University of Maine

What you'll study

This programme combines foundational knowledge of mental health with practical skills used in social services and allied professions. Core topics typically include assessment and diagnosis, theories of counselling, lifespan human development, psychopathology, substance use and recovery, crisis intervention, and ethical and legal issues in practice.

• Foundations of Mental Health: introductory psychology, biological bases of behaviour, and major therapeutic approaches.
• Clinical and Counselling Skills: interviewing techniques, case formulation, motivational interviewing and brief interventions.
• Substance Use and Addiction: etiology, treatment models, harm reduction and community resources.
• Social Policy and Systems: structure of welfare systems, policy impacts on service delivery and advocacy strategies for marginalised groups.
• Research Methods and Evaluation: quantitative and qualitative methods, programme evaluation and use of evidence in practice.
• Multicultural Competence and Ethics: working with diverse populations, cultural humility and professional standards.
• Practicum / Field Experience: supervised placements in community mental health centres, schools, hospitals or social service agencies to apply skills in real settings.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a secondary school diploma (or equivalent) with a solid academic record. Typical expectations include coursework in social sciences or biology and demonstrated interest in human services. The University of Maine may consider standardised test scores where submitted, but many offers are based primarily on academic performance and the application statement.

• Personal statement describing motivation for study and relevant experiences.
• Academic transcripts showing completion of secondary education; recommended preparation in psychology, sociology or related subjects.
• One or more references, preferably from teachers, employers or supervisors who can speak to suitability for work in health and social services.
• Transfer applicants should provide college transcripts and may be required to meet specific course prerequisites for progression into practicum placements.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a range of entry‑level roles across the mental health and social service sectors and often pursue further professional training. Common job titles include community support worker, case manager, psychiatric technician, substance use counsellor (with additional certification), school support staff and programme coordinator in non‑profit agencies.

Many students use the degree as preparation for graduate study and professional licensure in fields such as social work (MSW), counselling, clinical psychology or psychiatric nursing. The programme’s practicum component helps build employer‑relevant experience and local professional networks, especially in public and community health settings across Maine.

Why study at University of Maine

The University of Maine offers an interdisciplinary approach that integrates classroom teaching with supervised field placements across urban and rural settings, giving students exposure to diverse client populations. Faculty combine academic research with applied practice, and students benefit from campus career services, advising for licensure pathways and connections with regional health and social service agencies.

Smaller class sizes support skills development in communication and assessment, while opportunities for undergraduate research and community engagement projects allow students to tailor their learning to interests such as addiction services, youth work, ageing and rural mental health.