The University of Maine has offered undergraduate education in social work and social welfare since the early 1950's. In 1972, UM began offering the Bachelor's in Social Work degree, with the initial accreditation of the program in 1979. The BSW Program has been continuously accredited by the Council on Social Work Education since 1979. The BSW has grown to an average enrollment of over 135 undergraduate students. The BSW program features: Small, individualized classes, A nationally recognized faculty with expertise in social work with children and families, mental health, healthcare, aging, poverty, international social work, school social work, and persons with disabilities, Excellent opportunities for student involvement in School service activities and governance through the Social Work Student Organization, Recognition of academic excellence through the Eta Zeta Chapter of Phi Alpha, the Social Work Honor Society, A diverse student group representing many ages, interests, and backgrounds and Courses offered on the Orono Campus and at the Hutchinson Center in Belfast.