If you're an aspiring social work professional seeking a program that understands the unique social challenges and opportunities in Nevada, our online Master of Social Work (MSW) program is for you. This program, the only online MSW available in Nevada, can prepare you to make a tangible impact in your community and around the nation.

Whether you’re aiming to advance your career, contribute to impactful policy reform, or support Nevada’s most vulnerable populations, this program offers the expertise and resources you need. Below, we’ll explore how the University of Nevada, Reno’s (UNR) online MSW sets itself apart.

The Silver State is home to a uniquely diverse population spread across vast rural areas and densely populated urban areas like Las Vegas and Reno. Addressing issues such as housing instability, healthcare access, and mental health support requires professionals who understand these localized challenges.

The UNR online MSW program dives deep into Nevada-specific concerns, providing graduates with the tools to tackle these complex issues effectively. The curriculum is crafted with input from regional experts, ensuring that students gain insights into:

• Urban social work settings, where challenges like poverty, substance abuse, and housing disparities demand immediate and impactful interventions.
• Rural health and social care, focusing on the unique needs of remote communities that often have limited access to mental health services, healthcare facilities, and social support networks.
• Cultural competency, which is vital for working with Nevada’s diverse populations, including Native American communities, immigrant groups, and others who often face systemic barriers.

This localized focus ensures that you're prepared to succeed in Nevada and be a change-maker in your community.

UNR’s online MSW program is comprised of exceptional faculty. These professionals are practitioners, researchers, and advocates with deep experience in Nevada’s social work field. The faculty’s hands-on knowledge is beneficial because it provides:

• Guidance rooted in real-world application of social work theories.
• Collaborative opportunities to engage in state-specific research initiatives.
• Professional mentorship that provides personalized career guidance.

By learning from experts who understand the intricacies of Nevada’s social work challenges, you can gain the confidence and expertise to step into leadership roles after graduation.

By earning your master’s in social work with UNR, you’re contributing to the field of social work through influential research. Opportunities include:

• Collaboration with state agencies looking to improve policies and social work practices.
• Participation in community-based research projects, where students and faculty work together to address pressing societal challenges like homelessness, mental health access, and domestic violence.
• Focused research on rural social work practices, with an emphasis on improving outcomes for underserved populations.

These research opportunities can enhance your educational experience while also demonstrating your ability to identify and implement data-driven solutions.

For working professionals and those balancing multiple commitments, the flexibility of an online program is essential. The UNR online MSW combines that flexibility with a highly personalized curriculum designed to meet the specific needs of Nevada’s aspiring social workers.

Choose from two tracks:

1. Advanced Standing Track - For students with a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW), this accelerated program builds upon foundational knowledge to prepare students for advanced fieldwork.
2. Traditional Track - For students without a previous degree in social work, this comprehensive program provides a thorough introduction to social work theories and practices.

Field placement opportunities are strategically located throughout the state, and with fewer online MSW students competing for placements in the state, you’ll gain access to invaluable hands-on experiences that differentiate you as a professional.

Enrolling in UNR’s online MSW program means joining a legacy of social impact. As a graduate, you’ll be equipped to:

• Drive change at the policy level, addressing systemic inequities within Nevada and beyond.
• Serve as an advocate for vulnerable populations, ensuring access to critical resources and services.
• Develop innovative strategies to support mental health, housing stability, and family cohesion.

Social work is a calling, and UNR’s program provides the education, mentorship, and hands-on experience to help you answer it.