Online BSW Program | Grace Abbott School of Social Work

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Online Bachelor of Social Work

Join our UNO Maverick family and take the next step toward a meaningful career in social work.

Apply today!

Choosing the University of Nebraska at Omaha means choosing a place that’s committed to your success — both inside and outside the classroom. At UNO, you’ll benefit from the resources of a nationally recognized research university, while still feeling part of a supportive, close-knit community. Affordable tuition, strong financial aid, and plenty of opportunities for internships, service learning, and community engagement make UNO a smart investment in your future.

Named after Nebraska’s own trailblazing social reformer, the Grace Abbott School of Social Work is rooted in a tradition of advocacy, service, and social justice. Our Bachelor of Science in Social Work program is fully accredited and designed to blend theory with practice — giving you hands-on experience through field placements in real agencies where you’ll work alongside professionals. You’ll learn from passionate faculty who are not only dedicated teachers but also active researchers and advocates.

At Grace Abbott, you’ll join a community that values your voice, prepares you to make a difference, and equips you with the knowledge and practical skills to thrive as a future social worker.

Program at a Glance

Flexible, Connected Learning

The fully online BSW program offers the flexibility to complete the social work curriculum portion of the degree in as little as two years after finishing general education requirements or transferring eligible credits. The Fall 2026 online BSW cohort will meet Tuesdays from 1–3 P.M. via Zoom.

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Designed for Degree Completion

The fully online BSW program is designed for students who have completed at least 60 credit hours, including general education requirements and required social work prerequisite coursework, before beginning the social work curriculum.

Structured for Active Learning

We use a flipped classroom model to make learning more engaging and practical. Instead of sitting through long lectures in class, you’ll explore key concepts ahead of time through short videos, readings, or other provided resources.

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Accepting Applications for Fall 2026

Program begins Fall 2026! Accepting applications November 1, 2025 – July 1, 2026.

Online BSW Plan of Study

Your path to a Bachelor of Social Work is as unique as you are. While the social work curriculum portion of UNO’s fully online BSW program is designed to be completed in two years, the Bachelor of Social Work is a four-year degree.

Students in the Beginning stage typically complete general education requirements and foundational coursework during years one and two, either at UNO or through transfer credits from another institution. Students need to have completed at least 60 credit hours before starting the social work curriculum. In the Middle and End stages — traditionally years three and four — students follow a structured social work plan of study focused on professional preparation, hands-on learning, and career-ready skills.

Whether you complete your degree on a traditional timeline or at your own pace, UNO offers a flexible path to a meaningful career in social work.

Three students sitting around a table talking. — Beginning (Traditionally Years 1 & 2)

**General Education Curriculum:**

**Fundamental Skills - 15 credit hours**

Writing - 6 credit hours

Oral Communication - 3 credit hours

Quantitative Literacy - 3 credit hours

Data Literacy - 3 credit hours

**Breadth of Knowledge - 13 credit hours**

Social Science - 3 credit hours

Humanities - 3 credit hours

Natural and Physical Science (must complete a lab) - 4 credit hours

Arts - 3 credit hours

**Individual and Social Responsibility - 6 credit hours**

Cultural Knowledge - 3 credit hours

Civic Knowledge and Engagement - 3 credit hours

**Social Work Program Pre-Requisite Courses (or their equivalent)**

SOWK 1000: Social Work and Social Welfare

SOWK 1500: Social Work and Civic Engagement

SOWK 2120: Race, Class, and Gender

Students sitting in a classroom looking at a laptop. — Middle (Traditionally Year 3)

**Fall (12-15 Total Credits)**

Human Behavior and the Social Environment I

Social Work with Individuals and Families

Writing for Social Work

Permanence for Children

Elective

**Spring (12-15 Total Credits)**

Human Behavior and the Social Environment II

Social Work with Groups and Communities

Social Welfare Policy

Crisis Intervention

Elective

**Summer (0-6 Total Credits)**

Elective (if needed)

Elective (if needed)

Multiple students talking to an advisor standing behind a table with marketing materials. — End (Traditionally Year 4)

**Fall (12-15 Total Credits)**

Research Methods

Case Management

Field Practicum I

Elective

**Spring (13-16 Total Credits)**

Trauma and Resilience

Social Work Specific Elective

Field Practicum II

Career Prep

Elective

**Summer (0-6 Total Credits)**

Elective (if needed)

Elective (if needed)

**Students may need to enroll in additional online electives depending on how many total credits they have when they begin. All students are required to have 120 total credits to graduate from UNO.

Still trying to decide?

Online learning may be a good fit if you:

Have reliable internet access and a quiet place to study
Prefer a flexible schedule and self-paced learning
Feel comfortable communicating in writing
Want to stay in your community or avoid relocating

If any of these areas feel challenging, support is available. UNO offers many free programs that might make either program possible for you.

Tools and Tips for Online Learning

UNO offers a guide including tools and tips for taking online courses.