Social Work, MSW

Vision Statement

The mission of the Grace Abbott School of Social Work is to educate students to become highly qualified social workers who serve people of all ages and influence the systems that affect them, to advance knowledge through teaching and research, and to engage with diverse communities to promote socially just societies.

Program Contact Information

402.554.2793 
graceabbott@unomaha.edu 

Program Website

Other Program Related Information

The MSW program has received continuous accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education since 1940. The MSW program prepares students to provide a variety of advanced social work services with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. The MSW degree is recognized for licensure for independent social work practice in the United States. More information regarding licensure and certification can be found on local Department of Health and Human Services websites.

Admissions

General Application Requirements and Admission Criteria

Program-Specific Requirements

Application Deadlines (Spring 2025 and Fall 2025)

• Spring Admission: November 1
  • Spring Admission to the School of Social Work is limited to students who have already completed or will be completing a BSSW (Bachelor of Science in Social Work) from a CSWE accredited program prior to beginning the MSW and are applying to the Advanced Standing MSW program.  Students who have earned or will be earning a degree other than a BSSW must apply for fall admission.
• Fall Admission: The priority deadline is February 1. Applications will be accepted through April 1.
  • Students who have earned or will be earning any undergraduate degree may apply for fall admission.

Other Requirements

• English Language Proficiency: Applicants are required to have a command of oral and written English. Those who do not hold a baccalaureate or other advanced degree from the United States, OR a baccalaureate or other advanced degree from a predetermined country on the waiver list, must meet the minimum language proficiency score requirement in order to be considered for admission.
  • Internet-based TOEFL: 85, IELTS: 6.5, PTE: 53, Duolingo: 110 
• Statement of Purpose: The statement of purpose is an opportunity to demonstrate your understanding of and fit for the social work profession, as well as your aptitude for graduate-level social work education. The Admissions Committee pays close attention to both content and writing skills. In your statement of purpose, please address each of the items listed below, in no more than five (5) pages, double-spaced, in a 12-point font. Your response to each of the items should be roughly the same length. If your statement of purpose does not clearly and directly address each of the items or does not follow the instructions, it may not be considered.

  • Why have you chosen social work? Your response should demonstrate a basic understanding of the social work profession, including what distinguishes it from other helping professions.

  • What type of work are you planning to engage with once you attain your MSW degree? Specifically, what are the issues, populations, and levels of practice you hope to work with after graduate school?

  • The social work profession is rooted in social justice. Social workers adopt a stance of cultural humility and strive towards cultural awareness. Discuss a time when you realized that one of your personal or cultural identities influenced your reaction to a social situation.  Reflecting on that experience, how might it influence your future social work practice? 

  • Social workers are self-reflective, strengths-based, and growth-oriented. Identify a strength that you possess and an area for growth. Discuss how you became aware of these, how they show up in your current professional practice, and how they may influence your future professional practice.

  • Social work is a values-based profession dedicated to mitigating inequality and enhancing human wellbeing, especially for vulnerable, marginalized, and oppressed populations. From the core values and ethical principles identified in the NASW Code of Ethics, identify and discuss one that resonates with you and one that may challenge you.

• Resume: Applicants are highly encouraged to have professional experience in the human service field.  Please submit a professional resume that identifies:

  • Educational and occupational experiences since high school

    • List start and end dates with month and year.
    • Identify whether the position is part or full-time.
    • Identify whether the position is paid or volunteer.
    • Field placements, internships or practicums
    • Honors or distinctions received.
• Letters of Recommendation: Three letters of recommendation are required; the recommendation requests are generated from your online application.  These recommendations should be from professional and academic sources who are directly familiar with your skills and experience. At least one reference should be from an immediate professional supervisor. If you have graduated from an academic program within the past two years, it is suggested that at least one reference should be from a faculty member who can speak directly to your academic preparation for graduate social work education. References from family members, family friends, personal friends, personal therapists, or other non-professional/academic sources will not be scored.
  • If transferring from another accredited MSW program, one letter must be from a current faculty member associated with that program.

The MSW Foundation Program is a 63 credit hour program available to applicants who do not hold a BSSW degree from an accredited school of social work.

The MSW Advanced Standing Program is a 39 credit hour program available to applicants who have earned a BSSW degree from an accredited school of social work.

Degree Requirements

¹

A student must receive grades of "B" or higher in practicum courses (SOWK 8160 and SOWK 8170). 

²

This course requires special planning with the department. Students must go through the planning process one semester prior to the start of the course.  No planning happens in the summer term.

³

This course is a continuation of SOWK 8160. If a new placement is necessary, students may be required to go through the original planning process again.

¹

A student must receive a grade of B or higher in practicum courses (SOWK 8400 and SOWK 8410).

²

This course requires special planning with the department. Students must go through the planning process one semester prior to the start of the course.  No planning happens in the summer term.

³

This course is a continuation of SOWK 8400. If a new placement is necessary, students may be required to go through the original planning process again.

Exit Requirement 

Satisfactory completion with a grade of B or better in SOWK 8400 and SOWK 8410

Academic Policies and Standards

• The MSW Student Handbook can be found here.