Best BSW Programs in Nevada: UNLV vs UNR Guide

Nevada offers just two BSW programs, but these schools deliver exceptional value and recognition. The state’s CSWE-accredited Bachelor of Social Work programs at UNLV and UNR have managed to keep continuous accreditation since 1974.

The career outlook for a Nevada BSW degree looks promising, especially when you have salary potential in mind. Social workers in the state earn a competitive median annual salary of $64,360. Community Organizers can reach even higher earnings of up to $79,310 annually. On top of that, it pays to graduate from these Nevada schools. UNR graduates earn about $6,121 more than the average social work graduate, while UNLV graduates see an impressive $6,500 boost.

Social work jobs continue to expand across the nation. Current projections show a 6% increase in positions from 2024 to 2034, creating around 63,800 new opportunities annually. Social work ranks as the 13th most popular degree program nationwide. This makes Nevada’s two premier BSW institutions worth exploring right now.

UNLV BSW Program

The University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) has one of two CSWE-accredited BSW programs in the state. This 48-year-old program prepares students to work as entry-level generalists in a variety of settings across southern Nevada’s urban landscape.

Key features and specializations

The BSW program at UNLV has a clear purpose. Students learn to become beginning-level practitioners who serve urban populations. This 120-credit program helps students work at multiple levels – from helping individuals and families to making changes in larger social systems and communities.

The program teaches students to look at human problems from many angles. Students learn that both social and personal factors shape client behaviors. This helps them develop a complete approach to solving problems. Such knowledge proves valuable in Nevada’s evolving social landscape. Social workers here must adapt quickly to tackle issues like housing, healthcare, mental health, and social justice.

The program focuses on five main goals:

1. Teaching students to work with diverse urban populations through classroom and field experiences
2. Understanding factors that affect humans throughout life
3. Learning research and statistical skills to evaluate practice
4. Learning about social welfare policies and how they affect diverse populations
5. Getting ready for graduate school and continued professional growth

UNLV’s BSW curriculum meets CSWE standards with nine practice competencies as learning outcomes:

• Being ethical and professional
• Working with diversity and difference
• Standing up for human rights and social, economic, and environmental justice
• Using research to inform practice
• Working with policies
• Helping individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities
• Knowing how to assess and intervene
• Evaluating practice

Students start with liberal arts basics. They take prerequisites in human biology, economics, sociology, psychology, and cultural anthropology before moving to social work courses.

Student experience and testimonials

UNLV’s School of Social Work helps students think critically, get professional mentoring, and respect human diversity. The program has about 350 BSW students, creating a strong community. UNLV awarded 75 bachelor’s degrees in social work during 2021-2022.

The students come from many backgrounds. Recent BSW graduates were 45% Hispanic/Latino, 12% Black/African American, 4% Asian, and 31% white.

Alumni speak well of UNLV’s program. One former student said, “UNLV does have opportunities for students in networking with student orgs, faculty, and community members. You have to go get it. Having a support system is a must and building one takes time and energy”. Another mentioned that professors were “knowledgeable in their fields” and “what you put into your education is what you’ll get out of it”.

This is a big deal as it means that UNLV’s social work graduates earn more than others nationwide. They report a median salary of $44,427 with a bachelor’s degree, compared to the national median of $37,334. Those who get their master’s in social work at UNLV earn even more – $52,502.

Some students point out challenges. One noted that the department has “more students than they can handle,” but added that “professors are really understanding and amazing”.

Tuition and affordability

Tuition costs at UNLV vary based on residency status and credit load. For Nevada residents, undergraduate tuition and fees for a full academic year total approximately $10,196, based on a 15-credit course load. Nonresident students face significantly higher costs, with annual tuition and fees totaling around $28,828.

The breakdown of costs per semester for Nevada residents includes:

• Tuition: $8,354
• Fees: $788
• Books and supplies: $1,240

Numerous fees contribute to the total cost. These include:

• Student life facilities fee: $223 per semester for students enrolled in 4+ credits
• Student health fee: $113.50 per semester
• Academic success fee: $50 per semester
• Student counseling fee: $63 per semester (for students taking 6+ credits)
• Technology and iNtegrate fee: $18 per credit hour

For international students, additional costs include an international student fee of $145 per semester.

Beyond tuition, students must also consider living expenses. UNLV estimates the following annual costs for students living off-campus:

• Housing and utilities: $7,876
• Food: $6,024
• Transportation: $2,918
• Miscellaneous and personal expenses: $3,206

This brings the total estimated annual cost for Nevada residents living off-campus to $32,906. For students living on campus, the total estimated cost is slightly lower at $30,406.

Fortunately, UNLV offers financial aid opportunities, with more than 85% of undergraduates qualifying for some form of assistance. Students seeking priority consideration for UNLV scholarships and grants should complete their financial aid applications by November 15.

Fieldwork and internship opportunities

Field education represents a cornerstone of the UNLV BSW experience. The field practicum sequence provides students with hands-on opportunities to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings. This component is mandated by the CSWE, the program’s accrediting body.

The BSW field practicum introduces students to generalist social work practice, emphasizing foundational skills across multiple settings. These include working with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities using a person-in-environment perspective. Students focus on building core competencies such as client engagement, assessment, intervention, and evaluation, with tasks closely monitored and guided to build confidence.

UNLV BSW students complete a minimum of 450 hours of field education. The practicum is organized as two sequential courses—SW 419 (Field Practicum I) and SW 429 (Field Practicum II)—taken concurrently with corresponding practice methods courses. This structure ensures students can immediately apply theoretical concepts learned in the classroom to their field experiences.

Students have gained experience across numerous practicum sites throughout Clark County, including:

• Clinics
• Schools
• Nonprofit organizations
• Family services agencies

Other notable placement opportunities include:

• Southern Nevada Children’s Mental Health Services
• Las Vegas Veterans Administration Medical Center
• Clark County School District
• Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department – Victim Services
• Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth

Throughout their field experiences, students are supervised and mentored by both agency field instructors and UNLV School of Social Work faculty. This supervision helps students develop and refine skills that integrate social work values, ethics, and theoretical frameworks while addressing the diverse needs of at-risk populations.

The practicum experience is designed to give students opportunities to:

• Develop skills in theory application at micro, mezzo, and macro levels
• Experience how social service agencies work with client systems
• Implement concepts of social justice and multiculturalism
• Identify client strengths and resources
• Integrate human behavior concepts into practice
• Build client-worker relationships
• Collect and assess information related to client concerns
• Recognize client issues, problems, needs, and assets
• Use empirical knowledge and technological advances in client work

Through these practical experiences, UNLV BSW students graduate prepared for entry-level social work positions and establish a foundation for pursuing advanced degrees such as a Master of Social Work.

UNR BSW Program

The University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) has the second CSWE-accredited Bachelor of Social Work program in the Silver State. The BSW program ranks among UNR’s fastest-growing programs and shines through its exceptional diversity and student success.

Key features and specializations

The BSW program at UNR builds on a strong liberal arts foundation with targeted social and behavioral sciences courses. Students learn to become competent generalist social workers who challenge injustice and help clients at every system level.

UNR’s unique approach focuses on generalist social work practice. The program believes effective practitioners “creatively and effectively use various prevention and intervention strategies to improve social functioning at all system levels”. This view emphasizes how human behavior connects with environmental contexts and recognizes professionals must stand up against unjust practices.

Nine core competencies shape the BSW education:

• Demonstrating ethical and professional behavior
• Advancing human rights and social, racial, economic, and environmental justice
• Engaging in anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion practices
• Utilizing research-informed practice
• Engaging in policy practice
• Working effectively with individuals through communities
• Assessment and intervention skills
• Practice evaluation

The program takes a strong stance against “white supremacy, racism, and all forms of oppression”. Social justice sits at the heart of its educational approach. This commitment shows in the program’s makeup—it’s UNR’s most racially and ethnically diverse program, with 55% of BSW students identifying as persons of color.

Students move through two sequences: pre-professional (introductory knowledge and exploration) and professional (connected to field internship). Most students apply to the professional sequence during their junior year’s winter term. The admission process remains competitive and selective.

Student experience and testimonials

UNR’s program proves its worth through student success. BSW students achieve an 80% pass rate on social work licensing exams, beating the national average by 13%. The program grew by 14.7% in 2020.

Women make up most of the student body at 86% of undergraduate BSW students. This matches national trends in social work education.

Students often praise their experience and faculty support. A student in the “3 plus one BSW program” called it “fantastic” despite travel costs. Another student talked about their “valuable knowledge and hands-on experience” from an externship with Carson City School District, where they helped families and children facing displacement and hardship.

Many students value the mix of academic challenge and real experience. One student shared: “My experience at UNR has been both challenging and inspiring. The Social Work program offers not only a strong academic foundation but also a supportive community of professors and peers who genuinely care”.

Students praise the curriculum’s effectiveness. One student noted: “To immerse myself in the outside world and other people’s experience of our broken system made me realize how passionate I am to support people to break boundaries and chains in our system”.

Tuition and affordability

UNR’s tuition depends on where you live. Nevada residents pay $10,309 total for 2025-2026, including $8,655 in base tuition and $1,654 in mandatory fees. Out-of-state students pay $28,941, with an extra $18,632 in non-resident tuition.

The Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) program costs $14,637, while international students pay $29,086.

Good news about program value: UNR social work graduates earn a median salary of $40,530, which beats the national average by over $3,000.

Part-time students have different payment options. In-state students paid about $263 per credit hour in 2022-2023, while out-of-state students paid $551 per credit hour.

Living costs matter too. Campus housing runs about $13,700 yearly. Books and supplies cost roughly $1,200 per year, plus $5,370 for personal expenses.

The School of Social Work offers scholarships for juniors, seniors, and graduate students in the program. The University says “almost everyone is eligible to receive some kind of aid”.

Fieldwork and internship opportunities

Field education is key to UNR’s BSW program and represents the “signature pedagogy” of social work education. Students get to watch and practice social work under guided supervision.

Students complete 450 field hours over two semesters, splitting them equally. Most spend about 15 hours weekly at their agency, usually across two days. Each student meets with their Field Instructor face-to-face for an hour every week, following CSWE accreditation rules.

UNR works with over 300 agencies across Nevada. Students can work in traditional and cutting-edge social work settings. Field sites include:

• Aging and gerontology
• Child welfare
• Criminal justice
• Substance abuse treatment
• Education/school social work
• Family services
• Healthcare settings
• Homelessness services
• Mental health

The University maps out the field experience clearly. Students follow steps from pre-placement activities through ongoing semester work like learning plans, time logs, and evaluations.

BSW students develop their generalist practice skills during field work. They “act as professional social workers, conduct research-informed practice and practice-informed research, engage in policy practice, and learn how to assess, intervene, evaluate, and engage with diverse individuals, families, groups, communities and organizations”. This hands-on experience helps students meet Nevada’s growing need for social workers.

Online BSW Options

Nevada residents can earn their BSW degree beyond the traditional programs at UNLV and UNR. Online options are available to students, especially when they have work commitments or live in rural areas.

Silver State residents can choose from many out-of-state CSWE-accredited online BSW programs since Nevada’s in-state schools mostly stick to traditional learning. These programs help qualified candidates become social workers even when location or scheduling gets in the way.

Benefits for Rural and Working Nevadans

Nevada residents, especially those in remote areas, will find several key advantages with online BSW programs:

• Flexibility for working professionals – You can complete coursework while keeping your job
• Available anywhere – No need to move away from rural Nevada communities
• Financial advantages – You’ll spend less on commuting and housing
• Enriched learning environment – You’ll learn from students across different regions
• Local practice opportunities – You can do required internships in your Nevada community

These benefits make a real difference in Nevada. The state’s big distances between cities make it hard to commute to Las Vegas or Reno. Career-changers and working parents can advance their education without giving up their income or family time.

Essential Considerations for Online BSW Students

Nevada residents should check a few key things before signing up for an online BSW program. The Nevada Board of Examiners for Social Workers requires graduation from a CSWE-accredited program, whatever the teaching method. This stamp of approval means online programs meet the same high standards as campus-based ones.

Students should also look into:

1. Field placement support – How will they help you find local internships?
2. Technology requirements – What tools will you use?
3. Residency requirements – Will you need to visit campus?
4. State-specific licensing preparation – Does it cover Nevada’s social service needs?
5. Cost comparison – How does it match up with in-state options?

The licensing part needs special attention. Even with a CSWE-accredited degree, you’ll need to meet all Nevada’s requirements for social work licensure. It’s smart to check with the state licensing board before you commit to an out-of-state online program.

Great Basin College: A Hybrid Option

Great Basin College (GBC) offers something in between online and in-state education. They call themselves “The Gold Standard in the Silver State” for distance education and work with UNR’s Social Work program.

Students in GBC’s service area can take UNR social work courses through a mix of online and hybrid formats. You won’t need to travel to Reno as much, which helps residents in GBC’s rural service region.

GBC knows what they’re doing with online education. They offer hundreds of online classes and various certificate and degree programs. This experience helps them deliver quality social work education to remote communities.

This hybrid program strikes a balance between fully online and campus-based learning. Students get UNR’s proven curriculum and CSWE accreditation with more flexibility. Just remember that you’ll still need to visit Reno sometimes, which might be tricky depending on where you live.

Online Education as a Solution for Nevada’s Social Work Needs

Nevada’s limited number of BSW programs could hold back the growing need for qualified social workers. Online options help solve this by letting more Nevadans study social work, no matter how far they live from UNLV or UNR.

This availability matters more as social work jobs keep growing. Online BSW programs help build the workforce, especially in rural areas that really need social workers but struggle to find them.

The mix of online classes and local field work really clicks for many Nevada residents. Students can learn about their communities while picking up core professional skills. This path not only makes education available but creates social workers who’ll likely stay and work in their home areas. That’s good news for Nevada, which needs social service professionals throughout the state, not just in big cities.

Social Work Licensure Path in Nevada

Your BSW degree from a Nevada accredited program marks the beginning of your journey. The next significant step toward professional practice involves understanding the licensure process. A proper license lets you legally work and represent yourself as a social worker in the state.

Nevada law states that social workers must have appropriate licensure. According to Nevada Revised Statute 641B.500, working as a social worker without a license breaks the law. This requirement will give a way to verify that practitioners meet educational, ethical, and professional standards.

The Nevada Board of Examiners for Social Workers oversees social work licensure throughout the state. Based in Reno, this governing body sets requirements, handles applications, and makes sure professionals stick to standards.

Types of Social Work Licenses in Nevada

Nevada provides four distinct levels of social work licensure, each with unique educational requirements and scope:

• Licensed Social Worker (LSW) – Entry-level, non-clinical license requiring a BSW degree
• Licensed Master’s Social Worker (LMSW) – Requires MSW degree
• Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW) – Advanced non-clinical license requiring MSW plus supervised experience
• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) – Advanced clinical license requiring MSW plus supervised clinical experience

Recent BSW graduates from UNLV or UNR can start with the Licensed Social Worker (LSW) designation. This credential lets you practice general, non-clinical social work as you build your professional identity.

LSW Licensure Requirements

LSW credential candidates need to meet these core requirements:

1. Be at least 21 years old
2. Pass the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Bachelor’s examination
3. Hold a bachelor’s degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited program
4. Clear state and federal background checks
5. Submit a complete application with all required documentation
6. Show good moral character

You must graduate from a program with Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accreditation. Both UNR and UNLV’s BSW programs have full CSWE accreditation, so their graduates meet this vital criterion.

Application Process and Timeline

The license application follows specific steps. You’ll need to submit a complete application package with identity verification through birth certificate or passport copies, plus government-issued ID.

Background checks and fingerprinting are mandatory, and you must provide your employment history. Those with criminal records need to submit court documents about arrests, charges, or convictions from relevant jurisdictions.

The Board reviews applications only after getting all required documents. A detailed review takes about 45 days once everything arrives. Applications stay active for nine months – after that, they close without fee refunds.

Examination Requirements

The ASWB Bachelor’s examination tests your knowledge of entry-level social work principles. You must pass this standardized national test to get your LSW license.

Here’s how the examination process works:

1. Get approval from the Nevada Board
2. Sign up with ASWB and pay the fee
3. Book your exam at a Pearson VUE testing center
4. Pass the examination

Nevada offers a Provisional “A” license if you want to practice while studying for the exam. This 90-day temporary credential lets you work, but you must take the exam within 60 days. You can only try this option once and get one provisional license.

Fees and Costs

Current LSW licensure fees include:

• Application fee: $50.00
• Initial license fee: $125.00
• Fingerprinting and background check: $40.20

A provisional license costs an extra $93.75. Endorsement applications from other states require $125.00 more.

Military members, veterans, and their spouses might qualify for half-price initial license fees through the Armed Forces Discount program – $62.50 instead of $125.00.

Licensure Renewal and Continuing Education

LSW credentials need yearly renewal by the last day of your birth month. You’ll need to pay fees and complete required continuing education.

LSW holders must complete 30 education hours every two years:

• 2 hours in suicide prevention and awareness
• 6 hours in cultural competency, diversity, equality, and inclusion
• 4 hours related to ethics in social work practice
• 10 hours in your field of practice

The Board collects education records in two-year cycles, alternating between even and odd years based on your assigned cycle. You can’t repeat the same program in back-to-back reporting periods.

Licensure by Endorsement

Licensed social workers from other states can apply for Nevada licensure through endorsement. Requirements include:

1. Current, unrestricted license verification from your original state
2. Proof of equivalent education (BSW from CSWE-accredited program)
3. Standard application process and background checks

Most states now verify credentials through their websites automatically. However, Arizona, California, District of Columbia, Kansas, Kentucky, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, and Utah still need manual verification.

Provisional “B” License Option

Nevada has a Provisional “B” license for people with related degrees who are studying in a CSWE-accredited social work program. This lets you practice while finishing your social work education.

Qualification requirements:

1. A bachelor’s or master’s degree in a related field
2. Current enrollment in a CSWE-accredited social work program
3. Completion of at least one quarter/semester
4. Verification from your school confirming graduation within three years

This provisional license lasts up to three years or until graduation.

Next Steps

Nevada offers two CSWE-accredited BSW programs through UNLV and UNR. Both schools have maintained their accreditation for almost 50 years and provide excellent education value. Students who graduate from these programs earn better salaries than the national average. UNR graduates make over $6,100 more, while UNLV graduates earn $6,500 more than typical social work graduates.

Field education is the core of both programs. Students get great hands-on experience in a variety of settings throughout Nevada. The programs require 450 practicum hours that help build professional skills while serving local communities.

Social work education in Nevada remains accessible to everyone. While campus-based options are limited to two schools, students can choose online CSWE-accredited programs. UNR’s partnership with Great Basin College makes education possible whatever your location in the state.

The Nevada Board of Examiners for Social Workers provides a clear path after graduation. New graduates can start their professional journey by taking the ASWB Bachelor’s examination to earn their Licensed Social Worker (LSW) credential.

The social work field keeps growing nationwide. Projections show a 6% growth rate with about 63,800 new positions opening annually through 2034. Social work ranks as the 13th most popular degree nationally. Either of Nevada’s BSW programs provides a solid foundation to build a meaningful career. Graduates can help others while earning competitive salaries in a field that needs qualified professionals.