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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.

The BSW is a professional degree built on a liberal arts foundation with supporting social and behavioral sciences coursework.

Ready to apply?

If you are a student ready to join the BSW program, please visit our application page to learn about applying, requirements and to access our online application portal.

In-class experience

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 entering the professional sequence are expected to be ready to engage with clients, to practice within the boundaries and scope of the profession and to behave in manners congruent with the profession's values and ethics. While this sequence of classes and internship may be completed in one full-time or two part-time academic years, it is designed to be a culminating experience during the student's senior year.

Students may apply to the BSW professional sequence during the winter of their junior year.

Program handbook

Review the BSW program handbook for more information on curriculum, policies, resources and more.

Speak with an advisor

To make an appointment with a social work advisor or learn more about pre-requisites for our BSW program, schedule an appointment below.

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?

Meet our BSW team

BSW faculty
Jose Parra
Jose Parra, MSW
BSW Program Director, Lecturer II Licensed in NV
(775) 682-5216
100Q
6305
BSW faculty
Marina Murphy
Marina Murphy, MSW
BSW Program Coordinator, Lecturer II
(775) 682-8522
100T
6305
BSW faculty
Brenda Lopez
Brenda Lopez, MA
Coordinator of Academic Success
(775) 682-8737
523A
6305

Explore more resources

Learn about the application process for the School of Social Work BSW program

Apply for available scholarships specifically for BSW students.

Get involved with the social work student community through student groups.