants to SWAG��Ƶ must be able to understand and communicate in English to be admitted to the university.  SWAG��Ƶ accepts several methods of English Proficiency, (see ). If an applicant cannot prove English Proficiency in another way, scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language () are required and must be submitted as a part of the completed application.

For additional information on the admissions process and requirements, please access the 

Policy exceptions

The Master of Social Work program and the SSW Admissions Committee in collaboration with the Office of Graduate and Professional Admissions reserve the right to make exceptions to the admissions criteria and to make changes or exceptions to policies and procedures, on a case by case basis, when it deems such a decision is necessary and appropriate.

Tuition and fees for subsequent years may vary. Other expenses include books and housing. For more information regarding tuition and fees, please consult the Financial Information section of this catalog.