Social workers empower individuals, relieve suffering, and affect social change. They help meet the basic needs of all people and strengthen those who are vulnerable, oppressed, or living in poverty. One of the best parts about social work is that curiosity and exploration are encouraged. Most students enter the program without a set job in mind, only with an excitement to learn how best to make a difference in the world.
Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSSW)
The BSSW program prepares undergraduate students for beginning social work practice within a variety of social service settings. A degree from our accredited program qualifies graduates to receive the Certified Social Worker (CSW) credential in the state of Nebraska. Other states with licensure and certification of BSSW level social workers will also recognize this degree for licensure or certification. The BSSW degree also prepares students for a graduate degree in social work (the MSW degree) at the advanced level (39 credit hours).
Program Requirements
Admission to the BSSW program is competitive, and based on satisfactory completion of pre-professional courses with a cumulative grade point average of 2.50 or higher, successful performance in the two pre-professional social work courses (SOWK 1000 and SOWK 1500) with a grade of B or better, as well as positive references and a well written personal statement evidencing potential for successful practice in the field of social work.
Pre-Social Work
The Grace Abbott School of Social Work offers academic advising to all UNO and non-UNO undergraduate students who are interested in pursuing the BSSW degree. An undergraduate UNO student who formally declares social work as their major within their first two years at the university will be identified as a pre-social work (pre-SOWK) student. With the help of their academic advisor, the pre-SOWK student will complete the general education and pre-SOWK courses during their freshman and sophomore years. Upon successful completion of approximately 50 credit hours, the pre-SOWK student may apply for formal admission to the BSSW degree program.
Transfer Students
Undergraduate students transferring from another institution should refer to UNO's Transfer Articulation Guide to learn how coursework from other colleges and universities typically transfer to UNO. You can also use the Transfer Equivalency Guide for Pre-Social Work Students to find pre-requisite equivalents from the most transferred community colleges and universities.
How to Apply
Students pursuing a BSSW degree should apply to the program during the second semester of their sophomore year. A BSSW application requires contact information for three professional references, a personal essay, and a professional resume. Click here to see the specific criteria for admission to the BSSW program. For more information about the application and admission process, contact our admissions chair, Ciara Warden. (cwarden@unomaha.edu)
BSSW application window is open annually from January 15 - February 18.