University of Nebraska Kearney

What you'll study

The BSW curriculum at the University of Nebraska at Kearney combines liberal arts coursework with professional social work study and supervised field education. The programme emphasises generalist practice across the life span and diverse settings, integrating theory, research, policy and practice skills.

• Foundations and liberal studies: courses in human behaviour and the social environment, introductory sociology and psychology, lifespan development, and foundations of social welfare.
• Core social work practice: practice with individuals, families and groups; community and organisational practice; assessment, intervention planning and evaluation; ethics and professional responsibilities.
• Policy, research and diversity: social policy analysis, research methods and statistics for social work, cultural competence and anti-oppressive practice, and courses addressing poverty, inequality and human rights.
• Specialist topics: elective options commonly include child and family welfare, mental health and substance use, gerontology, school social work, trauma-informed care and rural social work practice.
• Field education (practicum): supervised practicum placements in community agencies, schools, healthcare or corrections settings, providing hands-on experience and integration of classroom learning with professional practice.

The programme sequence typically moves from general education and introductory social work courses to increasingly advanced practice, policy and research classes, concluding with a substantial practicum in a real-world agency.

Entry requirements

Applicants normally need a high school diploma or equivalent and meet the university's general admission standards. Typical requirements for entry into the social work major include:

• A competitive cumulative high school or transfer GPA as specified by the university.
• Completion of introductory prerequisites such as freshman composition and introductory psychology or sociology; transfer students may be required to present specific general education credits.
• Submission of a personal statement or statement of purpose explaining interest in social work and relevant experience.
• References or recommendation letters, often from educators or employers who can speak to academic readiness and suitability for social work.
• Successful completion of any programme-specific benchmarks, which may include an interview, background check and compliance with immunisation or other agency requirements prior to placement.

Prospective transfer students with an associate degree or previous college credits should consult the UNK admissions and social work department for evaluation of credit transfer and progression requirements. Applicants aiming for professional licensure pathways are advised to confirm any additional state-specific requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates with a BSW from UNK pursue entry-level professional roles in a wide range of public and private settings. Typical career paths include:

• Child welfare and family services
• School social work and educational support services
• Community and non-profit case management
• Mental health and substance use support roles in clinics and community agencies
• Healthcare and hospital social work support positions
• Correctional and re-entry services

Many graduates move directly into practice in human service agencies or use the BSW as preparation for graduate study. Students who wish to become clinical social workers typically pursue a Master of Social Work (MSW) and meet state licensure requirements for clinical practice.

Why study at University of Nebraska Kearney

UNK offers a social work programme that emphasises small-class teaching, close faculty supervision and strong links to regional agencies across Nebraska. The department provides structured practicum placement support, experienced faculty who are active in community practice and research, and opportunities to gain direct client-facing experience during the degree.

• Accredited curriculum: the programme follows professional accrediting standards for social work education, ensuring alignment with practice and licensure expectations.
• Experiential learning: significant field placement hours and community-engaged projects prepare students for real-world practice.
• Supportive environment: advising, practicum coordination and student organisations help students build professional networks and prepare for careers or graduate study.
• Regional focus with broader applicability: strong ties to rural and urban agencies across the state provide diverse placement options, while the skills taught are transferable to many settings nationally and internationally.

Students considering a career making a measurable difference to individuals and communities will find the University of Nebraska at Kearney's BSW combines a solid academic foundation with practical experience and professional preparation.