Social Work 3+2 (B.A. to M.S.W)
Earn Your Master’s Faster
The University of Maine at Farmington’s Social Work 3+2 program is an accelerated pathway for motivated, compassionate students ready to begin a career in counseling and social work. In just five years, you can earn a B.A. in Psychology from UMF and an M.S.W. from the University of Southern Maine—saving a year of study while preparing to make an immediate impact in the field.
This program equips graduates for professional careers addressing Maine’s growing mental health needs. Social workers are advocates for social justice and change, helping individuals, families, and communities navigate challenges such as depression, PTSD, substance abuse, life transitions, and other difficult situations with care and expertise.
About this Program:
UMF’s Social Work 3+2 program lets you earn both a B.A. in Social Work and a Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) in just five years instead of the usual six. This nationally accredited program focuses on preparing you to work with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities in ways that promote social justice and human rights. You’ll gain the knowledge, skills, and values needed to help people from diverse backgrounds address life challenges while making a positive difference in their lives and communities .
The curriculum covers social work theory, practice, and policy, as well as hands-on training in direct service, advocacy, and community work. You’ll build a strong foundation in research, ethics, and human behavior, while learning to analyze complex social issues and develop effective interventions. As part of your preparation, you will complete 1,320 hours of supervised field education, two internships in your undergraduate years and a master’s-level placement—to ensure you graduate with real-world experience .
You will get to choose interesting classes at Farmington specifically tailored to this program, such as:
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Introduction to Psychology
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Social Psychology
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Research Methods
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Abnormal Psychology
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Writing in Psychology
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Social Work Methods I, II, III
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Human Behavior in the Social Environment
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Social Welfare Policy
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Statistics for Behavioral Sciences
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Field Practicum
Graduates of the Social Work 3+2 program are ready for licensure and prepared to work in mental health services, schools, healthcare, child welfare, advocacy organizations, community agencies, and more. With the M.S.W., you can qualify for advanced clinical roles, supervisory positions, and leadership opportunities in social service systems. The program also positions you to pursue specialized licensure, such as becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) .
FAQ
- Completion of an undergrad degree in three years lets you enter the workforce a year earlier, saving you money and time
- A program of study focused on counseling where you begin to develop the professional skills needed to be an effective social worker
- Close collaboration and mentoring from Farmington faculty and upper-level UMF students
- Participation in an interactive seminar — allowing you to develop counseling and leadership skills while preparing you for similar courses in graduate school
- You’ll work closely with fellow students and faculty mentors
- Students will be selected based on their potential for completing an accelerated degree and continuing to a Master’s degree program in Social Work
- Specifically, applicants will be chosen based on their academic strengths, previous experience relevant to counseling, and their interest in the 3 + 2 program
You can still benefit from all aspects of the 3 + 2 program.
By majoring in Psychology at Farmington, you will have the opportunities in Counseling course offerings, the MHRT/C courses sequence, mentoring from UMF faculty to help prepare for graduate school and a career in counseling, and a heavier course load to accelerate your degree if you choose.