Social Work, M.S.W.

I. Contact Information

School of Social Work
Ansari Business Building, Suite 523

Mary Hylton, Interim MSW Program Coordinator
(775) 784-6542
mhylton@unr.edu

Olga Martinez, MSW Program Advisor
(775) 682-8758
omartinez@unr.edu

II. Brief Introduction

The mission of the MSW program is to prepare ethical, competent advanced generalist social work leaders who are able to practice reflectively and autonomously in complex environments across system levels with diverse client groups. The Advanced Generalist Practice (AGP) specialization prepares graduates to address questions, issues and problems across methods, systems, and fields of practice. As defined at the UNR School of Social Work, AGP is characterized by:

1. leadership in innovative problem-solving and change;
2. autonomous practice; and,
3. use of integrated, evidence-informed knowledge, values, and skills to address ambiguous, complex problems in an increasingly diverse and ever changing practice environment.

III. Program Objectives/Student Learning Outcomes

The UNR School of Social Work MSW Program goals guiding the MSW program are to prepare advanced generalist practitioners who:

• Identify as professionals, committed to social work’s ethical principles, continuous learning and service that meets the needs of vulnerable and diverse populations
• Demonstrate leadership across system levels through the ability to frame issues in ways that communicate their larger significance and a vision for change, and engage with others in ways that motivate and empower
• Integrate the strengths and person-in-environment perspectives with an array of theoretical models and intervention approaches to uniquely frame and address complex issues across diverse client systems
• Use research to inform practice decisions as well as produce and analyze data to identify client needs, emerging trends and evaluate interventions
• Are able to autonomously navigate diverse ambiguous and changing local, regional, and global contexts in developing and delivering interventions, policies, and programs that promote health and well-being of individuals, families, groups and society
• Promote social and economic justice through the provision of equitable and interculturally effective programs, policies and services

IV. Admission Requirements

Admission requirements for the 62-credit MSW program of study include:

• A non-social work bachelor’s degree (with substantial preparation in the liberal arts, including the social sciences, humanities, research, and human biology). A course in statistics AND research methods is required prior to beginning our MSW program.
• An overall undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or 3.25 in the last half of your undergraduate program. 
• Evidence of the ability to formulate and present material logically and clearly in written form.
• Career goals and potential which are compatible with the program’s approach to advanced generalist social work practice as characterized by:
  • willingness to work with diverse populations; 
  • desire to work with individuals, families, groups, communities, and organizations;
  • commitment to social justice and social change; and
  • compatibility with social work values.

Admission requirements for the 32-credit MSW Advanced Standing program of study include:

• Graduation from a CSWE accredited baccalaureate program in social work.
• A minimum overall GPA of 3.0 or 3.25 in the last half of your undergraduate program AND a “B-” or higher in each social work course.
• Documentation of outstanding performance in a BSW field experience under professional social work supervision.
• All other requirements for admission as listed in the 62-credit program of study.

V. Program Requirements

VI. Total Units

• Total program units for the traditional MSW program for students who have not completed an undergraduate degree in Social Work (BSW) are 62 units
• Total program units for students who have completed a BSW from a CSWE- accredited school are 32 units

VII. Undergraduate Prerequisites

• Bachelor Degree in Social Work (BSW) from a CSWE-accredited school, OR
• A non-social work bachelor’s degree (with substantial preparation in the liberal arts, including the social science, humanities, research, and human biology). A course in statistics AND research methods is required prior to beginning our MSW program.