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
Effective Fall 2024
- Minimum GPA 2.5
- Specific Social Work Courses (grade B or better required)
- SOWK 1000 Social Work and Social Welfare
- SOWK 1500 Social Work and Civic Engagement
- SOWK 2120 Race, Class, and Gender
- Required Courses
- Completion of at least 60 credit hours through UNO or transferred. Must include all general education coursework (humanities/fine arts, social sciences, natural/physical science, U.S. diversity, global diversity, and quantitative literacy).
- Three professional references
- Well-written personal statement evidencing potential for successful practice in the field of social work
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.
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.
How to Apply
Students pursuing a BSSW degree should apply to the program during the second semester of their sophomore year. 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, Kersten Borer (kerstenborer@unomaha.edu).