University of Nebraska Omaha MSW Programs

The Grace Abbott School of Social Work is essential to social work education at the University of Nebraska Omaha (UNO). Located in the College of Public Affairs and Community Service, this school has earned recognition for preparing social workers who make meaningful changes in communities of all types. The school has managed to keep its accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education since 1940, which shows its enduring dedication to quality education.

The school started a mission to train highly qualified social workers who help people of all ages. These professionals influence systems, advance knowledge through teaching and research, and promote societal wellbeing. Their work reflects the school’s focus on developing professionals who tackle complex social challenges through cooperation, policy development, research, and direct practice.

UNO sits on the traditional treaty lands of the Omaha and Otoe-Missouria Tribal Nations. These nations held sovereignty long before Nebraska became a state. The school also respects the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska, the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska, the Santee Sioux Tribe of Nebraska, and more than 170 other tribes in the Omaha area.

Nebraska’s premier public social work education institution offers both traditional students and working professionals flexible scheduling options and innovative curriculum design. Students connect with Omaha’s extensive social service network, which helps create strong field placement opportunities and professional connections.

Students learn evidence-based practice, cultural competency, and ethical decision-making in all concentration areas. This complete approach gives graduates the tools to help individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities they serve.

This 83-year-old institution plays a vital role in Nebraska’s social work education. The school’s dedication to academic excellence and community participation continues to prepare future social workers who address complex social challenges and create positive change in society.

Programs offered

UNO’s Grace Abbott School of Social Work runs a Master of Social Work (MSW) program. Students can choose different paths to advance their careers in social work. The program adapts to fit students’ educational backgrounds and career goals.

Students can join the MSW program through two main tracks. The MSW Generalist Program needs 63 credit hours and works for students without a BSSW degree. The MSW Advanced Generalist Program requires 39 credit hours and suits those who already have a BSSW degree from an accredited school of social work.

The program’s flexibility makes it stand out. Students can pick from in-person classes, online learning, or mix both with hybrid courses. The program is also available in a hybrid format at the University of Nebraska at Kearney’s campus, making it available to students in different areas.

The program offers dual degrees that save time and credits compared to pursuing degrees separately. These dual degree options include:

• Master of Public Administration/Master of Social Work (MPA/MSW)
• Master of Social Work/Criminology and Criminal Justice (MSW/MSCRCJ)
• Master of Social Work/Master of Public Health (MSW/MPH)

The curriculum balances clinical practice with community and policy content effectively. The Generalist Program starts with 24 credits covering human behavior, social welfare policy, institutional oppression, and generalist practice. The Advanced Generalist curriculum builds on these basics with specialized courses in clinical social work, health and mental health practice, ethics, leadership, and program evaluation.

Field education is the substance of the program. Students get hands-on training in real-life settings through practicum experiences. The Generalist Program needs two field practicums, and the Advanced Generalist Program requires two more advanced practicums.

Students can shape their education by choosing nine graduate credits from electives in social work, gerontology, criminology & criminal justice, or public administration. Students interested in substance abuse counseling can get extra training to become Licensed Drug and Alcohol Counselors (LADCs) in Nebraska.

UNO is Nebraska’s only institution offering an MSW degree program with multiple format options. This makes quality social work education available to students across the state and beyond.

About the online program

The University of Nebraska Omaha’s MSW program puts flexibility first. The program offers multiple learning formats that fit different lifestyles and priorities. You can structure your education to match your circumstances with classes you can take in-person, remotely, or online.

Students can access the online MSW program through the Nebraska Online portal. It maintains similar standards to its campus-based version. The program has the same CSWE accreditation, faculty expertise, and curriculum rigor that has made the Grace Abbott School of Social Work stand out for decades. This format works best especially when you have commitments that make regular campus attendance difficult – whether you’re a rural student, working professional, or managing family responsibilities.

Students who choose the online MSW at UNO use sophisticated learning platforms that help create meaningful educational experiences. The program features innovative teaching approaches such as:

• Virtual simulations that mirror ground social work scenarios
• Pre-recorded lectures for flexible viewing
• Interactive discussion boards for shared learning
• Video conferencing tools for live classes and faculty mentorship

This multi-layered approach provides complete skill development while adapting to different learning priorities and time constraints. Online education gives exceptional flexibility, but students need strong self-discipline, time management skills, and tech proficiency.

The online program follows UNO’s advanced generalist curriculum to prepare students for clinical and macro practice social work roles. This balanced approach helps develop the versatility needed in today’s diverse social work field.

Field education remains a vital part of the online format. The university helps students find field placements at approved sites in their area, so practical experience enhances theoretical learning.

The program offers complete support services to help students direct their online learning journey effectively. Before choosing the online format, students should review their tech requirements, local field placement options, and any real-time class commitments.

UNO’s online MSW program creates an available path to advanced social work education while maintaining high quality and educational outcomes through careful planning and execution.

Accreditation

Accreditation is a vital quality marker for any social work education program. The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) is the only accrediting agency for social work education in the United States and its territories. The Council for Higher Education Accreditation recognizes CSWE as the standard for evaluating social work programs nationwide.

The University of Nebraska Omaha’s Master of Social Work program has a rich history of excellence. The program has kept its CSWE accreditation since 1940 and is currently accredited through 2029. This long-standing accreditation shows the program’s steadfast dedication to educational quality and professional standards.

CSWE accreditation gives prospective students several important advantages:

• Your degree will meet national standards needed for licensure in most states
• Faculty members meet professional standards
• The curriculum covers key competencies for professional practice
• Field education experiences align with professional requirements

Accreditation covers all approved program locations and delivery methods from an accredited program. Both on-campus and online MSW options at UNO have similar accreditation status – a significant factor to consider when comparing programs.

Students who choose either the traditional or online MSW pathway at UNO join a program that upholds the highest standards in social work education. The Grace Abbott School of Social Work’s both program formats have full accreditation status.

CSWE standards classify programs into different accreditation categories: Fully Accredited, Accredited with Conditions (needs specific improvements within one year), Candidacy (completed at least one year of accreditation process), or Pre-Candidacy (scheduled for Candidacy review within one year). UNO’s program holds the Fully Accredited status.

CSWE accredits 347 master’s programs nationwide as of June 2025. UNO’s MSW stands among select programs that showed excellence in social work education. This accreditation status proves the program knows how to prepare graduates who promote health, well-being, and justice in communities of all types.

Admission Requirements

The MSW program at University of Nebraska Omaha has specific requirements to assess your readiness for graduate-level social work education. You must meet application deadlines based on your intended start date and educational background.

Students need to submit spring admission applications by November 1. Spring enrollment is exclusively available to students who have completed or will complete a BSSW from a CSWE-accredited program before starting their MSW studies. The fall 2026 admission has a priority deadline of February 1, and applications are accepted until March 1. Students with any undergraduate degree can apply for fall admission.

You need a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. The program requires a 2.7 or higher undergraduate cumulative GPA to be considered.

Your application needs several supporting documents. The statement of purpose should address your interest in social work, career plans, self-reflection on personal experiences, strengths and areas for growth, and your connection to social work values. Make sure to limit this statement to five pages, double-spaced, in 12-point font.

A resume should detail your educational and occupational experiences since high school. Include start/end dates, position status (part/full-time, paid/volunteer), field placements, and any honors you received.

You need three letters of recommendation from professional and academic sources who know your skills well. One reference must come from an immediate professional supervisor. Recent graduates should get at least one reference from a faculty member who can speak about their readiness for graduate social work education.

International applicants or those without U.S. degrees must prove English language proficiency through test scores: Internet-based TOEFL (85), IELTS (6.5), PTE (53), or Duolingo (110).

UNO’s MSW program remains competitive. Recent data shows 163 acceptances from 216 applications in one cycle. Your application should address all requirements fully to stand out at the Grace Abbott School of Social Work.

Tuition

Money plays a crucial role in your MSW education choices. UNO provides competitive tuition rates that beat other regional institutions. Your costs will depend on where you live and which program format you choose.

Students who enroll in the online MSW program through Nebraska Online pay CPACS graduate rates. The 2025-2026 academic year costs $632.00 per credit hour.

Your total cost depends on where you start in the program. The Advanced Standing track (39 credits) costs between $15,600.00 to $24,700.00. Students taking the Traditional track (63 credits) should expect to pay $25,300.00 to $38,000.00. Remember these amounts cover tuition only – you’ll need extra for fees, books, and other expenses.

Nebraska Wesleyan University charges more since it’s a private school. This makes UNO a more budget-friendly choice for your MSW degree.

UNO offers several ways to help fund your education:

• Research and Teaching Assistantships
• Health Care Benefits
• Institutionally-sponsored Loans
• Scholarships
• Graduate Assistantships
• Tuition waivers
• Career-related internships
• Federal Work-Study

You’ll need to submit your FAFSA to get financial help. Make sure to apply by March 1. UNO’s FAFSA School Code is 002554.

UNO’s steadfast dedication to affordable education shows in their numbers. Their financial aid office helped thousands of students in 2022 – they answered over 15,000 calls, sent more than 20,000 emails, and helped 2,800 students at their front counter. These numbers prove UNO’s commitment to making quality education available to every student, whatever their financial situation.

Additional Information

The program’s graduate demographics show interesting trends. Women make up 93.8% of MSW graduates, which is a big deal as it means that they exceed the national average of 87.2%. The program’s diversity numbers tell a different story – 21.6% of graduates are racial-ethnic minorities, falling below the national average of 42%.

The school helps students with various financial aid options, including the Kerry Beldin Scholarship fund. The Practicum Office connects students with numerous agency partners for field placements. Students should consider multiple placement options since agency availability can change.