Master of Social Work
Our MSW degree program is built around an advanced generalist curriculum that is well-rounded and prepares students for effective practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities. Required courses for the degree balance clinical, community, and policy practice content, while electives offer students opportunities to advance their knowledge and skills in particular areas of interest. Our MSW degree is recognized for licensure for independent social work practice in the United States.
Specialized Practice
Advanced generalist students demonstrate advanced practice skills in mental health therapy on the individual and group levels, diagnosis of mental health disorders, community practice, policy, research and program evaluation, and supervisory and leadership skills in social service settings. Students recognize the value of multidisciplinary work to meet client needs, engage in policy practice, and evaluate and enhance agency programs.
The advanced generalist program promotes critical thinking and conscientious application of advanced social work knowledge, skills, values, and ethics. The advanced generalist program calls for enhanced skills in critical thinking that allow for the analysis of complex problems and application of empirically supported interventions through anti-racist and anti-oppressive lenses. Master’s level social workers are employed in public and private agencies, including medical settings, schools, residential treatment centers, court and correctional agencies, and community planning and development agencies.
Foundation vs. Advanced Standing
Students may enter the Master of Social Work (MSW) program at either the foundation level (63 credit hours), or the advanced standing level (39 credit hours). The foundation level is designed for students whose undergraduate degree is not in social work. Our MSW program is flexible! Classes are offered in-person, remotely, and totally online so that students can structure their schedule however they prefer.
Dual Degrees and Certificates
The dual degree programs offer interdisciplinary preparation in two fields, requiring fewer credit hours than it would take to obtain each degree independently.
- For students seeking a dual degree focused on agency and program planning, policy, administration and evaluation, we offer a Master of Public Administration and Master of Social Work (MPA/MSW).
- For those with an interest in criminal justice, we offer a Master of Social Work and Master of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice dual degree (MSW/MSCRCJ).
- The Master of Social Work and Master of Public Health (MSW/MPH) dual degree program is a collaborative effort between the Grace Abbott School of Social Work and the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Public Health.
- The Managing Juvenile and Adult Population (MJAP) certificate is for students that desire to work with juveniles and adults who are in contact with the criminal justice system as victims, offender, or family members, and can be added to any graduate degree.
A message from our Graduate Program Coordinator, Henry D'Souza
I am so excited that you’re considering a graduate degree in social work! Our MSW program has been developed with your needs in mind. We have amazing and diverse students in our MSW graduate community – just like you. We offer flexibility in courses, online and in-person, designed to meet your needs and prepare you for a career as a practicing MSW. Our faculty include nationally recognized experts who are here to mentor you through our program and our staff are here for you through every step of your graduate experience. An MSW degree is so versatile – there is so much you can do – it opens new worlds, new experiences and opportunities for you to pursue a fulfilling career. We’re honored that you’re visiting our program via our website – please don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any questions you may have (hdsouza@unomaha.edu). For more information about our program, click here.