Our Why

Our undergraduate, master’s, and PhD programs are led by world-class faculty who are passionate teachers and thought leaders in fields like environmental justice, human trafficking, child welfare, aging adult well-being, and immigrants and refugees.

The college ranks 12th of 366 programs nationally, is second in the Big Ten and tied for first in the state of Ohio. Our degrees open doors — to meaningful employment in the profession, to advanced research, careers in academia, and more — because as the nation’s longest continuously accredited social work program, an Ohio State degree earns respect.

Our students benefit from all the resources of a global university, but within a supportive, close-knit community focused on their success. Students at all levels may gain experience with the college’s five research centers and one university center, which advance cutting-edge research on psychedelic therapies, older adults, youth learning and play, alcohol and drug abuse prevention, youth sports and intergenerational relationships.

While our students increasingly make a difference worldwide through our online bachelor’s and master’s degree programs, the college also plays an important role in fulfilling Ohio State’s land-grant mission. Our graduates help to meet Ohio’s growing workforce needs, which are projected to grow by 9% with 74,000 social work openings/year, especially in the state’s rural communities.