Frequently Asked Questions
The Grace Abbott School of Social Work offers academic advising to all UNO and non-UNO undergraduate students who are interested in pursuing the BSSW degree. An undergraduate UNO student who formally declares social work as their major within their first two years at the university will be identified as a pre-social work (pre-SOWK) student. With the help of their academic advisor, the pre-SOWK student will complete the general education and pre-SOWK courses during their freshman and sophomore years. Upon successful completion of approximately 50 credit hours, the pre-SOWK student may apply for formal admission to the BSSW degree program.
Where do I register for classes?
Students register for classes through their MavLINK account.
How do I know when it's time to enroll?
Students can find their enrollment date and time through their MavLink account.
Who can help me with my student bill?
The Office of Cashiering and Student Accounts helps students with student charges and accounts, past due balances, answering questions about items on student bills, administering of Perkins Loans, and cashing personal checks. Visit the Office of Cashiering and Student Accounts website.
Who do I contact about my FAFSA and student aid?
The Office of Financial Support and Scholarships can help students with scholarships, financial aid packages, FAFSA, and any questions/resources on financial support. Visit the Office of Financial Support and Scholarships website.
Who do I contact about my academic record?
The Office of the University Registrar assists students in registering for classes, ordering transcripts, and offers many other support services. The registrar (reh·juh·straar) maintains accuracy and confidentiality of UNO’s academic records, and provides comprehensive technologies and services for enrollment and academic records management. Visit the Office of University Registrar website.
What is DegreeWorks, and why should I use it?
DegreeWorks is an online degree audit that lists all of a student’s requirements in an easily readable format. The information in DegreeWorks can be viewed by the student and their academic advisor. Students should use DegreeWorks because it’s an effective tool for staying on track for graduation, preparing for advising appointments, and enrolling in classes. Students have access to DegreeWorks through their MavLINK homepage.
How long will it take me to earn my Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSSW) degree?
On average, students graduate within four or five years, depending upon the number of credits they take per year. To graduate within four years, a student must complete a minimum of 30 credit hours per academic year. One academic year includes three semesters: fall, spring, and summer.
How long will it take me to earn my Master of Social Work (MSW) degree?
On average, foundation students graduate within two or three years. Advanced standing students graduate within a year-and-a-half to two years. Six credit hours is considered part-time, and nine credit hours is considered full-time, for graduate students at UNO.
What is the difference between foundation and advanced standing in the MSW program?
Students may enter the Master of Social Work (MSW) program at either the foundation level (63 credit hours), or the advanced standing level (39 credit hours). The foundation level is designed for students whose undergraduate degree is not in social work, while the advanced standing level is for students who have completed a BSSW degree within 10 years or have previously completed the MSW foundation level courses.
Are there any scholarships available?
The scholarship application window for students who have been formally admitted to either the BSSW or MSW program, is open each year from September 15 through April 1. To apply for a social work scholarship while the application window is open, follow these steps:
- Log in to your MavLINK account.
- Under the Financial Aid tab, choose Apply for Scholarships, and you will be directed to the UNO Scholarship portal login screen.
- Follow the steps to log in to the scholarship portal, and complete your scholarship application.
The class I want is full, how do I get in?
The best way for students to secure a spot in the class they want, is to enroll as soon as the enrollment window opens. If a class is full, a student may have the option to secure a spot on the waitlist during the enrollment process in MavLINK (not all classes have waitlists). Instructors are not able to override a waitlist. Students who need a specific class to reach their graduation date, and that class is full, should contact their academic advisor.
Do I have to take the comprehensive exam?
Effective 09/24/2020, the comprehensive exam for MSW students is no longer required for graduation.
I am ready to graduate; what steps do I take?
- Students who are ready to graduate must apply for their degree during the semester in which they plan to graduate.
- Degree application deadlines are posted in the university's academic calendar.
- A degree application is required for all students who wish to graduate, even if the student does not plan to participate in the commencement ceremony.
- To apply, log into MavLINK and fill out the application on or before the deadline. Directions and guidelines for completing this process can be found on the Registrar’s webpage. A $35.00 fee is required for degree applications, and a $5.00 fee is required for certificate programs.
At what times during the academic year can a student graduate?
A student may graduate in May, August, or December; however, commencement ceremonies are only held in May and December.