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.

Apply today

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

Demonstrate Ethical and Professional Behavior

Advance Human Rights and Social, Racial, Economic, and Environmental Justice

Engage Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ADEI) in Practice

Engage in Practice-Informed Research and Research-Informed Practice

Engage in Policy Practice

Engage with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities

Assess Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities

Intervene with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities

Evaluate Practice with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities

Our commitment to racial and social justice

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?

Start here

Meet our BSW team

Ashley Daftary, Ph.D., MSW

BSW Program Director, Associate Professor

(775) 682-8712

ahanna@unr.edu

AB 523P

Jose Parra, MSW

BSW Coordinator, Lecturer II

(775) 682-5216

japarra@unr.edu

RC-A 100Q

Lindsey Forbes, M.A.

BSW Coordinator of Academic Success she/her/hers

lforbes@unr.edu

AB 523L

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

Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)