Overview
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.
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.
Social Work Career Options
Over 682,000 social workers were employed in the United States in 2016, and the U.S. Department of Labor expects that number to grow by 16% by 2026. Approximately 47% of the social workers currently employed work as a child/family/school social workers, 26% are healthcare social workers, and 18% are mental health and substance abuse social workers. A degree in social work opens a variety of opportunities for graduates. The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) provides information about what a social worker's role is like in the following areas:
- Colleges and Universities
- Government Agencies
- Health Clinics & Outpatient Health Care Settings
- Hospice and Palliative Care
- Hospitals & Medical Centers
- Mental Health Clinics & Outpatient Facilities
- Private Practice
- Psychiatric Hospitals
- Schools
- Social Services Agencies
Questions?
Both UNO and non-UNO undergraduate students should contact BSSW Program Coordinator Dr. Peter Szto at pszto@unomaha.edu for more information.
