Here are some tips for selecting schools, based on an analysis comparing each school to all others across dozens of factors:
Fastest Response From Schools
- Request Info: For the fastest information for prospective students, look at the Spotlight schools on this page.
Student Body
- Part-Time: For schools emphasizing part-time studies, consider University of Southern Maine and University of Maine.
- Adult Learners: For lots of adult learners, consider University of Southern Maine and University of New England.
School Setting
- Out of State: For geographic diversity, take note of University of New England, University of Maine, University of Southern Maine, and Husson.
- Dorms: For a residential campus environment, take note of Husson, University of Maine, University of Maine at Presque Isle, and University of New England.
Excellence
- Class Size: For small class sizes, look at University of Maine, University of Maine at Presque Isle, University of Southern Maine, and University of New England.
Student/Alumnus Reviews of Schools for This Career and State
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University Of Maine • Orono, ME
Studying Double Major Of Philosophy And English (completion in 1998)
• 12/27/2011
"My university experience was extremely beneficial. I am of the belief that you get out of a program what you put in."
Ratings are on a 1-10 scale
| Characteristic | Rating | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Would Recommend? | yes | UMO provided a prime learning location for me. I would recommend it to anyone wishing to work in the family/social services industry. |
| Program Reputation | 5 | UMO is a well-respected name in the local/statewide community. |
| Program Quality | 5 | My university experience was adequate. In my opinion, there is very little that can be done to prepare for this type of position, other than the position itself. |
| Instruction | 5 | Career preparation could have been more extensive. However, the program itself and the curriculum were relevant and useful. |
| How Difficult | 5 | I was working full-time and had a double major. The workload was average. |
| Hands-On vs. Bookish | UMO provided a balanced mix of hands on and book learning. This is essential, as there are many types of experiential and research-oriented learning. | |
| Schedule Flexibility | 10 | I was able to complete a double major and work full-time. I looked into entering a different program a few years ago and found that there were many options available as a working mother. |
| Academic Facilities | 10 | Orono is the main campus of the University of Maine system. As such, it has an above-average number of academic facilities and resources. |
| Social Life | 5 | My social experience was acceptable. |
| Placement Services | 8 | The career center provided ample assistance when I was researching jobs. As an alum, it has been very helpful. |
| Alumni Network | 5 | I am uninvolved in the alumni program. From my understanding, the program provides an adequate level of support and networking. |
University Of Maine Augusta • Augusta, ME
Studying Mental Health And Human Services (completion in 2005)
• 1/31/2012
"Met my immediate needs for accessibility and entry into new field. Would have liked better preparation for graduate studies."
Ratings are on a 1-10 scale
| Characteristic | Rating | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Would Recommend? | maybe | My recommendation would be based on goals of the individual. If direct entry into the field is the goal, then yes. |
| Program Reputation | 5 | Program was noted for meeting requirements. Graduates are viewed as well prepared for entry level work. |
| Program Quality | 5 | Lots of distance education detracted from connection to other students. No credit toward advanced graduate study programs. |
| Instruction | 6 | Coursework was relevant to field. Academic expectations were low. |
| How Difficult | 4 | Many courses were designed with access to building the human services workforce. Courses were scaled to the distance learning audience. |
| Hands-On vs. Bookish | Most field work courses were very hands on, and faculty had relevant field experience to ensure realistic experiences. Core curriculum was much more book centered. | |
| Schedule Flexibility | 9 | Courses were offered frequently. Alternatives were offered to meet requirements, such as online courses and independent studies. |
| Academic Facilities | 5 | Advisors and professors were primarily based at the main site 30 miles from where my courses were offered. Most advising took place via email. |
| Social Life | 5 | Events were advertised and students were encouraged to attend. Events were generally offered at the main campus location 30 miles away. |
| Placement Services | 3 | Job placement was not readily offered. Advising was minimal due to the distance learning setting. |
| Alumni Network | 3 | There is very little connection to the school after graduation. Students were spread over a broad geographical area. |
University Of Maine At Orono • Orono, ME
Studying Social Work (completion in 2008)
• 3/7/2012
"I am disappointed by my degree program and the career in general. I find the opportunities to be limited, despite all of the hoopla about what a versatile degree a MSW is."
Ratings are on a 1-10 scale
| Characteristic | Rating | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Would Recommend? | no | I would encourage them to go to a school with more networking and career support services. |
| Program Reputation | 5 | I did not find it challenging to get into the graduate program, and I was surprised by others in my classes; that is, I was surprised that this level of study didn't eliminate more candidates than it accepted. |
| Program Quality | 5 | I feel that while the social work studies were adequate, they did not prepare us for the lengthy licensing situation that was imminent. Also, I don't feel that they provided enough clinical experience for those of us in direct care and support. |
| Instruction | 5 | As with anything, there are some strong teachers and some lower-quality instructors. They were adequate, but they did not prepare us for the job market or for what would come in terms of licensing. |
| How Difficult | 5 | I found certain aspects challenging, but I don't feel that I learned much more than I had garnered at the bachelor's level of study. |
| Hands-On vs. Bookish | Along with the book learning, we had internships that afforded hands-on learning. | |
| Schedule Flexibility | 5 | I found the classes flexible, but limited in terms of offerings. There couldn't be much flexibility, as some classes are only offered once, or once annually. |
| Academic Facilities | 5 | The social work program had a trailer out behind the school's campus. I also was disappointed by the "computer lab" that it offered students in the program. Quite lacking. |
| Social Life | As a nontraditional student, this was not something that I had any interest in. | |
| Placement Services | 2 | My school does not offer any career support or job assistance. It is challenging, due to the economic situation and lack of social work positions currently in Maine. |
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