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, 4,180 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 January 2026 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

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.

Request more info from the University of Denver.

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.

Request more info from Syracuse University.

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.

Request more info from Simmons University.

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.

Request more info from Howard University.

Hawaii Pacific University

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Master of Social Work

The online Master of Social Work prepares aspiring social work leaders to develop a multicultural social work practice, advocate for social and economic justice, and empower diverse communities affected by systemic inequities within civilian and military-focused areas. 

Request more info from Hawaii Pacific University.

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Common Steps to Become a Maine Social Worker

Before becoming a social worker in Maine, your education depends on the license level you are pursuing (bachelor’s related field vs. BSW/social welfare vs. MSW/DSW). 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 for obtaining each type of license in Maine; this information was obtained from the Maine State Board of Social Worker Licensure as of January 2026.

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. Bachelor’s degree in social work or social welfare OR completion of LSX consultation requirements
2. Complete the one-time 12 contact hours in family or intimate partner violence training (per Board note)
3. Apply to the Maine State Board of Social Worker Licensure
4. Submit your application to the board

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

1. Complete an approved masters or doctoral degree program.
2. Pass the ASWB Masters examination
3. Submit your application to the board

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

1. Complete an approved master’s or doctoral degree program.
2. Pass the ASWB Masters exam
3. Submit your application to the board
4. Pay the $70 license fee and $21 criminal history check for initial licensure

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

1. Complete an approved and accredited Master of Social Work (MSW) degree or doctoral degree program
2. Pass the ASWB Clinical exam
3. Complete the required clinical consultation and experience and submit the Board’s Verification of Consultation
4. 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, gaining real-world social work experience 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 a few online MSW programs in Maine that are accredited by the CSWE and offered at least part-time, 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.

An LSX is a non-clinical, entry-level social work license that allows you to practice under an approved consultation agreement (you may not practice without an active consultation agreement on file).

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

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 consultation 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 without consultation 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 January 2026.

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 to challenges such as child and elder welfare, healthcare reform, and other issues affecting disadvantaged populations in Maine and beyond.

Maine allows licensure by endorsement if out-of-state applicants meet the requirements for in-state social work. This includes educational prerequisites, a $70 license fee + $21 criminal history check for initial issuance (total $91) 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, with most licenses requiring at least 4 hours in social work ethics. LSX (conditional) licensees have additional topic requirements: at least 6 hours in ethics and at least 6 hours in psychosocial assessment. In addition, beginning in 2020, renewal applicants must demonstrate a one-time completion of at least 12 hours of coursework in family or intimate partner violence (if applicable). 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.

Information last updated: January 2026.