Social Work, M.S.W.

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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:

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

Program Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to:

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.
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, racial, economic, and environmental justice through the provision of equitable and interculturally effective programs, policies and services.
demonstrate understanding of Anti-racism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ADEI) concepts in order to promote human rights across all levels and systems of practice.

Contact Information

School of Social Work
18600 Wedge Pkwy Suite 100
Reno, NV 89511-0612

Sara Thompson-Kirby, MSW Program Coordinator
(775) 682-7410
sarat@unr.edu

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

Admission Requirements

Admission requirements for the Traditional Standing, 60-unit 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 2.75.
Evidence of the ability to formulate and present material logically and clearly in written form.
Career goals and potential that 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 Advanced Standing, 30-unit MSW program of study include:

Graduation from a CSWE-accredited baccalaureate program in social work.
A minimum overall GPA of 2.75 in an undergraduate program AND a “C” 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 Traditional Standing 60-unit program of study.

I. Program Requirements

A. Foundation level

SW 610 - Structural Oppression (3 units)
SW 611 - Theoretical Perspectives on Human Behavior (3 units)
SW 620 - Social Work Methods with Individuals (3 units)
SW 621 - Social Work Methods with Groups (3 units)
SW 623 - Social Work Methods with Organizations, Communities and Legislatures (3 units)
SW 624 - Social Work Methods with Couples and Families (3 units)
SW 630 - Social Work History and Social Welfare Policy (3 units)
SW 640 - Elements of Evidence Informed Practice (3 units)
SW 680 - Foundation Practicum I (3 units)
SW 681 - Foundation Practicum II (3 units)

B. Concentration level

SW 710 - Advanced Multidimensional Assessment (3 units)
SW 720 - Therapeutic Interventions with Individuals (3 units)
SW 721 - Therapeutic Interventions with Groups (3 units)
SW 723 - Social Work Administration I (3 units)
SW 724 - Therapeutic Interventions with Families (3 units)
SW 725 - Social Work Administration II (3 units)
SW 741 - Practice and Program Evaluation (3 units)
SW 780 - Advanced Practicum I (3 units)
SW 781 - Advanced Practicum II (3 units)
SW 793 - Integrative Case-Based Seminar: Advanced Generalist Practice (3 units)

II. Total Units

Total units for the Traditional Standing MSW program for students who have not completed an undergraduate degree in Social Work (BSW) are 60 units
Total units for students who have completed a BSW from a CSWE- accredited school are 30 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.