5 Best MSW Programs in Omaha: Campus & Online Options Compared (2026)

Want to find an MSW program in Omaha that will set you up for a great social work career? The program you choose can shape your future more than you might expect.

Nebraska’s MSW landscape has limited but high-quality options. Students can choose between two CSWE-accredited programs: University of Nebraska Omaha (public) and Nebraska Wesleyan University (private). Nebraska Wesleyan’s detailed program requires 66 credit hours and gives you 900 hours of valuable practicum experience. UNO provides flexibility with traditional two-year and accelerated Advanced Standing tracks for BSW graduates. The MSW MPH dual degree program connects research to practice effectively. Students see great results – over 90% of MPH graduates land career positions within 12 months of finishing their degree.

1. University of Nebraska Omaha (UNO) MSW Program

The University of Nebraska Omaha is important to social work education in the state. Their MSW program ranks among the oldest in the region. UNO has grown into an educational leader through its detailed approach to social work education.

Program Overview

The Grace Abbott School of Social Work at UNO has managed to keep its accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) since 1940. This school, part of the College of Public Affairs and Community Service, aims to educate highly qualified social workers. These professionals serve people of all ages while advancing knowledge through teaching and research. They also participate in a variety of communities to promote societal wellbeing.

UNO’s MSW program prepares graduates to provide advanced social work services in settings of all types. Their work spans individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. The MSW degree from UNO lets graduates practice independent social work anywhere in the United States. This recognition gives them flexibility in their career paths.

Students can choose from several specialized options beyond the standard MSW:

• 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)

Students who want to become Licensed Drug and Alcohol Counselors (LADCs) in Nebraska can take additional courses. This certification enhances their career prospects in specialized areas.

Admission Requirements

The program has specific application deadlines based on your intended start date:

• Fall: Priority deadline of February 1, applications accepted through March 1
• Spring: November 1

Spring admission works only for students who will complete a BSSW from a CSWE-accredited program before starting the MSW. Students with other undergraduate degrees must apply for fall admission.

Students need an undergraduate cumulative GPA of at least 2.7. International students must prove English language proficiency through standardized tests with minimum scores:

• Internet-based TOEFL: 85
• IELTS: 6.5
• PTE: 53
• Duolingo: 110

Your application needs these components:

• Statement of Purpose – Shows your understanding of and fit for social work profession, highlighting your readiness for graduate-level education
• Professional Resume – Details your educational and occupational experiences, including start/end dates, part-time or full-time status, and paid or volunteer positions
• Three Letters of Recommendation – From professional and academic sources who know your skills and experience, at least one from an immediate professional supervisor

The program maintains high standards, with recent data showing 163 acceptances from 216 applications in one admission cycle.

Program Format

UNO provides two program tracks based on your educational background:

Students without a BSSW degree take the MSW Generalist Program. Those with a BSW qualify for the MSW Advanced Generalist Program, which lets them skip the typical first year.

Students can complete their coursework in several ways:

• Traditional on-campus classes
• Fully online instruction
• Hybrid format (mix of online and on-campus)

The program also runs in a hybrid format at the University of Nebraska at Kearney’s campus. This makes quality social work education available to students in different locations.

2. Nebraska Wesleyan University (NWU) MSW Program

Nebraska Wesleyan University brings a unique perspective to social work education with its trauma-conscious MSW program. This program stands out among MSW programs in Omaha because it teaches students how to help clients deal with past or ongoing trauma in their lives.

Program Overview

Nebraska Wesleyan University’s Master of Social Work Program has earned full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education‘s (CSWE) Board of Accreditation. This recognition shows the program meets or surpasses quality standards through careful peer review. Students learn advanced social work practice with individuals, families, groups, communities, and organizations, with a focus on trauma-conscious care.

The program focuses on four main goals:

• Create competent, trauma-conscious advanced level social work practitioners
• Build critical thinking and ethical practice among students
• Strengthen self-awareness and self-regulation when working with diverse populations
• Show students how to spot social injustices and systems of oppression that affect practice at all levels

NWU’s program differs from other Nebraska MSW programs because of its specialized focus. While it prepares students for clinical licensure, it goes beyond clinical settings to give graduates the skills they need to work with various groups experiencing trauma – from individuals to entire organizations.

Admission Requirements

Nebraska Wesleyan has two entry paths based on your education background:

For the Generalist MSW Program (students with non-social work bachelor’s degrees):

• Bachelor’s degree with minimum 3.0 GPA from an accredited college/university
• Statistics coursework
• At least 9 credit hours in social sciences (sociology, psychology, political science)
• Resume showing volunteer, internship, and/or work experience
• Two references (one academic reference from a previous faculty member if possible)
• APA-formatted writing sample showing graduate-level writing skills

For the Advanced Standing Program (BSW graduates):

• Bachelor’s social work degree from a CSWE-accredited program (3.0 GPA minimum)
• BSW degree earned within the past 5 years (older degrees reviewed case-by-case)
• Statistics coursework and social sciences requirements as above
• Resume, references, and writing sample as above
• Practicum evaluation from undergraduate program

Program Format

The program works for both career-changers and social work professionals through two tracks:

Students who earned their BSW from a CSWE-accredited program in the last five years might qualify for advanced standing. This means they can start directly with specialized curriculum.

The program fits well with working professionals’ schedules. Classes meet one evening weekly (Tuesday or Thursday) in eight-week sessions. Students attend classes in Lincoln and complete online coursework. This mix of in-person and online learning provides personal attention while staying flexible.

Full-time students in the generalist track take two classes per session and finish in two years. Part-time students take one class per session and graduate in four years. Advanced standing students can finish in one year (full-time) or two years (part-time).

Field Education

Field education plays a vital role in NWU’s MSW program. Students get supervised hands-on experience in social work settings. Required practicum hours include:

• Generalist curriculum: 400 hours of practicum experience
• Specialized curriculum: 500 hours of practicum experience

Students must complete these requirements before starting field placements:

1. Practicum Orientation (offered in Fall and Spring semesters)
2. Application to enter field
3. Required asynchronous content modules

The Field Director helps place students in approved agencies. During practicum, students receive supervision that introduces various social work roles and helps them apply their knowledge, skills, and values in real situations.

Specialized level field experiences help students develop and strengthen advanced social work skills. The program keeps track of student learning through capstone assignments and field practicum evaluations to improve its curriculum.

Tuition & Financial Aid

NWU’s MSW program keeps its tuition competitive. Each credit hour costs $540. A typical student taking 6 credit hours per semester (12 annually) pays:

• Tuition: $6,480 annually
• Matriculation fee: $160 (new students only)
• Student fee: $240 ($20 per credit hour)

Total program costs depend on your track:

• Generalist MSW (66 credits): About $35,640 plus fees
• Advanced Standing MSW (34 credits): About $18,360 plus fees

Several options can help with these costs:

• Federal Direct Loans (up to $20,500 annually)
• Monthly payment plans that split tuition and fees into monthly payments
• Financial aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

The refund policy works on a weekly schedule: 90% back in week one, 80% in week two, 60% in week three, 40% in week four, and 20% in week five. Special circumstances might change this schedule if you appeal in writing to the Academic Affairs Office.

NWU looks at the whole picture when reviewing applications. They check academic records, test scores, writing samples, and GPA, along with personal statements, recommendations, activities, and work experience to create diverse learning environments.

Students who don’t meet all eligibility requirements right away might get Provisional Graduate Standing. They can earn full status by getting B- or better grades in their first three graduate courses.

3. UNO Online MSW via Nebraska Online

Nebraska Online offers a path to UNO’s prestigious MSW degree that’s available to busy professionals who can’t attend traditional classes. Students can complete their degree entirely online while meeting the same academic standards as the campus program, with unique flexibility.

Overview

Nebraska Online connects students to UNO’s online MSW program. The program maintains the same CSWE accreditation, expert faculty, and curriculum standards as its campus counterpart. Students learn advanced generalist skills that are the foundations of effective practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.

This program works best for:

• Students in rural areas who live far from campus
• Professionals who need to balance work and studies
• People with family commitments that prevent campus attendance

Students experience innovative teaching methods such as virtual simulations that mirror ground scenarios, recorded lectures, discussion boards, and live video sessions. These varied approaches help develop skills while adapting to different learning priorities and schedules.

Modern learning platforms make peer interaction and faculty mentorship easier. Students master advanced practice skills in mental health therapy, diagnosis, community practice, policy development, research, program assessment, and leadership within social services.

Admission Requirements

Online and on-campus MSW programs share similar admission standards. Application deadlines vary based on start date and education:

• Spring: November 1 (only for BSSW graduates from CSWE-accredited programs)
• Fall: Priority deadline February 1, applications accepted until March 1

You’ll need:

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• 7 minimum undergraduate GPA
• International students must show English proficiency: Internet-based TOEFL (85), IELTS (6.5), PTE (53), or Duolingo (110)

The Admissions Committee looks at several key items:

1. Your Statement of Purpose showing why social work fits you
2. A professional resume covering education and work since high school
3. Three recommendation letters from professional and academic sources

The program attracts many qualified applicants. Recent data shows 163 acceptances from 216 applications in one cycle.

Program Format

The 20-year-old MSW structure offers two paths based on your background:

Students without a BSSW take the Generalist track, while qualified BSW graduates start at an advanced level. The program teaches critical thinking and advanced social work skills through anti-racist and anti-oppressive perspectives.

Online learning lets you study when it suits you best through asynchronous courses. Success demands good self-discipline, time management, and tech skills.

Students learn both clinical and macro practice approaches, gaining versatility for today’s social work needs. The program delivers high-quality instruction with freedom to complete work on your schedule within deadlines.

Field Education

Field education is the substance of your online MSW experience. You’ll get hands-on learning under approved practitioners’ supervision. Community social service agencies host these practicums, following campus program guidelines.

Field experiences differ by program level:

• Generalist field practicum (foundation-level MSW students): You learn simple social work intervention skills through courses SOWK 4410, 4420, 8160, and 8170
• Advanced field practicum: You combine direct clinical services with indirect work like supervision, administration, research, advocacy, and community organizing in courses SOWK 8400, 8410, and 8420

You’ll create a learning contract with your supervisor to guide your experiences. The university helps find field placements near you, so theory meets practice.

MSW student supervisors must hold LCSW credentials (CMSW + LMHP). The Field Practicum Team offers support through monthly sessions and detailed guidance during placement.

Tuition & Financial Aid

UNO’s online graduate programs offer budget-friendly rates. The academic year costs about $632 per credit hour through CPACS graduate rates.

Expected program costs (tuition only, without fees):

• Advanced Standing (39 credits): About $15,600 to $24,700
• Traditional Track (63 credits): About $25,300 to $38,000

Many financial aid options help reduce costs:

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

Open Nebraska cuts costs with free or cheaper digital materials, saving up to $500 each semester. The Maverick Payment Plan splits tuition into monthly payments without interest.

Submit your FAFSA by March 1 using UNO’s code 002554. More than 87% of UNO students get some form of financial aid, showing UNO’s commitment to quality education whatever your financial situation.

4. UNMC/UNO MPH/MSW Dual Degree Program

The MPH/MSW dual degree program connects public health principles with social work practice. This combination creates a path that offers more benefits than pursuing these degrees separately. Students can take advantage of this joint program between the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s College of Public Health and UNO’s Grace Abbott School of Social Work to expand their career opportunities in both fields.

Dual Degree Overview

This powerful combination gives you the cultural and communication skills of a social worker plus scientific training as a public health professional. Students learn to prevent, address, and solve health problems by using theories and frameworks from both disciplines.

Students can earn two complementary degrees in less time than it would take to pursue them independently. Graduates gain extensive field experience and learn how to work with social service and healthcare systems. The dual MPH/MSW degree helps bridge key gaps between:

• Research and practice
• Individual and community needs
• Direct services and policy development

MPH concentrations include Emergency Preparedness, Health Promotion, Maternal and Child Health, and Public Health Administration and Policy. Career prospects are exceptional—over 90% of MPH students secure positions within 12 months of graduation.

Career paths include:

• Health program management
• Social service administration
• Behavioral health clinical practice
• Health policy analysis
• Community services coordination
• Public health advocacy

Admission Requirements

Students must apply and gain acceptance to both degrees separately. Each program has its own evaluation process, and acceptance to one program doesn’t guarantee admission to the other.

MPH application through the College of Public Health requires:

• Completion of SOPHAS Express Public Health application with fee
• Official transcripts showing bachelor’s degree with 3.0+ GPA
• Three recommendation letters (on professional letterhead)
• One-page personal statement describing interest in public health
• Resume showing work/volunteer history in health/human services

MSW application deadlines:

• Fall: February 1 priority deadline (applications accepted through March 1)
• MPH program deadline: June 1

International students must show English proficiency with minimum scores on standardized tests: Internet-based TOEFL (80), IELTS (6.5), PTE (53), or Duolingo (110).

Program Format

Program structure changes based on your background:

• Starting at MSW Generalist level: 78 total credit hours required
• Starting at MSW Advanced Generalist level: 54 total credit hours required

Students save time since completing both degrees independently would need 105 credits. Entry into the MSW portion depends on your background – foundation level (non-social work undergrad) or advanced standing (BSW within past 10 years).

Students take courses in both disciplines throughout the program. MSW courses balance clinical, administrative, and community practice content. Electives let students focus on specific areas of interest.

Field Education

Field education plays a vital role and needs careful coordination between programs. Advanced MSW practicum courses (SOWK 8400 and 8410) meet requirements for both the MPH Applied Practice Experience (CPH 528) and Capstone (CPH 529).

Students must show mastery of:

• Public health foundational competencies
• Concentration-specific competencies
• Advanced social work practice skills

A College of Public Health faculty member assesses public health competencies during field education. This approach helps students develop practical skills in both disciplines at once.

Tuition & Financial Aid

Students pay standard rates for each program but save money through reduced total credits. When taking courses from both programs at once, students pay the higher rate of the two programs at the 9+ credit level.

Key financial points:

• MSW grant/scholarship aid typically available only during primary social work enrollment
• Students need minimum 12 credits under GSW career for grant/scholarship aid from SSW
• Dual degree students usually get three terms of MSW grant/scholarship aid
• Written approval needed to accept aid from both units simultaneously

Students should work closely with both programs to plan their financial aid and minimize educational costs.

5. Creighton University Social Work Program

Creighton University embraces a distinctly Jesuit approach to social work education. Their program emphasizes whole-person care and social justice principles.

Program Overview

The program’s practice-focused approach blends both art and science effectively. Students learn to work with vulnerable populations through hands-on experiences and quality supervision. Creighton’s focus differs from other institutions as it primarily delivers undergraduate social work education while offering Master’s degrees in related fields like Public Administration & Social Service. The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredits the program, which ensures graduates can qualify for state certification and licensing.

Admission Requirements

Program levels determine specific admission criteria. Students must submit the College’s application and go through a formal application process. A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 is required, and students must complete prerequisite courses with grades of C or better. The program’s admission process requires an assessment document with essay questions and a review of the Student Handbook.

Program Format

Students learn best practices to address marginalized populations’ needs. The coursework enhances skills in working with individuals, families, groups, organizations, communities, and policy change. The program may counsel students into other majors if they can’t meet expectations.

Field Education

Field education serves as the foundation of Creighton’s approach. Senior students complete 40 hours of pre-practicum and 420 hours of practicum. The practicum experience challenges students to examine their biases, motives, and goals while developing skills for a demanding career. The admission process requires students to acknowledge expectations through signed documentation.

Tuition & Financial Aid

Recent academic years saw graduate students paying approximately $18,528 in average tuition and fees. Part-time graduate students paid about $927 per credit hour. The university administers over $200 million annually from federal, state, institutional, and private sources. Students should file FAFSA applications to access various scholarships that make degrees more attainable.

Start Your Nebraska MSW Program Today

Your future career as a social worker greatly depends on picking the right MSW program. This piece looks at five different options you’ll find in Omaha. Each program has its own strengths that match different student needs.

UNO is Nebraska’s main public institution for social work education. Students can choose between traditional and online formats with flexible schedules. BSW graduates can finish their degree faster through the advanced standing track. Nebraska Wesleyan University stands out with its trauma-conscious curriculum. The program works well for professionals who need evening classes to fit their busy lives.

UNO’s online MSW program might be perfect if you need complete flexibility. You’ll get the same high-quality curriculum and CSWE accreditation as on-campus students, but you can study from anywhere. The MPH/MSW dual degree program is worth looking at if you want to blend public health with social work. The program’s 90% post-graduation employment rate speaks for itself.

Creighton University focuses on undergraduate social work education. Their Jesuit approach puts emphasis on whole-person care and social justice principles – something many students find appealing.

Field education is at the heart of these programs. Students get hands-on experience under professional supervision. This combination of theory and practical skills helps graduates prepare for licensure and career growth.

The programs come with different price tags and financial aid options. UNO offers some of the region’s most affordable graduate tuition. NWU has competitive per-credit pricing designed specifically for part-time students.

Your final choice should weigh program format, specialization focus, accreditation status, costs, and career goals. These Omaha MSW programs give you the knowledge and skills you need. You’ll be ready to make a real difference in your community while building a rewarding career in social work.