UMPI CBE Master’s in Human Services Planned, and MHA Still Happening

[Jonathan Whatley]

Per the Academic Program Proposals Preview for the University of Maine System Academic and Student Affairs Committee meeting of June 22, 2026, UMPI has filed an Intent to Plan form for a YourPace CBE Master’s in Human Services (or “Human Service”). Back in a 2025 press release, the UMS had also mentioned that UMPI together with UMFK “plan to develop YourPace human services bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in the near future.”

The other big news from the ASA committee also in the same Proposals Preview is that UMPI is affirmatively still moving forward on a YourPace CBE MS in Healthcare Administration, which they also identify as an MHA. “Proposed launch: Fall 2026 Session 2 or Spring 2027 Session 1.”

This is in addition to the recent launch of the Healthcare Management graduate certificate and concentration within the MS in Business program. The MHA and MSB-HCM programs are not mutually exclusive. The MHA “program leverages existing institutional resources and a collaborative development team of full-time faculty from UMPI and the University of Maine at Fort Kent.” UMFK has a substantial nursing program whose faculty can valuably contribute.

[Swiss Cognac]

They are growing so fast the quality is definitely declining. Admin takes forever and multiple tries to get things done. I love UMPI so much I went back for another degree. I think they need to slow down and properly staff. My son applied and it took 2.5 months to get his acceptance after them claiming to no have documents and having to resubmit things they claim they never got.

On a positive note I do think there is a market for the Human Services degrees, but Social Work is where I think they should have went. They are just adding quick degrees instead of quality degrees.

I do love that the MHA is still happening and that is a degree I wouldn't mind going for. I feel like the MSB in Healthcare is kind of redundant. I know there is a difference but I think most would prefer the MHA anyway.

UMPI is doing a lot right now... give the people what they want. Get a couple tech degrees, Social Work and relax on adding all these programs no one asked for.

I wish they would focus new Yourpace programs on:
BLS rebranded with a better name.
Bachelor's of Management Information Systems with some tech concentrations.
Master's of Management Information Systems with some tech concentrations.
Bachelor's of Social Work
Master's Social Work

I know Computer Science is pretty much dead. Probably too costly to staff.

[Jonathan Whatley]

On a positive note I do think there is a market for the Human Services degrees, but Social Work is where I think they should have went.

UMPI has added an online semester-based BSW (priced at regular UMPI credit-hour-based tuition). Getting the CSWE to accredit a CBE program could be challenging – WGU has been working on something for years it seems. But maybe after UMPI has proven itself with a “traditional online” program, CBE could be its next step.

[Kevin.B]

They are growing so fast the quality is definitely declining. Admin takes forever and multiple tries to get things done. I love UMPI so much I went back for another degree. I think they need to slow down and properly staff. My son applied and it took 2.5 months to get his acceptance after them claiming to no have documents and having to resubmit things they claim they never got.

On a positive note I do think there is a market for the Human Services degrees, but Social Work is where I think they should have went. They are just adding quick degrees instead of quality degrees.

I do love that the MHA is still happening and that is a degree I wouldn't mind going for. I feel like the MSB in Healthcare is kind of redundant. I know there is a difference but I think most would prefer the MHA anyway.

UMPI is doing a lot right now... give the people what they want. Get a couple tech degrees, Social Work and relax on adding all these programs no one asked for.

I wish they would focus new Yourpace programs on:
BLS rebranded with a better name.
Bachelor's of Management Information Systems with some tech concentrations.
Master's of Management Information Systems with some tech concentrations.
Bachelor's of Social Work
Master's Social Work

I know Computer Science is pretty much dead. Probably too costly to staff.

I agree - I think a CBE BSW/MSW would do great. I emailed UMPI and this is the response I received back:

"Thank you for your interest in the UMPI YourPace program!

There is currently no option or program in development for earning a BSW through the YourPace program.  However, the traditional UMPI program does have an online Social Work program option.  If you would like to learn more about the traditional UMPI online option, please reach out to [email protected].

While UMPI does not currently offer a BSW/MSW or MA/MS in Psychology programs, we value your interest and are always looking to develop programs that serve the needs of students.

Please watch out for new programs on our website to stay up to date on our latest program offerings!

Thank you, 
UMPI YourPace Admissions"


Hopefully they'll pursue that path soon 

[Mint Berry Crunch]

On a positive note I do think there is a market for the Human Services degrees, but Social Work is where I think they should have went. 

To be honest, I'm not sure what a Human Services degree truly covers in comparison to Social Work. What makes it distinctive or unique compared to a degree in Social Work?

[Jonathan Whatley]

To be honest, I'm not sure what a Human Services degree truly covers in comparison to Social Work. What makes it distinctive or unique compared to a degree in Social Work?

CSWE accreditation requirements, which apply to a bachelor’s or above in social work, are fairly strict and specific. In particular the CSWE requires “practice” courses to be taught entirely by social workers, each student to have certain length field placements supervised by social workers, and an MSW to last 2 academic years FTE (60 credits or so) unless the entrant has a qualifying CSWE BSW, in which case it’s an “advanced standing” MSW and can last 1 academic year.

A Human Services degree is much more flexible in its faculty backgrounds and field placements, and a master’s in human services can be 1 academic year FTE for everyone (30 to 36 credits or so).

While CSWE accreditation is practically necessary for a path to social work licensure, there’s a more optional accreditor for human services degrees, the CSHSE. There’s also a legitimate organization that grants the Human Services-Board Certified Practitioner (HS-BCP) certification. HS-BCP candidates can have a degree in Human Services specifically from the associate’s level up, or a master’s or higher in a related field such as psychology if that has sufficient coursework in human services areas.

[newdegree]

I am interested in seeing how the Masters in Human Services turns out. Maybe I check it out in the future.

[Swiss Cognac]

I am interested in seeing how the Masters in Human Services turns out. Maybe I check it out in the future.

I think it is so cool how you keep getting degrees.

I think the MHS will be a good degree. NASW rules and regulations are very strict so I understand why they are not doing BSW or MSW.

[newdegree]

I am interested in seeing how the Masters in Human Services turns out. Maybe I check it out in the future.

I think it is so cool how you keep getting degrees.

I think the MHS will be a good degree. NASW rules and regulations are very strict so I understand why they are not doing BSW or MSW.

Keeps me busy lol. I have no clue how I balance a full time job, a business, going to school, partying every weekend, and spending time with family. To be young , bright, energetic, and intelligent I guess. 

MHS for cheap, I would take it. I considered an MSW at one point but didn't have the time to do it, maybe in the future at another school. I have my eyes on an EdD next after I complete this EdS degree. The MHS degree depending on the coursework I should be able to bang out in one term.