Are you a high school student who is interested in becoming a social worker? Did you know that social workers are the largest mental health service providers, more than psychologists and psychiatrists combined? Social work is for compassionate people wanting to help others who are struggling. The Ohio State University’s Bachelor of Science in Social Work prepares you for generalist practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. We develop leaders in social work whose practice promotes professional values and ethics and demonstrates commitment to differing viewpoints.
Completing a Master in Social Work (MSW) degree commands a higher salary and enables you to pursue an area of emphasis in medical social work, school social work, mental health and substance misuse, aging and health, children and families, or community and advocacy.
Admitted first-year students to Ohio State Columbus campus or regional campuses majoring in social work can opt-in to both the Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSSW) and the Master in Social Work (MSW) program by the second Friday of their first enrolled Autumn semester at Ohio State. Admitted 4+1 BSSW/MSW students are guaranteed admission to Ohio State’s MSW Advanced Standing Alternative Program (ASAP) pending successful completion of undergraduate requirements. The MSW Program application fee and the Graduate School deposit will be waived for admitted 4+1 students. Participation in a College of Social Work Student Performance Review disqualifies students from the 4+1 Program.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Must be admitted to The Ohio State University for the upcoming Autumn semester as a first-year student. Ohio State considers first-year students as students who are (or will soon be) a high school graduate who has never enrolled at a college or university (taking college classes while being in high school doesn’t count).
- Must be an enrolled social work major student by the first Friday of their first semester at Ohio State.
Admitted first-year students to Ohio State who selected social work as their intended major on the Common Application will receive an email invitation to their OSU email with the 4+1 opt-in form.
If you selected another major on your Common Application or are unsure which major you selected, please contact Undergraduate Admissions if you want to switch your major to social work.
Admitted first-year social work students will need to submit the opt-in form by the second Friday of their first enrolled semester at Ohio State.
Opting in to 4+1 is non-binding. Students who opt-in to 4+1 can change their mind. If you decide not to pursue the social work major at Ohio State and/or not pursue your Master in Social Work degree at Ohio State, there is not a penalty for changing your mind.
If you elect not to opt-in to 4+1, you can declare to the major later in your college career. Students typically declare the major in the second or third year. Contact bssw@osu.edu if you have questions about 4+1 BSSW/MSW Program.
