The Grace Abbott School of Social Work at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) offers accredited social work degree programs that prepare students for impactful careers in social work. Our Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSSW) degree qualifies graduates for licensure and provides a pathway to advanced standing in our Master of Social Work (MSW) program.
Undergraduate Degree Program (BSSW)
A degree from our accredited BSSW program qualifies graduates to receive the Certified Social Worker (CSW) credential in the state of Nebraska. Other states with licensure and certification of BSSW level social workers will also recognize this degree for licensure or certification. The BSSW degree also prepares students for a graduate degree in social work (the MSW degree) at the advanced level (39 credit hours).
Our Master of Social Work (MSW) degree program is built around an advanced generalist curriculum that is well-rounded and prepares students for effective practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities. Required courses for the degree balance clinical, community, and policy practice content, while electives offer students opportunities to advance their knowledge and skills in particular areas of interest. Our MSW degree is recognized for licensure for independent social work practice in the United States. Our MSW program is flexible! Classes are offered in-person, remotely, and totally online so that students can structure their schedule however they prefer.
Students may enter the Master of Social Work (MSW) program at either the generalist (63 credit hours), or the advanced generalist (39 credit hours) level. The generalist level is designed for students whose undergraduate degree is not in social work. Advanced generalist MSW students demonstrate advanced practice skills in mental health therapy on the individual and group levels, diagnosis of mental health disorders, community practice, policy, research and program evaluation, and supervisory and leadership skills in social service settings. Students recognize the value of multidisciplinary work to meet client needs, engage in policy practice, and evaluate and enhance agency programs. The advanced generalist program promotes critical thinking and conscientious application of advanced social work knowledge, skills, values, and ethics. The advanced generalist program calls for enhanced skills in critical thinking that allow for the analysis of complex problems and application of empirically supported interventions through anti-racist and anti-oppressive lenses.
Earning a dual degree requires fewer credit hours than pursuing each degree separately, allowing students to develop a strong foundation in social work while gaining complementary knowledge and skills in a related field. These programs prepare graduates for leadership roles, equipping them to address complex social challenges through collaboration, policy development, research, and direct practice. By choosing a dual degree, students expand their professional reach and increase their ability to create meaningful change in diverse settings.