Nevada · MSW programs by city
Best MSW Programs near Sparks, NV (2026)
Published · Last updated
Edited by Zoe MacDougall, BS
Sparks, Nevada (population 110,323) has no MSW campus within city limits , with 1 more accredited program within about 60 miles. 1 Nevada programs also offer an online option. Every program below is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), the requirement for Nevada licensure.
Best MSW programs in Sparks, NV
No CSWE-accredited MSW program currently lists a campus inside Sparks, NV. See the nearby and online options below.
Best MSW programs near Sparks, NV
Accredited programs whose nearest campus is within about 60 miles of Sparks, NV, ranked by our five-factor model. Each card shows the campus city and straight-line distance from the city center.
- #1 Reno · ~7 mi
University of Nevada, Reno
Reno, NV, NV · CSWE-accredited since 1991 · Online or On-Campus
6.3
1 concentration ✓ Advanced Standing Online optionWhy it ranks here
University of Nevada, Reno has held CSWE accreditation since 1991, 35 years of standing as of 2026. The MSW is offered both online and on campus (Reno, NV). It records 1 concentration (Advanced Generalist). An Advanced Standing track is available for qualified BSW holders. Students can enroll full-time or part-time.
Concentrations
Advanced Generalist
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 6.2
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 4.7
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 5.0
- Delivery format (18%) 7.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0
Online MSW programs available in Sparks, NV
Nevada-based CSWE-accredited programs with an online option, which Sparks, NV residents can complete from home. See the full online MSW ranking for national options.
| Institution | Accredited | Adv. Standing | Natl. |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Nevada, Reno | 1991 | Yes | #158 |
How much do social workers make in Sparks, NV in 2026?
Sparks, Nevada sits within the Reno, NV metro area, the labor market that sets pay and demand for its social workers. Across specialties, the area employs roughly 880 social workers , and the best-paid specialty here is social workers, all other at a $154,040 median. Figures are from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program (May 2025).
| Occupation | Employed | Median wage | Typical range (10th–90th) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare social workers | 190 | $80,330 | $47,960 – $116,390 |
| Mental health & substance abuse social workers | 110 | $57,700 | $48,970 – $76,960 |
| Child, family & school social workers | 470 | $60,600 | $47,210 – $85,760 |
| Social workers, all other | 110 | $154,040 | $99,780 – $177,400 |
| Social & community service managers (macro) | 240 | $67,340 | $44,590 – $141,660 |
How local pay compares
Child, family & school social workers around Sparks, NV earn a median of $60,600 versus $61,080 statewide in Nevada and $67,310 nationally. That is below the Nevada median.
Where do social workers work in Sparks, NV in 2026?
Sparks, Nevada sits in Washoe County. Organizations in and around the city that commonly employ MSW-level social workers include:
- Washoe County Human Services Agency
- Northern Nevada Medical Center
- Washoe County School District
- The Children’s Cabinet
- Nevada Division of Child and Family Services
Representative local employers known to operate in the area; illustrative, not an exhaustive or BLS-sourced list.
Nationally, BLS projects social worker employment to grow 6% from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations, driven by demand in healthcare and mental-health settings. Macro roles such as social and community service managers are projected to grow alongside them. See pay by role in our career guides.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025) for Reno, NV; employment projections from the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Wages are annual medians.
What kind of social work license do I need in Sparks, NV?
After an MSW from Sparks, NV or anywhere, these are the Nevada social work licenses, per ASWB. A CSWE-accredited degree is required for each.
| License | Education | Supervised hours | Exam |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clinical Social Worker (CSW) | Doctorate of Social Work or Master of Social Work | 3000 hours | Clinical |
| Independent Social Worker (ISW) | Doctorate of Social Work or Master of Social Work | 3000 hours | Advanced Generalist |
| Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) | Doctorate of Social Work or Master of Social Work | 3000 hours | Masters |
| Social Worker (SW) | Bachelor of Social Work or Master of Social Work | — | Bachelors |
Source: ASWB social work licensure database. Verify current requirements with the Nevada state board before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many CSWE-accredited MSW programs are in Sparks, NV?
How much do social workers earn in Sparks, NV?
Can I earn an MSW online from Sparks, NV?
What license do MSW graduates need in Nevada?
MSW programs in other Nevada cities
Sources
- CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs for program accreditation, campuses, and structure.
- U.S. Census Bureau 2023 Gazetteer (city coordinates) and Population Estimates Program (population).
- ASWB social work licensure database for Nevada license requirements.
Published 2026-06-12; last updated 2026-06-23. "Near" means a program campus within 60 straight-line miles of the city center.