Credits required
30-60
Cost per-credit*
$385
Delivery
Online
Start Terms
3 Per Year
Earn Your Online Master of Social Work Degree
Advance your career with a CSWE-accredited MSW program
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Program Overview
The University of Nevada, Reno’s Online Master of Social Work (MSW) program is built to develop ethical, competent, advanced generalist social work professionals prepared to lead across diverse settings. With a flexible and fully online format, this program equips graduates to practice autonomously and reflectively within complex environments and at multiple systems levels. The curriculum fosters a commitment to equity, inclusion and social justice while building practical expertise for real-world impact.
*Program tuition. Base in-state tuition cost. Does not include student fees or differential tuition. Please note everyone's net tuition costs are specific to their own situation and will be different for each person. Learn more about tuition and fees.
Application Deadlines
Fall: July 27
Spring: December 1
Summer: April 6
Program Tracks
Whether you are entering the field or building upon prior social work experience, the MSW program offers two distinct paths:
Traditional Program
Ideal for students without a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW), this 60-credit-hour track includes both foundation and concentration coursework. Students can complete the program in as few as eight consecutive semesters (including summers).
Advanced Standing Program
Designed for students who hold a BSW from a CSWE-accredited institution, this 30-credit-hour track focuses on advanced coursework and can be completed in as few as four semesters (15 months), including summer terms.
Curriculum Highlights
The Online Master of Social Work program offers a comprehensive curriculum grounded in Advanced Generalist Practice. Whether you enroll in the Traditional or Advanced Standing track, the coursework is designed to help you build practical, evidence-informed skills to work with individuals, families, groups and communities in diverse practice settings.
Traditional Program
Complete 30 credit hours of foundation courses, including:
| Course | Title |
| SW 610 | Structural Oppression |
| SW 611 | Theoretical Perspectives on Human Behavior |
| SW 620 | Social Work Methods with Individuals |
| SW 621 | Social Work Methods with Groups |
| SW 623 | Social Work Methods with Organizations, Communities and Legislatures |
| SW 624 | Social Work Methods with Couples and Families |
| SW 630 | Social Work History and Social Welfare Policy |
| SW 640 | Elements of Evidence-Informed Practice |
| SW 680 | Foundation Practicum I |
| SW 681 | Foundation Practicum II |
All students, including those in the Advanced Standing Program, complete 30 credit hours of concentration courses, which include:
| Course | Title |
| SW 710 | Advanced Multi-Dimensional Assessment |
| SW 720 | Therapeutic Interventions with Individuals |
| SW 721 | Intervention Approaches with Groups |
| SW 723 | Social Work Administration I |
| SW 724 | Therapeutic Interventions with Families |
| SW 725 | Social Work Administration II |
| SW 741 | Practice and Program Evaluation |
| SW 780 | Advanced Practicum I |
| SW 781 | Advanced Practicum II |
| SW 793 | Integrative Case-Based Seminar – Advanced Generalist Practice |
Each course builds your competencies in assessment, intervention, administration, and evaluation across multiple systems of care. Practicum courses provide hands-on experience under professional supervision, ensuring you graduate ready for licensure and practice.
Admission Requirements
Traditional Program
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution (non-social work)
- Academic preparation in liberal arts, including coursework in social sciences, humanities, research and human biology
- Completion of statistics and research methods courses
- Minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75
- Evidence of strong written communication skills
- Career goals aligned with advanced generalist social work
Advanced Standing Program
Applicants to the Advanced Standing Program must have earned a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program within the past seven years, with a minimum GPA of 2.75 and no grade lower than a "C" in social work courses. Strong performance in a professionally supervised BSW field placement must also be documented.
Tuition and Fees
| Residency Status | Per Credit Hour | Estimated Total (Traditional) | Estimated Total (Advanced Standing) |
| In-State | $385 | $23,100 | $11,550 |
| Out-of-State | $770 | $46,200 | $23,100 |
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Online Master of Social Work program are prepared for diverse professional roles in healthcare, education, public policy and community-based services. With a focus on Advanced Generalist Practice, the program supports students’ pursuit of licensure and meaningful impact.
Career pathways include:
- Clinical Social Worker
- Mental Health Counselor
- Community Organizer
- Social Work Administrator
- Policy Analyst
Employment settings range from hospitals and government agencies to nonprofits, schools and private practice.
Ready to Get Started?
Why Choose The University of Nevada, Reno for Your Master of Social Work (MSW)
The School of Social Work offers offers a fully accredited and accessible Master of Social Work program designed to meet the demands of working professionals. Built on the principles of Advanced Generalist Practice (AGP) model, the program prepares students to lead in complex environments and serve diverse communities with ethical, reflective and competent social work practice. As a student, you’ll benefit from the flexibility of asynchronous learning, the credibility of a Carnegie® R1 University, and the resources of a university committed to student success.
Benefits of Learning Online with Nevada Online
Classes taught by University of Nevada, Reno faculty
Access to a Carnegie® R1 research university
Choose from accessible, fully online programs
Continue your education from anywhere in the world, free from a fixed schedule