In Nebraska, prospective social workers must have at least a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) to become licensed and practice in the state. To practice clinical or independent social work, candidates must earn a Master of Social Work (MSW) that meets state guidelines. Several social work schools in Nebraska offer accredited degrees that meet these requirements. This page provides information on schools in the state to help you choose the right Nebraska social work program to meet your career goals.
Quick Facts
- 11 schools offering social work programs in Nebraska are in our database (see below)
- Of the social work schools in Nebraska, 5 offer associate’s degrees or certificates, 6 offer bachelor’s degrees, and 1 offers a master’s or advanced degree1
- No schools ranked in Kiplinger’s Best Values in Public Colleges
- 1 school ranked in US News Best Graduate Social Work Programs
- No schools ranked in Social Work Guide’s Top Online MSW Programs4
- Across 6 schools, 7 bachelor’s and master’s social work degree programs in Nebraska are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)5
Featured Online Programs in Social Work
Top-Ranked Schools with Social Work Programs in Nebraska
US News Best Graduate Social Work Programs
- University of Nebraska-Omaha (#75 tie)
Schools with Social Work Programs Accredited by the CSWE
- Chadron State College
- Creighton University
- Nebraska Wesleyan University
- Union College
- University of Nebraska-Kearney
- University of Nebraska-Omaha
Schools in Nebraska with Social Work Degree Programs
BSW and Other Undergraduate Programs
Creighton University
Located in Omaha, the state’s largest city, Creighton University is a private Jesuit university. In 2016 it was ranked #1 among regional universities in the Midwest by US News & World Report. Creighton University’s BSW program is accredited by the CSWE and prepares students for generalist practice with individuals, groups, and communities in Nebraska and further afield through social work and religious foundations. Students in the BSW program are engaged in several community projects that benefit the local area while studying and can also join the Student Organization of Social Workers to develop leadership skills. Students take sequenced classes in human behavior, economics, psychology, and research methods to build competencies and skills during the four-year program. It is also possible to complete an independent study project with the help of a faculty advisor.
Union College
Located in Nebraska’s state capital, Lincoln, Union College is a private Seventh-Day Adventist college with a small undergraduate enrollment. The school offers an accredited BSW degree in their College of Education and Human Studies rooted in social work, liberal arts, and Christian philosophies. The college was tied for 48th place in the Regional Colleges (Midwest) category by US News & World Report in 2016. Students must complete the university’s core curriculum, including courses in religious studies, communications, and math. As part of the social work curriculum, students take classes in social welfare policy, social justice, psychology, and counseling theory. It is also possible to complete a minor in many different fields, such as a foreign language, youth ministry, or international relations. Field education placements are offered throughout Nebraska; in the past, students have been placed in healthcare, addictions, refugee, and human rights organizations.
Chadron State College
Chadron State College maintains a Bachelor of Arts program with a comprehensive major in social work. This BA program gives students a broad survey of the field of social work at the regional, national, and global levels. The degree also equips students with the foundational skills and knowledge necessary to the practice of social work. To supplement the generalist curriculum, electives in several specialty areas are offered, including rural social work, social welfare, and mental health social work. The Social Work Department sponsors an active Social Work Club that exposes students to new experiences and opportunities.
MSW and Other Graduate Programs
University at Nebraska at Omaha
The University of Nebraska at Omaha is a public institution offering the only CSWE-accredited MSW program in the state. The university’s Grace Abbott School of Social Work also offers a CSWE-accredited BSW degree and dual MSW degrees in Public Health; Public Administration; and Criminology and Criminal Justice. The MSW program is open to individuals with an undergraduate degree in any subject, but candidates must have completed at least one course each in the subjects of human biology, research methods, and statistics. In the foundational year, students take courses in human behavior, social policy, and generalist practice. Those who have completed a CSWE-accredited BSW within the last 10 years may qualify for advanced standing to waive the foundational year of the program. The program has both clinical practice and advanced generalist specializations, which determine the courses taken in the second year of the program. The University of Nebraska at Omaha MSW program can also be completed at the University of Nebraska at Kearney campus for those for whom Kearney is a more convenient location.
Accreditation Information for Nebraska Social Work Schools
| School | Graduation Rate1 | Transfer-Out Rate1 | Associate’s SW Program | Bachelor’s SW Program | Graduate SW Program | CSWE Accred.5 | US News Best Social Work Grad Schools Ranking3 | Net Price*1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Central Community College | 33% | 20% | Yes | No | No | No | Not Ranked | $7,041 |
| Chadron State College | 36% | 32% | No | Yes | No | Yes | Not Ranked | $11,344 |
| Creighton University | 78% | N/A | No | Yes | No | Yes | Not Ranked | $28,551 |
| Metropolitan Community College Area | 14% | 25% | Yes | No | No | No | Not Ranked | $6,333 |
| Nebraska Wesleyan University | 69% | N/A | No | Yes | No | Yes | Not Ranked | $20,987 |
| Southeast Community College Area | 25% | 24% | Yes | No | No | No | Not Ranked | $7,405 |
| Union College | 49% | N/A | No | Yes | No | Yes | Not Ranked | $20,426 |
| University of Nebraska at Kearney | 56% | 32% | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Not Ranked | $14,553 |
| University of Nebraska at Omaha | 45% | 31% | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | #75 tie | $10,979 |
| Western Nebraska Community College | 27% | 19% | Yes | No | No | No | Not Ranked | $6,955 |
*The net price is calculated by the National Center for Education Statistics by subtracting the average amount of aid (including grants and scholarships) from the total published cost of attendance for in-state/in-district students, which includes tuition, books, room and board, and other expenses. To gain a better understanding of how to interpret the statistics discussed in this table, see our list of important definitions.
Featured Online Programs in Social Work
Directory of Nebraska Social Work School Programs
Note: Student Reviews are based on the experiences of a few individuals and it is unlikely that you will have similar results. Please review the “Data, Student Reviews and Other Information” section in our Terms of Use and Disclaimers.
Schools with an asterisk (*) have programs accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
Central Community College
3134 West Hwy 34
Grand Island, NE 68802-4903
(308) 398-4222
http://www.cccneb.edu
Chadron State College*
1000 Main St
Chadron, NE 69337-2690
(308) 432-6000
http://www.csc.edu
Student Review: “The Chadron State College Professional Social Work program was an incredible program. My graduating class consisted of 10 students. I was given the unique opportunity to learn with a small class that provided more direct support and direction from the program instructors. My favorite instructor, Bruce, took a special interest in my education. Often, he would be hard on me and challenge me to improve and do better. On a few occasions, I felt like I was not meeting his standards until I realized he was pushing me out of my quiet zone and encouraging me to find my social work voice. My favorite aspect of the program was the hands-on work we completed. On various occasions, I would be required to interview social workers in agencies and/or learn about agency structures and resources. This aspect groomed me for working in an actual agency. In addition, the field internship allowed me to see the different demographics and options social workers have in the workforce. During my internship, my instructor met with me weekly to give feedback and direction in my work. The support, guidance, and exceptional knowledge from my instructors made the program effective, interesting, and highly desired.” – Student at Chadron State College
Creighton University*
2500 California Plz
Omaha, NE 68178
(402) 280-2700
http://www.creighton.edu
Metropolitan Community College
5300 N 30th St
Omaha, NE 68111-1610
(402) 280-2700
http://www.mccneb.edu
Nebraska Wesleyan University*
5000 St. Paul Ave
Lincoln, NE 68504-2794
(402) 466-2371
http://www.nebrwesleyan.edu
Southeast Community College
8800 O St
Lincoln, NE 68510-2449
(402) 471-3333
http://www.southeast.edu
Union College*
3800 S 48th St
Lincoln, NE 68506
(402) 486-2600
http://www.ucollege.edu
University of Nebraska at Kearney*
905 W 25th St
Kearney, NE 68849-1212
(308) 865-8441
http://www.unk.edu
University of Nebraska at Omaha*
6001 Dodge St
Omaha, NE 68182-0225
(402) 554-2800
http://www.unomaha.edu
Student Review: “The social work program was subpar at best at this school. Professors seem to not care much about the curriculum and could do much better than they are. There were a few guest speakers in my classes, but none of them were very interesting or intriguing. We did delve into social welfare issues and concentrated on values and goals for the field in history, present, and into the future. Other students also seemed to be disengaged within the program due to the lack of enthusiasm in the classroom. If I could go back, I think I would change my major.” – Student at University of Nebraska
Western Nebraska Community College
1601 E 27th St
Scottsbluff, NE 69361-1899
(308) 635-3606
http://www.wncc.edu
Schools with an asterisk (*) have programs accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
References:
1. National Center for Education Statistics: https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/
2. Kiplinger’s Best College Values: https://www.kiplinger.com/tool/college/T014-S001-kiplinger-s-best-values-in-private-colleges/index.php?table=all
3. US News & World Report Social Work Best Grad Schools Rankings: https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-health-schools/social-work-rankings
4.
Social Work Guide’s Top Online MSW Programs: /degrees/masters/online/
5. Council on Social Work Education: https://www.cswe.org/Accreditation/Directory-of-Accredited-Programs.aspx