Division of Health Sciences

The overarching goal of the baccalaureate social work (BSW) program is to prepare students for beginning generalist practice in social work.

BSW graduates will be able to:

2.1.1  Identify as a professional social worker and conduct oneself accordingly

2.1.2  Apply social work ethical principles to guide professional practice

2.1.3  Apply critical thinking to inform and communicate professional judgments

2.1.4  Engage diversity and difference in practice

2.1.5  Advance human rights and social and economic justice

2.1.6  Engage in research-informed practice and practice-informed research

2.1.7  Apply knowledge of human behavior and the social environment

2.1.8  Engage in policy practice to advance social and economic well-being and to deliver effective social work services

2.1.9  Respond to contexts that shape practice

2.1.10  Engage, assess, intervene, and evaluate with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities

In collaboration with Great Basin College (GBC), the University of Nevada's School of Social Work has developed a 3 + 1 program for students who reside in rural Nevada and who are interested in pursuing a BSW degree. Through this program, students are able to complete the equivalent of the first three years of academic study at GBC and their final year as social work majors through UNR. Students in this program will be able to complete most of the University and Departmental core through GBC. Upon being accepted to the University of Nevada, Reno, and the social work major, students will complete their final coursework through the University of Nevada, Reno, (no less than 32 credits). Social work major courses will be provided to students in the Elko, Ely, and Winnemucca regions through distance education.

Students who are interested in the University/GBC 3 + 1 program should follow the same sequencing of courses as do pre-major students enrolled at the University of Nevada, Reno. Please refer to the Curriculum Plan and the Transfer Core Curriculum form for information regarding required courses and their sequencing.

Students attending GBC may obtain academic advising through GBC, and may also obtain advising regarding transfer to UNR, the social work major, and career interests/goals from the University of Nevada, Reno, School of Social Work.

Students who participate in the UNR/GBC 3 + 1 program are considered valuable members of the School of Social Work community. As such, all pre-major students are encouraged to participate in the Undergraduate Social Work Student Association (USSWA) www.usswa.org. Students who are interested in participating in USSWA should contact the BSW Program Coordinator, Dr. Mary Hylton, at (775) 784-6542.

 

Social work students may apply to the professional sequence during the winter of their junior year.  The professional sequence encompasses a series of classes tied to a 450 hour internship in a social service agency.  These classes in conjunction with the internship are designed to provide the professional socialization, knowledge, values, and skills needed for entry level social work practice.  An emphasis on professional practice distinguishes the professional sequence from the other required and elective social work classes.  Students entering the professional sequence are expected to be ready to engage with clients, to practice within the boundaries and scope of the profession and to behave in manners congruent with the profession’s values and ethics. 
 While this sequence of classes and internship may be completed in one full-time or two part-time academic years, it is designed to be a culminating experience during the student’s senior year.  Students who meet the following requirements may apply for admission to the professional sequence:

• Demonstrate a capacity to complete degree requirements within three full time semesters. (Please note: students are advised to take 15 credits or fewer while in field practicum).

• Maintain an overall grade-point average of 2.5 or higher. (Exceptions may occasionally be considered for students who do not meet the GPA requirement, but in the professional judgment of the faculty demonstrate potential for social work through strong community service and/or leadership experiences).

• Complete SW 220, SW 310, and SW 321 with a “C” grade or higher in each course; and have completed or be enrolled in SW 311.

• Submit formal applications to:
  

  1. The University of Nevada, Reno http://www.unr.edu  (applicable for students transferring to UNR), and

  2. The School of Social Work http://www.unr.edu/social-work

• Submit one-page essays that address the four topic areas outlined in the BSW application.

• Submit two professional references –one from the supervisor of the applicant’s SW 321 agency experience.

• Submit a current copy of Academic Advising Report (AAR), if available; otherwise students need to submit copies of up-to-date transcripts from all institutions attended.

The application deadline for admission to the professional sequence is January 15th (for the following fall semester).  Should January 15th fall on a weekend, all completed application packets must be received by the School of Social Work office by the end of business (5:00 p.m. P.S.T.) the last weekday BEFORE January 15th.  Admission decisions are finalized during spring semester; students accepted into the major begin 400 level social work courses during following fall semester.

2012 BSW Admission Requirements
2012 BSW Application
BSW Recommendation Form
BSW Curriculum Requirement Table
Curriculum Plan Worksheet
Course Sequence
2011-12 BSW Student Handbook
Link to the UNR Course Catalog