Social Work, M.S.W.

Contact Information

School of Social Work
Ansari Business Building, Suite 523
Eugenia Weiss, MSW Program Coordinator
(775) 784-8525
eugeniaw@unr.edu

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

*Graduate Handbook*

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

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.

I. Program Requirements

II. Total Units

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

III. 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.
  

IV. Recommended Schedules