Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)

Your journey to a career in leadership starts here. Social workers advocate for social justice and improve lives and communities. Learn what it's like to be a BSW student.

Our mission

The mission of the School of Social Work BSW program is to educate competent generalist social workers who challenge injustice and who are able to effectively and compassionately intervene at all system levels with diverse client groups.  

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In-class experience

The BSW is a professional degree built on a liberal arts foundation with supporting social and behavioral sciences coursework. We have the most racially/ethnically diverse program on campus. 55% of BSW students identify as BIPOC.

All BSW students must complete a professional sequence that encompasses a series of classes tied to a 450-hour internship at 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. Students may apply to the professional sequence during the winter of their junior year. 

To make an appointment with a social work advisor or learn more about pre-requisites for our BSW program, schedule an appointment below.

Talk with an advisor

Learning outcomes

Identify as a professional social worker and conduct yourself accordingly

Apply Social Work ethical principles to guide professional practice

Apply critical thinking to inform and communicate professional judgments

Engage diversity and difference in practice

Advance human rights and social and economic justice

Engage in research-informed practice and practice-informed research

Apply knowledge of human behavior and the social environment

Engage in policy practice to advance social and economic well-being and to deliver effective Social Work services

Respond to contexts that shape practice

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

Our commitment to racial and social justice

a group of students kneeling on the ground over chalk written with the words no one is illegal on stolen land

Committed to the social work values, including the values of social justice and the inherent dignity and worth of the person, we reject white supremacy, racism, and all forms of oppression. The BSW program stands in solidarity with the BLM movement and Black leaders who have led the way in the civil rights movement, Indigenous Communities who have consistently resisted colonialism and oppression, Communities of Color and other historically marginalized groups who continue the struggle towards social justice. The BSW program is committed to creating an anti-racist and anti-oppressive environment that is inclusive, respectful, and supportive of all social identities, including race, ethnicity, religion, origin, citizenship status, sexual orientation, gender identity, political affiliation, economic status, veteran status, and ability.

Apply to the social work program

Ready to apply to the professional sequence for the Bachelor of Social Work?

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Meet our BSW team

BSW faculty
Ashley Daftary
Ashley Daftary, Ph.D., MSW
BSW Program Director, Assistant Professor
(775) 682-8712
ahanna@unr.edu
AB 523P
6305
BSW faculty
Jose Parra
Jose Parra, MSW
BSW Coordinator, Lecturer II
(775) 682-5216
japarra@unr.edu
RC-A 100Q
6305
BSW faculty
Valerie Luevano
Valerie Luevano, MSW, LSW
Field Education Program Coordinator
(775) 682-8433
vluevano@unr.edu
EJCH 206D
6305
BSW faculty
Aldrin Santamaria
Aldrin Santamaria, MA
BSW Academic Advisor
asantamaria@unr.edu
6305

Explore more resources

Learn about the application process for the School of Social Work BSW program

Apply now

Apply for available scholarships specifically for BSW students.

Scholarship information

Get involved with the social work student community through student groups.

Student groups