Traditional BSW Program

Instructor standing in front of a classroom of students.

Traditional Bachelor of Social Work

Join the UNO Maverick community and take the next step toward a career that creates lasting impact.

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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

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In-Person Learning Experience

Build a strong academic foundation through face-to-face learning with peers and experienced faculty.

Commencement ceremony with streamers falling from the ceiling.

Designed for Degree Completion

The traditional 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.

Student-Centered Support

Designed to support students throughout their undergraduate experience, the program emphasizes professional values, critical thinking, and hands-on learning.

Student sitting on an orange lounge chair typing on a laptop.

Accepting Applications for Fall 2026

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

Traditional BSW Plan of Study

Your path to a Bachelor of Social Work is as unique as you are. UNO’s traditional in-person BSW program is designed to support students from their first semester through graduation, while still offering select online courses for added flexibility.

Students in the Beginning stage typically complete general education requirements and foundational coursework during years one and two. In the Middle and End stages — traditionally years three and four — students follow a structured social work plan of study focused on hands-on learning, field experience, and career-ready skills through a mix of in-person and online classes.

Whether you start at UNO or transfer credits from another institution, the BSW program offers a flexible path to a meaningful career in social work.

Large auditorium style classroom full of students. — 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

Student sitting at an office desk working on a computer. — Year 1

**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)

Student listening in a classroom taking notes. — Year 2

**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.