MSW Programs in Nebraska: Online & Campus
Navigating the myriad options available for pursuing a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree can be a challenging task, especially for those seeking programs within the heartland of the United States. In the vast expanse of Nebraska, prospective students may find themselves wondering about the best avenues for advancing their careers and making a meaningful impact in the field of social work.

This guide will provide insight into the landscape of MSW programs in Nebraska, offering a comprehensive overview of institutions, specializations, and unique opportunities available to aspiring social workers within the state. Whether you’re a Nebraska native or considering relocating to pursue your graduate studies, understanding the offerings of MSW programs in this region is crucial for making informed decisions about your academic and professional future.
2025 Best MSW Programs in Nebraska
Looking for the best MSW programs in Nebraska? counselingpsychology.org has ranked the top options to help you find the right fit. Our list focuses on quality, affordability, and student support. Whether you're starting your career or advancing it, these programs stand out. We've done the research so you can make an informed choice. Learn more about how we rank these programs here.
Nebraska Wesleyan University
Lincoln, NE - Private 4-year - nebrwesleyan.edu
Master's - Master of Social Work
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Nebraska Wesleyan University offers a Master of Social Work program with a unique trauma-conscious approach, ideal for those aiming to make a difference in social work. This hybrid program blends online and in-person evening classes, catering to working professionals. With options for a 66-credit generalist track or a 34-credit advanced standing track, students can tailor their education to their career goals. The program emphasizes clinical licensure, policy practice, and community advocacy, supported by 900 practicum hours. Accredited by CSWE, it features 8-week sessions and requires a 3.0 GPA for admission.
- Trauma-conscious MSW approach
- Hybrid evening program
- Full and part-time options
- Two program tracks available
- CSWE accredited program
- 900 total practicum hours
- Classes in 8-week sessions
- Generalist & Advanced Standing tracks
- 3.0 GPA admission requirement
- Early decision by Nov 15
- Priority decision by Feb 15
- Rolling admissions afterwards
- Online and in-person classes
- Weeknight classes in Lincoln
Master's - Master of Social Work
Concentration: Generalist - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The Master of Social Work program at Nebraska Wesleyan University focuses on a generalist concentration, offering a trauma-conscious education through a hybrid format. Designed for flexibility, it accommodates working professionals with evening classes and both full and part-time study options. Students without a social work background can opt for the 66-credit generalist track, while BSW graduates may choose the 34-credit advanced standing track. The program prepares graduates for diverse roles in social work, including clinical practice and advocacy, with 400-500 practicum hours. CSWE accredited, it requires a 3.0 GPA and includes an early decision deadline of November 15.
- CSWE Accredited MSW Program
- Trauma-conscious approach
- Hybrid evening classes
- Full and part-time options
- Two program paths: Generalist/Advanced Standing
- 400-500 practicum hours
- Classes in 8-week sessions
- Generalist track: 66 credit hours
- Advanced Standing: 34 credit hours
- Early decision: November 15
- Priority decision: February 15
- 3.0 GPA requirement
- Minimum 9 social science credits
- Two professional references required
- Writing sample needed
Master's - Master of Social Work
Concentration: Advanced Standing - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Nebraska Wesleyan University's Master of Social Work program with an Advanced Standing concentration is tailored for BSW graduates seeking to deepen their expertise in trauma-conscious social work. This hybrid program combines online coursework with in-person evening classes, offering flexibility for working professionals. The 34-credit track accelerates the path to advanced social work roles, emphasizing mental health, policy advocacy, and community organizing. With CSWE accreditation, the program includes 400-500 practicum hours and is structured in 8-week sessions. Admission requires a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA, with early and priority decision deadlines available.
- CSWE Accredited MSW Program
- Hybrid Evening Classes
- Two Program Paths Available
- Generalist: 66 Credit Hours
- Advanced Standing: 34 Credit Hours
- Full and Part-Time Options
- Early Decision: Nov 15
- Priority Decision: Feb 15
- Minimum 3.0 Undergraduate GPA
- 400-500 Practicum Hours
- One Evening Per Week
- Eight-Week Course Sessions
- Two-Year Full-Time Track
- Four-Year Part-Time Track
University of Nebraska at Omaha
Omaha, NE - Public 4-Year - unomaha.edu
Master's - Master of Social Work
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Nebraska at Omaha's Master of Social Work program delivers a comprehensive educational journey blending clinical, community, and policy practice. Designed for students with or without prior social work backgrounds, the hybrid program offers generalist and advanced generalist tracks. Students develop critical thinking skills and anti-oppressive approaches through flexible learning formats. The curriculum emphasizes mental health therapy skills, professional licensure preparation, and diverse practice opportunities. With 63 or 39 credit hour options, students can customize their academic path to match professional goals while gaining nationally recognized credentials.
- CSWE Accredited Program
- 63 or 39 credit hour options
- Flexible online/remote learning
- Advanced generalist curriculum
- Clinical and community focus
- Mental health therapy skills
- Nationally recognized licensure
- Dual degree opportunities
Master's - Master of Social Work and Master of Public Health
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
UNO's dual Master of Social Work and Master of Public Health program represents an innovative interdisciplinary approach to social services. Combining MSW and MPH degrees, students explore complex social dynamics through comprehensive coursework spanning 54-81 credit hours. The program prioritizes social justice, cultural humility, and leadership development. Students can select Foundation or Advanced Standing tracks, gaining robust skills for impactful community interventions. Field practicum experiences complement academic learning, preparing graduates to navigate diverse professional settings with nuanced understanding of public health and social work intersection.
- CSWE accredited program
- Foundation and Advanced Standing tracks
- 54-81 total credit hours
- Fall priority deadline February 1
- Three recommendation letters required
- Professional experience recommended
- Dual MSW/MPH degree option
- Field practicum experiences
- Multiple practice settings preparation
Master's - Master of Social Work and Master of Public Administration
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Nebraska at Omaha's Master of Social Work and Public Administration dual degree offers a transformative educational pathway for aspiring social service leaders. Integrating micro, mezzo, and macro social work practices with public administration expertise, students develop comprehensive skills for driving organizational innovation. With Foundation and Advanced Standing tracks, the program accommodates diverse academic backgrounds. Spanning 81 or 57 credit hours, students engage in rigorous coursework and field practicums, preparing to create meaningful social change across nonprofit, public agency, and community sectors.
- CSWE Accredited MSW Program
- Two Program Tracks: Foundation/Advanced
- 81/57 Total Credit Hours
- Fall Priority Deadline: February 1
- Minimum 3.0 GPA Required
- Professional Experience Recommended
- Three Recommendation Letters
- Dual Degree Combines Social Work/Public Administration
- Field Practicum Included
- English Proficiency Requirements
Master's - Master of Social Work and Master of Criminology and Criminal Justice
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
UNO's Master of Social Work and Criminology and Criminal Justice dual degree program provides a unique interdisciplinary approach to addressing complex social challenges. Students explore intersections between social work and criminal justice through flexible Foundation and Advanced Standing tracks. The comprehensive curriculum spans 81 or 57 credit hours, emphasizing social justice principles and advanced research opportunities. Graduates develop sophisticated skills to provide targeted social services, lead community interventions, and work effectively with diverse populations experiencing systemic challenges in criminal justice and social service environments.
- Two program tracks: Foundation & Advanced Standing
- 81 or 57 total credit hours
- Dual MSW and CRCJ degrees
- Fall priority deadline: February 1
- Spring application deadline: November 1
- Professional experience recommended
- Three recommendation letters required
- Comprehensive field practicum experience
- Focus on social justice principles
- Advanced research opportunities
MSW Degree Program Requirements/Eligibility in Nebraska
Nebraska Traditional MSW Admissions Requirements
Students with no previous education in social work will need to enter into a traditional MSW program. Most traditional MSW programs can be completed in two years with the completion of 60 credits. To apply, you’ll need the following:
- Bachelor’s degree, typically in psychology or a related area, from a regionally accredited institution
- Minimum GPA requirement (typically around 3.0)
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement or essay
- Resume or CV outlining relevant experience
- Completion of prerequisite courses (such as psychology, sociology, or human services)
- GRE scores (some programs may waive this requirement)
- Interview (some programs may require an interview as part of the application process)
- Background check and/or fingerprinting
Nebraska Advanced-Standing MSW Admissions Requirements
If you already have a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree and a GPA of 3.5 or higher, you can apply for the advanced-standing MSW option. This type of program allows students to get their MSW in only a year. Nebraska currently has two advanced-standing MSW programs: The University of Nebraska and Nebraska Wesleyan University. To apply, you’ll need to fulfill all of the admissions requirements stated above.
RELATED: Learn more about Social Work Salaries
Nebraska MSW Program Tuition and Costs
School | Tuition (per credit hour) | Total Credits | Total Tuition |
University of Nebraska | $340 (Resident) $996 (Non-resident) | 63 | $21,420 (Resident) $62,748 (Non-resident) |
Nebraska Wesleyan University | $520 | 66 | $34,320 |
Are Online MSW Programs in Nebraska as Good as Campus-Based?
Whether an online MSW program is the right choice for you depends entirely on your educational goals. The table below outlines the pros and cons of online programs.
Traditional MSW vs. Online MSW Programs in Nebraska
Traditional MSW Programs | Online MSW Programs | |
Format | In-person classes | Online classes with some in-person requirements |
Flexibility | Limited scheduling options | More flexibility in scheduling, often part-time options |
Location | Geographically limited | Accessible from anywhere with internet connectivity |
Learning Environment | Classroom-based | Virtual classroom, discussion boards, and online resources |
Networking | Local networking opportunities | Networking with students and professionals from diverse locations |
Cost | Tuition, commuting, and relocation expenses | Generally lower tuition and flexibility to continue working |
Hands-on Experience | Field placements and internships | Virtual or field placements and internships arranged in the student's local area |
If your goal is to get licensed as a social worker, you’ll need to make sure your program is accredited. The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) is the official accrediting body for all MSW programs in the country.
Learn more about Social Work Degree Options:
- Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
- Master of Social Work (MSW)
- Graduate Certificate in Social Work
- Doctorate of Social Work (DSW)
Getting Your Nebraska Social Work License
Most people getting an MSW are doing so in order to advance their careers and become licensed. Take a look at Nebraska’s specific licensure requirements and what you’ll need to do to fulfill them in our Guide to Social Work Licensure.
Popular Social Work Careers
Discover the specializations available to you within social work. These social work careers can help you work with diverse populations in a variety of environments.

School Social Worker
School social workers provide counseling, support, and advocacy for students facing social, emotional, or behavioral challenges. They collaborate with teachers, parents, and other professionals to develop student success strategies, provide crisis intervention, and facilitate support groups.
Healthcare Social Worker
Healthcare social workers assess patients' social, emotional, and practical needs. They provide counseling and support, coordinate care with healthcare providers, advocate for patients' rights, and connect patients and their families with community resources to ensure holistic and comprehensive care.
Court Social Worker
Court social workers assess the needs of individuals involved in court cases. They develop intervention plans, provide counseling and support, monitor progress in court-ordered programs, collaborate with legal professionals, and advocate for clients' best interests in legal proceedings.
List of MSW Degree Programs in Nebraska
Lincoln, NE
Nebraska Wesleyan University
- Master's - Master of Social Work
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Trauma-conscious MSW approach
- Hybrid evening program
- Full and part-time options
- Two program tracks available
- CSWE accredited program
- 900 total practicum hours
- Classes in 8-week sessions
- Generalist & Advanced Standing tracks
- Master's - Master of Social Work
Concentration: Generalist - Online & Campus Based - Website
- CSWE Accredited MSW Program
- Trauma-conscious approach
- Hybrid evening classes
- Full and part-time options
- Two program paths: Generalist/Advanced Standing
- 400-500 practicum hours
- Classes in 8-week sessions
- Generalist track: 66 credit hours
- Master's - Master of Social Work
Concentration: Advanced Standing - Online & Campus Based - Website
- CSWE Accredited MSW Program
- Hybrid Evening Classes
- Two Program Paths Available
- Generalist: 66 Credit Hours
- Advanced Standing: 34 Credit Hours
- Full and Part-Time Options
- Early Decision: Nov 15
- Priority Decision: Feb 15
Omaha, NE
University of Nebraska at Omaha
- Master's - Master of Social Work
Online & Campus Based - Website
- CSWE Accredited Program
- 63 or 39 credit hour options
- Flexible online/remote learning
- Advanced generalist curriculum
- Clinical and community focus
- Mental health therapy skills
- Nationally recognized licensure
- Dual degree opportunities
- Master's - Master of Social Work and Master of Public Health
Online & Campus Based - Website
- CSWE accredited program
- Foundation and Advanced Standing tracks
- 54-81 total credit hours
- Fall priority deadline February 1
- Three recommendation letters required
- Professional experience recommended
- Dual MSW/MPH degree option
- Field practicum experiences
- Master's - Master of Social Work and Master of Public Administration
Online & Campus Based - Website
- CSWE Accredited MSW Program
- Two Program Tracks: Foundation/Advanced
- 81/57 Total Credit Hours
- Fall Priority Deadline: February 1
- Minimum 3.0 GPA Required
- Professional Experience Recommended
- Three Recommendation Letters
- Dual Degree Combines Social Work/Public Administration
- Master's - Master of Social Work and Master of Criminology and Criminal Justice
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Two program tracks: Foundation & Advanced Standing
- 81 or 57 total credit hours
- Dual MSW and CRCJ degrees
- Fall priority deadline: February 1
- Spring application deadline: November 1
- Professional experience recommended
- Three recommendation letters required
- Comprehensive field practicum experience