student perspectives.

You graduated from a College or University with a degree in Psychology, Sociology, Family Science, Theology, Political Science, Anthropology or some other field pertaining to human relations and now you’re thinking about getting a Master’s degree. But, you’re just not sure that the field in which you received your Bachelors is the right one for you.

When people are asked to describe you they say you’re just a little bit radical, a touch too “fired-up” about current issues, or that you really know how to relate to people. You have a passion for working with others. You want to know what it takes to be a leader. You not only want to learn about human interaction, you want the skills to change the world. So, what’s the best fit for you?

A Master’s in Social Work. When most people think about Social Workers the image that comes to mind is a case worker. Good news is case workers do phenomenal work, but you can do so much more! You can become a therapist, a Senator, the Director of a non-profit, a grant writer, a professor, a researcher, a school social worker, or anything else you put your mind to. Those who graduate with a degree in Social Work from UNO are competent and competitively sought-after individuals who literally affect the world around them.

But, hey, don’t take it from us, read what these amazing individuals have to say…

Wendy Barrera-Andazola

Wendy is in her second year with the foundation-level program. She earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and minored in psychology. “I chose Social Work because I felt that I would learn and grow as a young professional. With a background in Criminal Justice, I think it is possible to pull from both areas. What I wanted to do for myself was build on my education in another field and Social Work was the program that fit me.”

“The courses that are taught build upon each other. The coursework professors ask us to do is challenging, appropriate and applicable. The professors are knowledgeable, involved in the community, and interested in us as students.”

“The one thing I have learned that I keep at the forefront of everything that I do can be summarized in one word: Application.”

Wendy intends to apply the knowledge gleaned from her education to future professional settings. “I would love to find a position where I can tie both my Social Work and Criminal Justice educations. I hope to work in an agency where I can utilize what I have learned and use my bilingual skills. I want to make positive contributions and changes to help others. “

Claire Herzog

This second-year Social Work student originally graduated with a Bachelors degree in Sociology and minored in Psychology.

“During my undergraduate career, I was always searching for a major I felt was a good fit for me. I started with Criminal Justice and then ended up in Sociology. When I began looking into grad school, I found that Social Work was what I’d been looking for all along. I learned a lot from Sociology and Psychology classes, but I never felt that I had a way to put my knowledge into practice and social work provided that direction.”

When asked about her impression of the Foundation MSW Program, Claire had the following things to say, “So far, I have noticed the variety and abundance of knowledge among my classmates and also my professors’ genuine interest in my education. I feel that my experience has been enhanced by hearing classmates’ stories and examples, especially in my Foundation classes where the students came from different professional and academic backgrounds.”

Once finished with her Master’s degree, Claire would like to continue the work she has already begun, “My passion is working with refugees and immigrants, although I know there will be many other opportunities to use my degree in places I haven’t even discovered.”

Martin Steele

A second-year Foundation-Level student, Martin originally graduated with a degree in Human and Social Services Administration. For 17 years he worked with youth at risk. Wanting to advance his knowledge and ability, he chose to pursue a degree in Social Work with UNO. “I knew Social Work would provide the education and training needed to meet my goals. Social Work is a comprehensive degree and I like the flexibility that comes with a Masters Degree in Social Work.”

A native Nebraskan, Martin moved and lived for a time on the West Coast. However, when it came to choosing a graduate program, he decided to come back to his home state.

“I was familiar with UNO, I had always heard good things about the Social Work Program. Mainly, I wanted to take advantage of a lower cost of living and a smaller school. The access to my professors is fantastic. I feel like they know who I am; they are receptive to my needs and they care. Dr. Barron-McKeagney is more than just a [Director], she get’s involved with students and I can tell you she has directly influenced my life and my future.”

Once completed, Martin wants to relocate to the East Coast and work with families in crisis.

“I know that once I have my MSW the opportunities will be numerous. I have every reason to believe that the education that I have received through the School of Social Work at UNO will stack against anyone’s.”