University of Southern Maine · Portland, Maine
Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (BSW)
What Should You Know About Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (BSW) at University of Southern Maine?
Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (BSW) is a BA in Social Work program at University of Southern Maine in Portland, Maine, offered on campus. It requires 48 credits in the major. Federal tuition and fees: $10,920 a year in-state (2023-24). University of Southern Maine's BSW is listed as accredited in CSWE's directory (September 2026); the accreditation covers this format.
Program Details
| Degree | BA in Social Work |
|---|---|
| Format | on campus |
| Credits | 48 credits of required social work courses plus 24 credits of foundation courses in other departments |
| Admission to the major | Social work majors maintain a 2.5 overall GPA and C (2.0) or better in all major and foundation classes; SWO 393 (spring of the junior year, at least 60 credits) is required before field work |
From usm.maine.edu, reviewed October 1, 2026. Check start dates, deadlines and current tuition with the school before you apply.
How This Program Compares
- University of Southern Maine's federal tuition and fees, $10,920 a year in-state (2023-24), compare with a median of $13,212 across schools with a CSWE BSW.
After This BSW: Licensing in Maine
- First years: general education and intro coursesPsychology, sociology, human biology, intro to social work
- Apply to the social work majorUsually in the second year, with a GPA minimum
- Senior field practicumAt least 400 supervised hours in an agency
- License: LSX (none)Or an MSW in about a year with advanced standing
Maine licenses BSW graduates as the Licensed Social Worker, Conditional (LSX). Maine BSW license from its board. Online students licensed in another state follow that state's board.
BSW Programs at Nearby Schools
Bachelor of Social Work (B.S.W.) at University of New England
University of New England school profile · Biddeford, MEFormatOn campusTuition$42,550per year, tuition and fees 2023-24 · NCESAccreditationCSWESocial Work, BSW - on Campus at Saint Joseph's College of Maine
Saint Joseph's College of Maine school profile · Standish, MEFormatOn campusTuition$42,834per year, tuition and fees 2023-24 · NCESAccreditationCSWESocial Work, B.S. at University of New Hampshire
University of New Hampshire school profile · Durham, NHFormatOn campusTuition$16,304per year · resident rateAccreditationCSWESocial Work (B.S.) at Plymouth State University
Plymouth State University school profile · Plymouth, NHFormatOn campus450-hour practicumTuition$15,444per year · resident rate · with feesAccreditationCSWE
Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (BSW): Common Questions
How Much Does Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (BSW) at University of Southern Maine Cost?
Federal undergraduate tuition and fees for 2023-24: $10,920 in-state, $27,104 out-of-state. Grants lower most students' price; confirm current rates with University of Southern Maine.
How Do You Get Into Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (BSW)?
Social work majors maintain a 2.5 overall GPA and C (2.0) or better in all major and foundation classes; SWO 393 (spring of the junior year, at least 60 credits) is required before field work, according to University of Southern Maine's pages.
Can Graduates of Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (BSW) Go on to an MSW?
University of Southern Maine's own Standard Master of Social Work (Portland campus) admits BSW graduates with advanced standing. Any CSWE BSW qualifies you for advanced standing at other schools too.
Is Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (BSW) CSWE Accredited?
University of Southern Maine's BSW is listed as accredited in CSWE's directory (September 2026); the accreditation covers this format.