NNU’s Master of Social Work program prepares students for advanced social work practice in rural and small town settings, both domestic and international. Available at NNU’s Nampa campus and our distance learning location in Idaho Falls, the program utilizes a cohort model that allows for an interactive learning environment and collegiality throughout the student's course work. Additionally, the MSW practicums give students professional experience and help them build relationships with local professionals. Upon completion of the program, students earn a graduate degree and are prepared to take the MSW licensing exam. With classes offered evenings and weekends, this program is ideal for students with work and/or family responsibilities who wish to advance their career.

Depending on education, and licensure, students can be admitted either at the Generalist level or at the Specialized level for the MSW degree. Applicants who have completed a B.A. in social work or BSW from an institution accredited by the Council of Social Work Education qualify for the Specialized standing level, which can be completed in 18 months (four semesters). An area of specialization is chosen after completing the Generalist year or when entering the program at the Specialized standing level. We have two concentrations: Clinical Mental Health and Addictions (CMHA) and Integrated Clinical and Community Practice (ICCP)

Students who enter the Master of Social Work program from disciplines other than social work enter the program as a 1st year student. These students must take courses to lay a foundation for the specialized level social work courses. These Generalist courses are taken during the first three semesters of the program. Students who begin as a 1st year student complete their course work in less than two and one-half years (seven semesters).

The advanced standing option was developed to recognize the academic accomplishments of outstanding applicants who have completed a B.A. in social work or BSW from a college or university accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. Students who are accepted into the Advanced standing level may complete their specialized course work in sixteen months (four semesters).

An area of specialization is chosen after completing the Generalist year or when entering the program at the Advanced standing level.

This concentration prepares students to provide psychotherapy and addictions services for individuals, families, and groups in rural and small-town settings. Specific content on trauma-focused practice is included, in addition to content on macro practice in community mental health or addictions settings. The goal of this concentration is to help students understand how to practice in therapeutic settings, whether working with clients with mental health concerns, addictions issues, or a dual diagnosis.

The purpose of this track is to combine training in a variety of fields of practice for students who are interested in clinical or macro MSW practice, but not in psychotherapy. The track will include content on child welfare, medical, criminal justice, at the micro and mezzo levels, and macro practice. The goal of this concentration is to help students understand how to practice in one or more of these areas of social work while also appreciating the other systems with which their clients are likely to interact.

Northwest Nazarene University's MSW program is nationally accredited at the undergraduate and graduate level by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). See NNU's Assessment of Learning Outcomes.