The purpose of graduate social work education at the University of Nevada, Reno is to prepare advanced generalist social workers who will practice in public and private agencies. The program is committed to the enhancement of human well-being and the promotion of social and economic justice, with particular attention to the strengths and needs of the citizens of Nevada and the underserved populations of the state.
For students without a bachelor’s degree in social work from an accredited program, the master of social work degree requires the completion of 62 credits of foundation and concentration level coursework, which can be completed through a two, three or four year program of study. Students who hold a bachelor’s degree in social work from an accredited program must complete the 32 credits of concentration level courses in one year if full time, two years if part time.The admission and retention of students in all programs are subject to the professional judgment of the social work faculty.
The program does not offer any credit for life experiences. Thirty credits of foundation course work and field placements (600-level courses) provide students the opportunity to develop generalist social work skills, values and knowledge as well as the professional social work perspective. The concentration courses and field placements (700-level courses) provide instruction in the multiple methods, multiple theories and multiple levels of assessment which characterize the advanced generalist practitioner (AGP).
Students may elect Plan A: AGP Thesis Option or Plan B: Integrative Project Option during their concentration year of study. Students selecting Plan A should enroll in SW 797 - Thesis , a two semester course. The thesis is suggested for students committed to 1) developing a particular area of social work research, and 2) working autonomously under the direction of a thesis committee. It builds on strong foundation-level research skills and requires significant commitment and work during the summer preceding the concentration year. Plan B is designed for students who wish to demonstrate their mastery of advanced generalist practice competencies through the completion of a field-based project and a professional paper developed under the direction of a graduate advisory examining committee. Students choosing this option enroll in
and
during the final fall and spring semesters of their concentration year of study.