University of Nevada, Reno Online Master of Social Work, Nevada

Why University of Nevada, Reno?

A large public research university, the University of Nevada, Reno trains students for a career in social work via its online Master of Social Work.  Applicants to the program should hold an undergraduate degree demonstrating substantial preparation in the liberal arts, including the social sciences, humanities, research and human biology. Applicants should also have completed an undergraduate course in statistics and research methods.

Standardized test scores are not required, and a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.00  is expected.  

Program Snapshot

University Name University of Nevada, Reno
Location Reno
State Nevada
Niche.com Grade A-
Name of Degree Master of Social Work
School or Department Administering Program School of Social Work
Credits 60
Cost per credit $700.00
Tuition for Entire Program $42,000
Test Requirements No
Minimum GPA 3.00
Prerequisite Courses and Skills course in statistics and research methods;  substantial preparation in the liberal arts, including the social sciences, humanities, research and human biology
Campus Visit Required? One Visit Required
Typical Time to Complete 3 years
When Can Students Start the Program? Fall
Program Concentrations none
Synchronous Classes No
Required Courses
  • Structural Oppression I and II
  • Social Work Methods with Individuals
  • Social Work Methods with Groups
  • Social Work Methods with Organizations, Communities and Legislatures
  • Social Work Methods with Couples and Families
  • Social Work History and Social Welfare Policy
  • Elements of Evidence Informed Practice
  • Foundation Practicum I and II
  • Advanced Multi-dimensional Assessment
  • Intervention Approaches with Individuals
  • Therapeutic Interventions with Groups
  • Social Work Administration I and II
  • Therapeutic Interventions with Families
  • Practice and Program Evaluation
  • Advanced Practicum I and II
  • Integrative Case-Based Seminar – Advanced Generalist Practice
Does the Program Include a Capstone? Yes
Does the Program Include a Practicum or Internship? Yes
Other Features that Make the Program Unique low cost; small faculty; expertise in substance abuse, end of life care, and homeless youth and young adults and other topics
Program Objectives (quoted directly from the program) Demonstrate leadership and a vision for change; Engage with others in ways that motivate and empower; Analyze data and use research to inform practice decisions; Navigate diverse, ambiguous and changing practice contexts; Promote the well-being of individuals, families, groups and society; Promote social and economic justice
Program Description Preparing students for work in Nevada’s urban and rural settings, this small program focuses on leadership, vision and empowerment as tools for social change. Requiring 60 credits of coursework, this online MSW also includes a compulsory practicum, but a capstone is not required.  Social work in end of life care, homelessness, and young adults are particular strengths.

What will I Learn?

The program’s learning objectives are closely allied with its goal of preparing students for work as advanced generalists equipped to serve in a variety of situations.  Graduates are prepared to demonstrate leadership and a vision for change and engage with others in ways that motivate and empower. They learn to analyze data and use research to inform practice decisions and navigate diverse, ambiguous and changing practice contexts. The Nevada-Reno graduate will promote the well-being of individuals, families, groups and society and promote social and economic justice.

A distinctive feature of the Nevaada-Reno MSW curriculum is the fact that two courses on Structural Oppression are required, putting social justice at the forefront of the program. Students are then led through approaches to practice through four Social Work Methods courses, focusing on work with Individuals, Groups, Couples and Families, and finally with Organizations, Communities and Legislatures.  Theory and history are covered in the required course in Social Work History and Social Welfare Policy. The key role of research and evaluation in the profession is evident in requirements for courses in Elements of Evidence Informed Practice and Advanced Multi-dimensional assessment. In their second year, students follow three courses in Therapeutic Interventions, focusing again on Individuals, Groups, and Families. Advanced students also learn administrative concepts and skills in Social Work Administration I and II and Practice and Program Evaluation. Throughout the program, students are required to register for Practicum courses in addition to the practicum workplace experience. Finally, all students must take a capstone seminar titled Integrative Case-Based Seminar: Advanced Integrative Practice. 

How much will the program cost?

Students finish their degree within 3 years and pay $700.00 per credit for a total of 60 credits, or $42,000.

How does the program fit into my life?

All courses in this program are asynchronous, meaning that students complete discussion and view lectures on their own schedule.  This model offers flexibility and the ability to focus intently on one topic at your own pace. Students are required to visit the campus once during the program. Most students take 3 years to complete the program. 

Summary

This lower-cost program offers a comprehensive and well-organized curriculum guiding students through all the key concepts and skills necessary to become competent and independent social workers. Coursework is aimed at understanding Nevada’s unique urban and rural settings, particularly those with fewer resources for social services. Faculty have expertise in substance abuse work, end of life care, and homeless youth and other topics.