Grace Abbott School of Social Work

Engaged, Diverse, Ready for Service

The Grace Abbott School of Social Work educates professional social workers to engage in the community and promote social change.

  • Grace Abbott (Nov. 17, 1878 - June 19, 1939)

    Nebraska native Grace Abbott was a social worker, educator, reformer, and champion of women, children, and immigrants. Learn more

  • STEPs (Support and Training for the Evaluation of Programs), affiliated with UNO and the Grace Abbott School of Social Work, provides evaluation to programs serving children, youth and families in poverty. Learn more

  • Continuing Education and Professional Development Program

    Continuing Education and Professional Development Program Learn more

  • Why choose social work? Social workers empower individuals, relieve suffering, and affect social change. They help meet the basic needs of all people and strengthen those who are vulnerable, oppressed, or living in poverty. Learn more

Social Work

The Grace Abbott School of Social Work is named for native Nebraskan and social reformer, Grace Abbott. Abbott's social activism and writings contributed to programs that safeguarded mothers and families, protected immigrants from abuse, and rescued child laborers. Today, that tradition is embodied in students, faculty and proud alumni.

There’s a reason to choose social work. Answering a call to service changes more than one life—it has a ripple effect, first touching one person and eventually an entire community. The Grace Abbott School of Social Work educates professional social workers who engage with diverse communities and promote social change. 

The ripple effect we speak of often starts with a macro focus. Our students regularly engage with state lawmakers and government officials concerning issues of policy and advocacy that ultimately affect positive change for individuals, families and community groups. The Grace Abbott School of Social Work welcomes traditional and non-traditional students to study in multiple areas of social work practice. The common thread among our diverse student population is a heart for service. 

Undergraduate Degree Options

Social Work Bachelor of Science (BSSW)

Graduate Degree Options

  • Social Work (MSW)
  • Social Work and Public Health (MSW/MPH)
  • Social Work and Criminology and Criminal Justice (MSW/MSCRCJ)
  • Public Administration and Social Work (PA/MSW)

Serving the Omaha Community and Beyond

We serve a diverse group of individuals and communities. Our students gain structured community experience in social service agencies, hospitals, public schools and the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. Our practicum experience helps students develop specialized knowledge and skills to practice professional social work following graduation.  Our MSW and BSSW off-campus programs serve rural communities outside of the Omaha metropolitan area.