Nebraska’s social work education landscape reflects the state’s commitment to addressing mental health challenges across both urban centers and rural communities, yet prospective MSW students encounter limited in-state options. Nebraska has only one CSWE-accredited institution offering MSW programs, creating a significant reliance on national online programs that provide the flexibility and specialized training needed by working professionals throughout the state. This scarcity of local options has positioned online MSW education as a critical pathway for Nebraskans seeking advanced social work credentials, with many programs offering evening schedules and hybrid formats that accommodate the diverse needs of students across Nebraska’s mix of agricultural communities and metropolitan areas.

The educational foundation for Nebraska’s social work practitioners emphasizes trauma-informed care and evidence-based practice, with many programs incorporating specialized tracks that address the state’s unique demographic challenges. Nebraska offers strong projected job growth rates for social workers, creating robust career opportunities for MSW graduates who pursue the state’s multi-tiered licensure system. Those seeking clinical practice or LMSW credentials need at least an MSW degree, while earning licensure requires applying for both a Provisional Licensed Mental Health Practitioner (PLMHP) license and the Provisional Certification as a Master Social Worker (PCMSW) license. This dual-track approach to licensure reflects Nebraska’s integrated approach to mental health and social work practice, preparing graduates to serve in clinical settings, community organizations, and rural healthcare systems where social workers often function as primary mental health resources for underserved populations throughout the state’s expansive geography.

2026 Best Nebraska MSW Programs Online

Masters in Social Work Online presents a comprehensive guide to the best online MSW programs in Nebraska, highlighting the critical role of distance learning in expanding educational opportunities for aspiring social workers. Our expert team carefully evaluates each program's academic rigor, flexibility, and potential for student success in the virtual learning environment. Online MSW programs have become increasingly important, allowing working professionals and rural students to pursue advanced social work education without geographical constraints. These remote learning options provide unprecedented access to high-quality social work training, enabling students to balance personal and professional commitments while advancing their careers. Nebraska's top online MSW programs offer innovative curriculum, experienced faculty, and comprehensive support systems that prepare graduates for meaningful social service roles. Learn more about our ranking methodology.
#1

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 online Master of Social Work (MSW) program delivers a comprehensive education designed for flexible, advanced professional development. CSWE-accredited and offered through hybrid learning formats, students can select generalist or advanced generalist tracks without requiring prior social work backgrounds. The curriculum strategically balances clinical, community, and policy practice methodologies, emphasizing critical thinking and anti-oppressive approaches. Students benefit from 63 or 39 credit hour options, mental health therapy skill development, and nationally recognized licensure preparation. The program accommodates diverse student needs through remote and online learning modalities, supporting professionals seeking transformative social work careers.

  • 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

University of Nebraska at Omaha's innovative online MSW and Master of Public Health dual degree program prepares interdisciplinary social work professionals. This hybrid program offers Foundation and Advanced Standing tracks spanning 54-81 total credit hours, emphasizing social justice and cultural humility. Students gain comprehensive public health and social work expertise through flexible learning formats. The CSWE-accredited program requires three recommendation letters and values professional experience. Graduates develop leadership skills for meaningful community interventions, bridging social work and public health domains with advanced practice competencies.

  • 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 online Master of Social Work and Public Administration dual degree provides a strategic pathway for professionals seeking comprehensive leadership training. CSWE-accredited, the program offers Foundation and Advanced Standing tracks with 57-81 credit hours. Students develop advanced micro, mezzo, and macro social work skills alongside public administration expertise. The hybrid learning format accommodates diverse academic backgrounds, requiring a minimum 3.0 GPA and professional recommendations. Graduates are equipped to drive organizational innovation and social change across public service, nonprofit, and social service 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

University of Nebraska at Omaha's innovative online Master of Social Work and Criminology and Criminal Justice dual degree prepares professionals for complex social challenges. The hybrid program offers Foundation and Advanced Standing tracks with 57-81 credit hours, focusing on social justice principles. Students develop advanced skills to address systemic challenges across criminal justice and social work domains. CSWE-accredited with comprehensive field practicum experiences, the program emphasizes research opportunities and transformative community interventions. Graduates gain expertise in working effectively with diverse populations experiencing intersectional social challenges.

  • 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
Show 3 More Programs ˅
#2

Nebraska Wesleyan University

Lincoln, NE - Private 4-year - nebrwesleyan.edu

Master's - Master of Social Work

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Nebraska Wesleyan University's online Master of Social Work offers a transformative trauma-conscious program for aspiring social work professionals. The hybrid learning model combines online coursework with evening in-person classes, accommodating working adults. Students can select between a generalist 66-credit track and an advanced standing 34-credit track, with flexible full and part-time options. CSWE-accredited and designed to prepare graduates for clinical licensure, the program emphasizes comprehensive practicum experiences totaling 900 hours. Admission requires a 3.0 GPA, with early decision by November 15 and priority decision by February 15.

  • 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

Master's - Master of Social Work

Concentration: Generalist - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Nebraska Wesleyan University's generalist MSW track provides a comprehensive online and hybrid educational pathway for social work professionals. Tailored for students without prior social work backgrounds, this 66-credit program delivers a trauma-conscious curriculum through evening classes and flexible learning formats. Students benefit from CSWE accreditation, 400-500 practicum hours, and a curriculum designed to develop skills in policy practice, advocacy, and community organizing. The program offers full and part-time enrollment, requires a 3.0 GPA, and includes minimum social science credit prerequisites.

  • 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

Master's - Master of Social Work

Concentration: Advanced Standing - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Nebraska Wesleyan University's Advanced Standing MSW program offers a specialized online pathway for BSW graduates seeking to elevate their social work expertise. This 34-credit hybrid track emphasizes trauma-informed practice and provides comprehensive training in mental health, policy advocacy, and community organizing. With CSWE accreditation, the program combines online and evening in-person classes, accommodating working professionals. Students can complete the program in two years full-time or four years part-time, with 400-500 practicum hours. Admission requires a strong undergraduate academic record and professional commitment to social work practice.

  • 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
Show 2 More Programs ˅
*Higher education data sourced from: IPEDS 2023, National Center for Education Statistics.

List of Nebraska Online MSW Programs

Jump to City:

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: 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
  • 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

Omaha, NE

University of Nebraska at Omaha

  • 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
  • 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 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

    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
*Institutional characteristics data extracted from IPEDS 2023, NCES.

2026 Affordable Online Nebraska MSW Program Options

Nebraska offers diverse online social work education options for students seeking advanced degrees in this critical field. With distance learning platforms expanding access across the state, professionals and students in urban areas like Omaha and Lincoln can now pursue advanced social work credentials without relocating. These virtual programs provide flexibility for working adults, military personnel, and rural residents who might otherwise struggle to complete graduate-level social work training. Online Master's and Certificate programs enable students to balance academic goals with professional and personal commitments, making social work education more accessible than ever. Affordable digital learning pathways help address critical workforce needs in social services, mental health support, and community development across Nebraska's diverse regions.
University of Nebraska at Omaha
  • 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
  • $6,400 - $9,600 (Graduate In-State)
  • $13,500 - $20,200 (Graduate Non-Resident)
Nebraska Wesleyan University
  • 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
  • $7,600 - $11,400 (Graduate)
*IPEDS 2023 statistics, sourced from NCES. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

List of Nebraska Advanced Standing Online MSW Programs

Advanced standing MSW programs in Nebraska offer a streamlined educational route for BSW graduates from CSWE-accredited institutions, enabling them to complete their master’s degree through an accelerated program structure. These programs emphasize agricultural community practice, family-centered interventions, and collaborative care models to serve Nebraska’s farming communities, growing urban centers, and the diverse social service needs across the state’s expansive rural landscape.

Jump to City:

Lincoln, NE

Nebraska Wesleyan University

  • Master's - Master of Social Work

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Hybrid program format
    • Trauma-conscious curriculum
    • Evening classes for flexibility
    • Full and part-time options
    • 66 credit hours for generalists
    • 34 credit hours for advanced standing
    • 900 practicum hours required
    • CSWE accredited

Omaha, NE

University of Nebraska at Omaha

  • Master's - Master of Social Work (MSW)

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Hybrid program format.
    • 63 credit Foundation Program.
    • 39 credit Advanced Standing.
    • CSWE accredited since 1940.
    • Prepares for licensure nationwide.
    • Focus on social justice.
    • Emphasizes cultural humility.
    • Clinical practice courses included.
*Federal data: IPEDS 2023, administered by the National Center for Education Statistics.

2026 Affordable Online Nebraska Advanced Standing MSW Programs

Exploring online advanced standing programs in Nebraska offers students flexible pathways to advance their social work education. These virtual learning opportunities provide crucial access for professionals and students across Omaha, Lincoln, and rural regions of the state. Online programs help working adults balance academic goals with personal and professional commitments, making graduate-level education more achievable. Distance learning options enable students to pursue advanced degrees without relocating or disrupting their current careers. With multiple degree levels available, from bachelor's to doctoral programs, aspiring social work professionals can find affordable and convenient educational routes that match their career objectives and personal schedules. The following table highlights several accessible online options for Nebraska students seeking advanced standing in social work.
University of Nebraska at Omaha
  • Hybrid program format.
  • 63 credit Foundation Program.
  • 39 credit Advanced Standing.
  • CSWE accredited since 1940.
  • Prepares for licensure nationwide.
  • Focus on social justice.
  • Emphasizes cultural humility.
  • Clinical practice courses included.
  • $6,400 - $9,600 (Graduate In-State)
  • $13,500 - $20,200 (Graduate Non-Resident)
Nebraska Wesleyan University
  • Hybrid program format
  • Trauma-conscious curriculum
  • Evening classes for flexibility
  • Full and part-time options
  • 66 credit hours for generalists
  • 34 credit hours for advanced standing
  • 900 practicum hours required
  • CSWE accredited
  • $7,600 - $11,400 (Graduate)
*Source: U.S. DOE, IPEDS 2023 collection, National Center for Education Statistics.