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Bachelor of Social Work Goal and Objectives
The overarching goal of the baccalaureate social work (BSW) program is to prepare BSW students for beginning generalist social work practice.
BSW Graduates will be able to:
- Apply critical thinking within the context of professional social work practice.
- Understand the value base of the profession and its ethical standards and principles, and practice accordingly.
- Interact with clients and colleagues without discrimination and with respect, knowledge, and skills related to age, class, color, culture, disability, ethnicity, family structure, gender, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, and sexual orientation.
- Understand the forms and mechanisms of oppression and discrimination as well as strategies of advocacy and social change that advance social and economic justice.
- Apply the knowledge and skills of generalist social work practice with systems of all sizes.
- Use theoretical frameworks supported by empirical evidence to understand individual development and behavior across the life span and the interactions among and between individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
- Analyze, formulate, and influence social policies.
- Demonstrate a beginning knowledge of research as a social work practice tool.
- Employ culturally competent practice for work in diverse cultural contexts
University of Nevada School of Social Work Great Basin College 3 + 1 Program
In collaboration with Great Basin College (GBC), the University School of Social Work has developed a 3 + 1 program for students who reside in rural Nevada and who are interested in pursuing a BSW degree. Through this program, students are able to complete the equivalent of the first three years of academic study at GBC and their final year as social work majors through UNR. Students in this program will be able to complete most of the University and Departmental core through GBC. Upon being accepted to the University of Nevada, Reno, and the social work major, students will complete their final coursework through the University of Nevada, Reno, (no less than 32 credits). Social work major courses will be provided to students in the Elko, Ely, and Winnemucca regions through distance education.
Students who are interested in the University/GBC 3 + 1 program should follow the same sequencing of courses as do pre-major students enrolled at the University of Nevada, Reno. Please refer to the Curriculum Plan and the Transfer Core Curriculum form for information regarding required courses and their sequencing.
Students attending GBC may obtain academic advising through GBC, and may also obtain advising regarding transferring to UNR, the social work major, and career interests/goals from the University of Nevada, Reno, School of Social Work. University advising sessions will be held via videoconferencing or by phone.
Students who participate in the UNR/GBC 3 + 1 program are considered valuable members of the School of Social Work community. As such, all pre-major students are encouraged to participate in the Undergraduate Social Work Student Association (USSWA) www.usswa.org. Students who are interested in participating in USSWA should contact the Coordinator of the B.S.W. Program at (775) 784-6542.
BSW Admission Procedure/Requirements
To become a social work major, students must successfully complete the application and screening process. Students must apply for admission to the major by February 1st for the following fall semester (see Forms for application and reference forms).
To be considered for admission, a student must meet the several requirements. The requirements and application forms are currently under construction for the 2009 application period. Please check back soon for more information.
Application materials are reviewed by the Faculty Admissions committee, and admissions decisions are finalized during the spring semester. Students who are accepted into the major may begin taking 400-level social work courses during the following fall semester.
Advisement
The University of Nevada, Reno, School of Social Work has an advisement program to support and direct pre-major and major students in their learning and to screen students according to professional standards and requirements. After attending an orientation session, pre-major and major students are assigned to faculty advisors who will assist them throughout the program. It is very important that social work pre-majors and majors see their advisors once each semester. During these meetings, the advisor and student typically review the student’s academic work, discuss areas of weakness and strengths (e.g., writing skills), and explore volunteer experiences, field practicum interests, graduation requirements and scholarships, as well as employment and career opportunities. Beyond this, students are encouraged to see their advisors when academic guidance or support is needed.
Forms
2009 BSW Pre-Major Handbook
2009 BSW Handbook
2009 BSW Application (fill in online) (printable)
Applicant Reference Form (fill in online) (printable)
Curriculum Requirements
Curriculum Plan Worksheet
Contact Information
Undergraduate and GBC 3+1 Advisor
Denise Montcalm
montcalm@unr.edu
(775) 784-6542
Ansari Business Building, Room 523
Pre-Social Work Advisor
Laurie Beck
laurieb@unr.edu
(775) 682-7503
Sarah Fleischmann Building, Room 204b