MSW Programs in Nevada
Nevada has exactly two public university options for MSW programs. The limited number shouldn’t fool you though. The University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) and the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) both offer detailed Master of Social Work degrees that can boost your career prospects by a lot.
Las Vegas offers a vibrant urban environment, while Reno provides a close-knit community feel. Both schools deliver rigorous curriculum that equips students through social justice principles. On top of that, these programs let you choose flexible paths to graduation. Students with a bachelor’s degree in social work can take the advanced standing track. Others can complete the traditional full-length program in about two years of full-time study.
Your Nevada MSW degree unlocks many more career opportunities. You could start a private practice as a licensed clinical social worker in Las Vegas or work as a case manager with Nevada’s Department of Health and Human Services in Reno. Both traditional programs include at least 900 hours of field education, so you’ll graduate with solid theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience.
Traditional MSW Programs in Nevada
Nevada provides a straightforward path to professional growth through traditional MSW programs. These programs build a strong foundation for social workers who want to boost their skills and knowledge. Here’s what you need to know about these programs to make the right choice for your educational path.
Traditional MSW Programs in Nevada overview
Nevada has exactly three MSW programs, and two of them are traditional campus-based options. The University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) and the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) are the main schools that offer accredited Master of Social Work degrees in the state.
The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) has accredited both UNR and UNLV programs. This accreditation is vital for students who plan to get licensed. Students who graduate from CSWE-certified schools can apply for Nevada’s highest levels of social work licensure.
Traditional MSW programs welcome students with bachelor’s degrees in any field except social work. Students typically complete these full-length programs in two years of full-time study. The programs accept students with any undergraduate major, though they might favor those with backgrounds in human services, sociology, psychology, or similar fields.
UNR’s MSW program aims 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”. Students attend classes at Suite 100 in Nell J. Redfield Building A on the Redfield Campus.
UNLV’s program teaches students to work with urban populations. The program uses generalist, problem-solving, empowerment, and social justice approaches. Students learn to handle various practice issues related to America’s diverse populations.
Traditional MSW Programs in Nevada curriculum and structure
Students need 60-63 credit hours to complete traditional MSW programs in Nevada. The programs teach social work theory and practice through core courses, specialized classes, and supervised field work.
UNR’s 60-credit program specializes in Advanced Generalist Practice (AGP). Students learn to tackle problems in various practice methods, systems, and fields. Graduates can work in different settings like the Veterans Administration (VA), child welfare, behavioral health, hospice, and community mental health.
UNR students can choose full-time or part-time study. Full-time students finish in two years, while part-time students can take two, three, or four years.
UNLV’s 63-credit program offers two concentrations:
- Direct Practice – Students learn advanced social work with individuals, families, and groups
- Management and Community Practice – Students prepare for policy advocacy and management roles in human service organizations
UNLV requires 1,050 hours of field education. This includes two 225-hour foundation practicums in the first year and two 300-hour concentration practicums in the second year. Part-time students do their concentration practicums in their third or fourth year. Students complete either a master’s thesis or a capstone project.
MSW programs usually cover:
- Social work practice theories
- Social worker-client relationships
- Human behavior studies
- Multiculturalism
- Assessment, intervention, and treatment skills
- Social policy
- Evidence-based practice
Students move on to specialized electives after mastering the basics. The coursework helps them understand social welfare policy and develop skills in case management, administration, and organizational management.
Common courses include:
- Structural Oppression
- Social Work Methods with Individuals
- Social Work Methods with Organizations, Communities, and Legislatures
- Social Work History and Social Welfare Policy
- Elements of Evidence-Informed Practice
- Intervention Approaches with Individuals
- Social Work Administration
Traditional MSW Programs in Nevada admission requirements
UNR’s 60-credit traditional program has specific admission requirements. Applicants need:
- A non-social work bachelor’s degree with strong liberal arts background
- Statistics and research methods course before starting
- 75 minimum undergraduate GPA
- 0 minimum GPA for any graduate coursework
- Strong written communication skills
- Career goals that match the program’s advanced generalist approach
The program looks for students who want to work with diverse groups, help individuals, families, and communities, support social justice, and share social work values.
Most Nevada MSW programs require:
- A bachelor’s degree in psychology or related field from an accredited school
- 0 minimum GPA
- Recommendation letters
- Personal statement
- Resume showing relevant experience
- Prerequisite courses completion
- GRE scores (some schools waive this)
- Interview (some programs)
- Background check and fingerprinting
UNR uses the Graduate School Application system. This single application works for both Graduate School and the MSW program. Students must submit all documents by January 15 for fall semester enrollment. Applications need all required documents to move forward.
UNLV’s tuition costs $264.00 per credit for residents, regardless of course load. Non-residents pay $264.00 per credit for 7 or more credit hours and $527.50 for less than 7 credit hours. Students should compare costs between schools before making their choice.
Your choice of MSW program in Nevada should depend on location, career goals, CSWE accreditation status, and financial factors.
Advanced Standing MSW Programs in Nevada
BSW graduates can speed up their master’s education through advanced standing MSW programs in Nevada. These programs help qualified students build on their social work knowledge without repeating basic coursework. Let’s take a closer look at what Nevada has to offer.
Advanced Standing MSW Programs in Nevada overview
Two schools in Nevada offer advanced standing MSW options: the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). Both schools’ programs are fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). This accreditation ensures graduates meet national standards.
Students who have a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree from a CSWE-accredited program can join the advanced standing track. This faster option recognizes the knowledge and skills BSW graduates already have.
UNR’s advanced standing MSW program focuses on Advanced Generalist Practice (AGP) specialization. Students learn to become ethical, competent leaders who can solve problems and work independently in various settings. The program teaches leadership skills needed to handle complex issues with different client groups.
UNLV’s program prepares students for outstanding careers in professional social work. Students can choose between two areas: direct practice with individuals and families or management and community practice. UNLV focuses on working with diverse groups in urban settings through a problem-solving approach that strengthens communities and promotes social justice.
These programs are easy to access. UNR offers both campus-based and online options, while UNLV’s program runs exclusively on campus.
Advanced Standing MSW Programs in Nevada curriculum and structure
Advanced standing MSW programs in Nevada need fewer credits than regular programs. Students can finish in about half the time.
UNR’s program needs 30 credits to graduate. This is much less than the 60 credits regular students need. Full-time advanced standing students can finish their degree in one year instead of two.
UNR builds its program on CSWE’s core competencies. The curriculum takes an all-encompassing approach to advanced generalist social work through:
- Leadership development and vision for change
- Techniques that motivate and strengthen communities
- Research and data analysis skills
- Flexibility in different practice settings
- Support for individual and societal well-being
- Speaking up for social and economic justice
UNR aims to create confident leaders who serve their communities well. The program assumes students have mastered basic skills through their BSW education and moves straight to advanced coursework.
Online students at UNR can graduate in 15 months by taking four terms back-to-back. This option needs 32 credit hours and 450 hours of field work. Online students get the same quality education as campus students with more flexibility.
UNLV’s program requires 42 credit hours. Students start with 12 credits in summer, then complete 30 credits in their chosen concentration. They pick either Direct Practice (DP) or Management & Community Practice (MCP).
Direct Practice at UNLV teaches advanced clinical work with individuals, families, and groups. Management & Community Practice focuses on policy advocacy and leading organizations at local, state, and national levels.
Field education plays a key role. UNLV students must complete 600 hours of field work during their concentration year. They spend up to 20 hours weekly in agencies under professional guidance. This hands-on experience helps them use classroom knowledge with different client groups.
Both schools’ programs match CSWE standards. Graduates can tackle complex social issues using proven methods.
Advanced Standing MSW Programs in Nevada admission requirements
Getting into Nevada’s advanced standing MSW programs is competitive. You need to meet specific requirements.
UNR’s 30-credit program needs:
- A BSW from a CSWE-accredited program
- At least 2.75 overall GPA and “C” or better in social work courses
- 0 GPA in any graduate courses
- Proof of excellent BSW field work under professional supervision
- Meeting all other 60-credit program requirements
If your BSW is more than 7 years old, you should contact UNR’s MSW coordinator.
UNLV has different requirements:
- BSW from a CSWE-accredited school within five years
- 25 or higher overall GPA
- Strong personal statement
- Record of volunteer and paid work
- Three professional/academic references
UNLV prefers applicants with three or more years of post-BSW work. This shows they value professional experience.
Most advanced standing MSW programs typically want:
- Recent BSW (within 5-7 years) from an accredited school
- 0-3.5 GPA
- Recommendation letters
- Personal statement
- Resume with relevant experience
Each school reviews applications differently. UNLV looks at grades, experience, personal statements, and references together. UNR also considers both academic success and social work ability.
BSW degree timing matters. UNR accepts degrees from the last seven years, while UNLV wants BSWs from the past five years. This might affect your choice.
Field work evaluations are crucial. These programs start with advanced courses, so your BSW field experience shows if you’re ready for graduate work.
UNR’s online program has the same requirements as campus classes. This helps qualified students who prefer learning from home.
Meeting basic requirements doesn’t guarantee admission. These programs pick students through competition. A strong application showing your achievements, experience, and goals will help you stand out.
University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) MSW Program
UNLV’s MSW program gives students specialized skills to address complex social challenges in urban environments. Students learn to handle diversity and social justice issues that prepare them for influential careers in mental health facilities, child welfare agencies, and healthcare organizations.
Specializations
UNLV’s MSW program has two distinct concentrations that let students customize their education based on career goals:
- Direct Practice (DP) – This clinical social work concentration prepares students for advanced practice with individuals, families, and groups. Students learn therapeutic intervention skills and clinical assessment abilities they need for direct client services. The curriculum has specialized coursework such as:
- SW 707 Developing Cross Cultural Competence
- SW 740 Practice Methods I (Direct Practice)
- SW 747 DSM: Assessment & Diagnosis
- SW 750 Practice Methods II (Direct Practice)
- SW 776 Legal and Ethical Issues
- Management and Community Practice (MCP) – This macro-focused concentration prepares students to take on administrative roles and policy advocacy in human service organizations of all sizes. Students learn organizational leadership, resource development, and community participation through courses like:
- SW 760 Practice Methods I (Management & Community Practice)
- SW 765 Financial Management and Resource Development
- SW 770 Practice Methods II (Management & Community Practice)
- SW 775 Advanced Policy Practice
UNLV has added a third concentration in Trauma Informed Practice. This addition shows the growing awareness of trauma’s impact in a variety of populations.
Students with interdisciplinary interests can pursue a dual Master of Social Work and Juris Doctor (MSW/JD) program. Graduates can impact communities by combining legal and social intervention approaches.
Fieldwork and practicum
Field education is the “signature pedagogy” of UNLV’s MSW program and a vital component that provides hands-on experience under professional supervision. The program structures field education this way:
Foundation Year Practicum:
- Two 225-hour practicums (450 hours total)
- 15 hours weekly in agency settings
- Focus on developing generalist practice skills
Concentration Year Practicum:
- Two 300-hour practicums (600 hours total)
- 20 hours weekly in agency settings
- Specialized experience that lines up with chosen concentration
Students complete 1,050 hours of supervised field education throughout the program. Part-time students follow a modified schedule and complete concentration practicums in their third or fourth year.
Field practicums happen alongside classroom instruction. Students can apply theoretical knowledge in real-life settings immediately. This integration helps them develop critical thinking skills and professional judgment through supervised practice.
The field education experience gets support from:
- Faculty Field Liaisons – These instructors connect students, UNLV, and placement agencies. They visit face-to-face twice each semester to develop learning contracts, address concerns, and clarify evaluation processes.
- Agency Field Instructors (AFIs) – These professionals mentor, supervise, and guide students in applying social work theory to practice.
UNLV’s School of Social Work has mutually beneficial alliances with many agencies throughout Clark County, including clinics, schools, nonprofits, and family service organizations. These relationships create diverse placement opportunities that address various community needs.
Pricing and tuition
UNLV’s MSW program tuition changes based on residency status and enrollment intensity. Nevada residents pay graduate tuition of approximately $353.50 per credit plus fees. Full-time graduate students taking 9 credits per semester pay around $3,808 per semester or $7,736 annually.
Non-resident students pay substantially more – about $13,124 per semester or $26,368 annually based on a 9-credit course load. International students pay slightly more at $13,269 per semester or $26,658 annually.
Graduate students also pay these additional fees:
- Technology and iNtegrate Fee: $18 per credit ($12 technology fee + $6 iNtegrate fee)
- New Student Fee: One-time $120 fee for first semester enrollment
- Online Course Fee (if applicable): $34 per credit for online courses
- Graduate Professional Student Association Fee: $7 per credit
MSW students must have health insurance. Graduate students taking nine or more credits per semester need to show proof of existing coverage or buy student health insurance through UNLV at about $3,600 per year. Standard tuition calculations don’t include this fee.
The full MSW program needs 63 credits, which means total tuition comes to about $22,270.50 for Nevada residents before additional fees.
Students worried about costs have several financial aid options. Almost 90% of UNLV undergraduates qualified for financial aid in the 2022-2023 academic year. The Graduate College offers many scholarships specifically for graduate students. Students should be admitted and complete financial aid applications by November 15 to get priority consideration for most UNLV scholarships and grants.
University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) MSW Program
The University of Nevada, Reno stands out among MSW programs in Nevada with its unique Advanced Generalist Practice (AGP) concentration. The program creates versatile social work professionals and gives graduates complete skills to guide complex social environments. Students learn to serve diverse client populations throughout the state and beyond.
Specializations
UNR’s MSW program focuses exclusively on Advanced Generalist Practice (AGP). This unique approach helps social workers become skilled at working in practice settings of all types. UNR is one of the few programs nationwide built entirely around AGP.
The Advanced Generalist Practice concentration at UNR emphasizes three core characteristics:
- Leadership in innovative problem-solving and change
- Autonomous practice capabilities
- Integrated, evidence-informed knowledge application
This all-encompassing approach sees client systems as multi-dimensional wholes within their social environments. Students develop skills they can use in many settings—from the Veterans Administration to behavioral health facilities, hospice care, and community mental health centers.
UNR offers several program structures to help students plan their educational experience. The traditional program takes two years for full-time students. Three-year and four-year part-time options help those with other commitments. Advanced standing students can finish in one year full-time or two years part-time.
The MSW program is also available online with similar curricular standards and CSWE accreditation. Students throughout Nevada can access quality social work education, whatever their location.
University of Nevada Reno MSW fieldwork and practicum
Field education is crucial to UNR’s MSW curriculum. UNR structures this hands-on component to build students’ practical competencies step by step.
The field education program has two distinct levels:
Foundation Level (First Practicum)Students build generalist practice skills through 450 hours of supervised fieldwork. Traditional students take SW 680 (Foundation Practicum I) and SW 681 (Foundation Practicum II), with 225 hours each at approved sites. This phase helps students develop their professional identity, ethical boundaries, and self-awareness.
Concentration Level (Second Practicum)Practice behaviors become more complex at the concentration level. Students face challenging ethical dilemmas and structural barriers related to oppression and discrimination. They work more independently and show advanced critical thinking in their interventions. Advanced standing students complete 450 hours of field education. Traditional students finish 900 hours across both levels.
UNR partners with many agencies throughout Nevada and across the United States. Crisis Call Center, Eddy House, Nevada Urban Indians, and Northern Nevada Hopes are among these organizations. These mutually beneficial alliances help students gain diverse practical experiences that match their career goals.
Pricing and tuition
UNR’s tuition rates change based on where you live and how you take classes:
Online MSW Program
- In-state: $385 per credit hour
- Out-of-state: $770 per credit hour
Total Program Costs
- Traditional Program (60 credits)
- In-state: $23,100
- Out-of-state: $46,200
- Advanced Standing Program (30 credits)
- In-state: $11,550
- Out-of-state: $23,100
The base graduate tuition rate for 2025-2026 is $353.50 per credit. The School of Social Work’s specialized program has different rates. Students should expect additional mandatory fees beyond base tuition.
Financial assistance options exist for qualified students. Graduate assistantships offer valuable experience and financial support, but spots are limited. Students must keep a 3.0 GPA minimum, show good degree progress, and perform their assistantship duties well.
Applications are welcome year-round with specific deadlines: July 27 for fall enrollment, December 1 for spring start, and April 6 for summer entry. This flexible admission schedule helps you plan your educational path to becoming a licensed social worker in Nevada.
Online MSW Options for Nevada Residents
Nevada residents can now earn their social work credentials through virtual education pathways beyond traditional classrooms. These options are available without compromising academic rigor or accreditation standards.
Online MSW program availability in Nevada
The University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) is the only institution that offers a fully online option among MSW programs in Nevada. Students can complete this CSWE-accredited program without visiting campus. The program maintains quality social work education standards that are similar to on-campus programs. Graduates are well-prepared for licensure and practice.
Flexibility and structure
UNR’s online MSW program gives students two distinct pathways based on their academic background:
- Traditional Program: Students without BSW degrees need to complete this 60-credit curriculum. The track takes about 8 consecutive semesters (2 years and 8 months) to complete, including summers.
- Advanced Standing Program: BSW graduates can take this accelerated 30-credit option and finish it in just 15 months (four consecutive semesters).
The online program costs less than many nationwide options. Current tuition rates for Nevada residents are $385 per credit and $770 per credit for out-of-state students. Total program costs range from $11,550 to $46,200 based on residency and program track.
Fieldwork and practicum
Field education plays a vital role in the online MSW experience. Advanced standing students complete 450 total hours of supervised practice. Traditional program students need 900 hours.
Students typically spend 15 hours weekly (usually two days) at approved agencies. Most placements happen during standard business hours, with few evening or weekend spots. Working students need flexible schedules.
Students start with two semesters of coursework. They then combine field placement with one academic course for two more semesters. This experience lets students apply their knowledge in real-life settings under professional supervision.
Choose an MSW in Nevada
Your search for MSW programs in Nevada shows that two public universities offer strong paths to advanced social work careers. Both UNR and UNLV have CSWE-accredited programs that combine classroom learning with hands-on experience through field practicums.
These programs fit different educational backgrounds and career goals. BSW graduates can take advantage of faster advanced standing tracks. Students from other fields can complete traditional two-year programs. On top of that, specialized concentrations help you focus on your career interests. UNLV offers Direct Practice and Management and Community Practice options, while UNR provides a detailed Advanced Generalist Practice approach.
The MSW programs in Nevada give you plenty of flexibility. You can choose part-time schedules, online learning at UNR, and different completion timeframes. These options are available whatever your personal situation or location in the state.
You’ll graduate with hundreds of hours of supervised practical experience, not just classroom knowledge. This hands-on training is a great way to get ready for licensure and future jobs.
Nevada’s growing communities need qualified social workers in many settings. From healthcare facilities and government agencies to schools and private practice, opportunities abound. Your MSW from either Nevada school will prepare you for licensure and meaningful careers that help create positive change in communities of all types.
The choice between UNR and UNLV ended up depending on your priorities. Location, specialization interests, and learning format all play a role. Both schools offer quality education that meets national standards and prepares you to improve human well-being in Nevada and beyond.