Program Overview

Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)

The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) is a professional degree built on a liberal arts foundation with supporting social and behavioral sciences coursework. This program is designed to prepare students for a career in social work, advocating for social justice and improving lives and communities.

Program Overview

The BSW program is a culminating experience during the student's senior year, where students complete a professional sequence that encompasses a series of classes tied to a 450-hour internship at a social service agency. This sequence is designed to provide the professional socialization, knowledge, values, and skills needed for entry-level social work practice.

In-class Experience

All BSW students must complete a professional sequence that includes:

• SW 420 SW Methods with Individuals
• SW 424 SW Methods with Couples and Families
• SW 440 Intro to SW Research
• SW 480 Field Experience in SW I
• SW 421 SW Methods with Groups
• SW 427 SW Methods with Organizations, Communities, and Legislatures
• SW 441 Data Analysis of SW
• SW 481 Field Experience in SW II

The program can be completed in one full-time or two part-time academic years.

Field Education

During the field education program, students spend about 15 hours per week in a community-based setting, practicing and demonstrating core competencies through in-person contact with clients and constituencies. Students will:

• Actively observe and experience social work practice
• Reflect on their experiences and construct personal practice guidelines
• Learn how to act as professional social workers
• Observe how research informs practice
• See the impact of policy on service delivery

The School of Social Work partners with over 300 nonprofit agencies, governmental entities, and private businesses across Nevada to provide students with a wide variety of practicum sites. Example areas of focus include:

• Aging
• Child welfare
• Criminal justice/correction
• Drug and alcohol/addictive behaviors
• Education/school social work
• Family services
• Health care/public health
• Homelessness
• Mental health
• Women
• Youth

Program Handbook

The BSW program handbook provides more information on curriculum, policies, resources, and more.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:

• 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

Commitment to Racial and Social Justice

The BSW program is committed to the social work values, including the values of social justice and the inherent dignity and worth of the person. The program rejects white supremacy, racism, and all forms of oppression, and stands in solidarity with the BLM movement, Black leaders, Indigenous Communities, and other historically marginalized groups.

Faculty

The BSW program is led by a team of experienced faculty, including:

• Jose Parra, MSW, Licensed in NV, BSW Program Director, Lecturer II
• Marina Murphy, MSW, BSW Program Coordinator, Lecturer II
• Brenda Lopez, MA, Coordinator of Academic Success