Master of Social Work
Our graduate program provides a balance of academic instruction related to theory, research, and major substantive issues, as well as hands-on experience in a variety of agency environments.
Our 60-credit-hour program is for those who have a bachelor's degree in a field other than social work, and our 42-credit-hour Advanced Standing Program is for graduates of undergraduate social work programs accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
We do not give credit for previous work/life experience or for graduate course work completed more than six calendar years prior to the term when all degree requirements are met.
Upon admission to our master’s program, you are assigned a graduate advisor. We recommend that you meet with your advisor once a semester to discuss your classes in relation to your concentration and whenever you have any questions.
Full-Time Program (60 credits)
- Four semesters to complete
- Begins in the fall semester
- 900 hours of field instruction are completed concurrently with the required class work.
Advanced Standing Full-Time Program (42 credits)
- Two semesters and a summer session to complete
- Begins in the summer session
- 600 hours of field instruction are completed concurrently with fall and spring semesters’ required class work.
Part-Time Options
Part-time study options in both the regular and advanced standing programs are available. All students, full-time or part-time, must complete the MSW program within four years. Any extensions will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Field Education Program
Get information about the field practicum, which allows you to get experience in agency settings.
Concentrations
The graduate-level program curriculum is designed to prepare you for a professional social work career working with diverse populations in an urban setting. All concentration areas have a solid foundation of competent professional practice skills, knowledge, and values, and prepare you for post-master’s licensing internships to the L.C.S.W., L.I.S.W. (Nevada), or other state licensing designations. Licensing requires an accredited master’s of social work degree and subsequent passing of the post-master’s written licensing exam. You will select an emphasis in one of the following two areas:
Direct Practice (DP)
Direct Practice prepares you for advanced social work practice with individuals, families, and groups. If you are interested in a post-master’s career working in areas of case management or clinical/therapeutic interventions (e.g., psychotherapy) with individuals (children and/or adults), families, or groups, including L.C.S.W. licensure, you may want to select this concentration.
Management and Community Practice (MCP) (PDF)
Management and Community Practice prepares you for advanced practice in policy advocacy and management in human service organizations and agencies at the local, state, and national levels. If you would like to focus on policy advocacy, human services management, and larger organizational and community systems, you may want to select this concentration.
