Master of Social Work

The mission of the MSW program is to prepare ethical, competent advanced generalist social work leaders who are able to practice reflectively and autonomously in complex environments across system levels with diverse client groups. The Advanced Generalist Practice (AGP) specialization prepares graduates to address questions, issues and problems across methods, systems, and fields of practice. As defined at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Social Work, AGP is characterized by: 1) leadership in innovative problem-solving and change, 2) autonomous practice, and 3) use of integrated, evidence-informed knowledge, values, and skills to address ambiguous, complex problems in an increasingly diverse and ever-changing practice environment.
The overarching goal of the MSW program's concentration year is to prepare competent, advanced generalist practitioners of social work. The concentration year builds upon the generalist perspective and foundation content of the first year to prepare graduates who are 1) able to apply AGP principles across diverse levels, populations, and contexts, and 2) able to practice with a high degree of autonomy and proficiency. Briefly-stated advanced generalist practice (AGP) represents a holistic, complex, and dynamic view of social work practice. It is holistic because client systems, regardless of size, are viewed as multi-dimensional wholes in the context of their own social environments. It is complex because practitioner judgments are based on the synthesis of a depth of social work knowledge, values, and skills and applied to a specific client population. It is dynamic because knowledge about practice models, client issues and programs, as well as policies requires ongoing policy analysis and action, along with research relevant to clients.
Program Objectives/Student Learning Outcomes:

The University of Nevada, Reno School of Social Work MSW Program goals guiding the MSW program are to prepare advanced generalist practitioners who:
Identify as professionals, committed to social work's ethical principles, continuous learning and service that meets the needs of vulnerable and diverse populations,
Demonstrate leadership across system levels through the ability to frame issues in ways that communicate their larger significance and a vision for change, and engage with others in ways that motivate and empower,
Integrate the strengths and person-in-environment perspectives with an array of theoretical models and intervention approaches to uniquely frame and address complex issues across diverse client systems,
Use research to inform practice decisions as well as produce and analyze data to identify client needs, emerging trends and evaluate interventions,
Are able to autonomously navigate diverse ambiguous and changing local, regional, and global contexts in developing and delivering interventions, policies, and programs that promote the health and well-being of individuals, families, groups and society,
Promote social and economic justice through the provision of equitable and interculturally effective programs, policies and services.
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Admission requirements for the 60-credit MSW program of study include:

A non-social work bachelor's degree (with substantial preparation in the liberal arts, including the social sciences, humanities, research, and human biology). A course in statistics and research methods is required prior to beginning our MSW program
An overall undergraduate GPA of 2.75.
Any graduate-level coursework, if applicable, must be at a minimum GPA of 3.0
Evidence of the ability to formulate and present material logically and clearly in written form
Career goals and potential which are compatible with the program's approach to advanced generalist social work practice as characterized by: willingness to work with diverse populations, desire to work with individuals, families, groups, communities, and organizations, commitment to social justice and social change, compatibility with social work values

TOEFL: 550 (paper) or 79 (internet)
IELTS: 6.5 (academic version)