Declare the Major

Congratulations! You have decided to be a social work major. You’re joining one of the most prestigious social work colleges and the longest, continuously accredited social work program in the United States.

Declare the Social Work Major

Current Pre-SWK Students

1. Have you completed or are you in the process of completing the program pre-requisites?
   • Social Work 1100 Social Work Survey (or equivalent)
   • Social Work 1120 Introduction to Social Welfare
   • Social Work 1130 Introduction to Social Work
   • Social Work 3301 Lifespan Development (or equivalent)
   • Psychology 1100 Introduction to Psychology
   • Sociology 1101 Introduction to Sociology (or equivalent)
   • Writing & Information Literacy GE
2. Do you have a cumulative GPA and pre-requisite GPA of 2.0 or higher?

If you meet these requirements and are a current pre-social work student, you may submit the BSSW Declaration Form between Feb. 1 and Aug. 15 to start the major in Autumn Semester and between Sept. 1 and Dec. 15 to start the major in Spring Semester.

Future Ohio State Students

Incoming first-year and transfer students can declare pre-social work when applying to Ohio State and be admitted as pre-social work students. Students who complete the pre-major requirements and have a GPA of 2.0 or higher are guaranteed admission into the Social Work major.

As a Social Work Major Student

• Attend the social work major orientation and complete the online Carmen-Canvas orientation modules in August for an Autumn Semester start or January for a Spring Semester start.
• Complete 59 credit hours of Social Work major coursework, including 13 credits of social work electives, allowing you to explore areas of interest such as substance misuse, child welfare, school social work, corrections, international social work, human trafficking, poverty and more.
• Earn a C or higher grade in all Social Work major and elective coursework and maintain a 2.0 cumulative GPA.
• Complete 400 hours of hands-on social work experience through your Social Work Field Placement.
• Consider a Minor or Certificate Program. The Social Work degree allows for a minor area of study or certificate program. Suggested minors offered by the College of Social Work include Child Abuse & Neglect or Substance Misuse & Addiction.
• If your cumulative GPA is 3.4 or higher, consider applying to the Social Work Honors Program, which provides you with the opportunity to engage in in-depth classroom study, conduct independent research, and create and implement social change projects.
• Interested in working with children and families? The University Partnership Title IV-E Child Welfare Program fast-tracks you to a career in child welfare. Training includes specialized child welfare courses and a field placement in an Ohio Public children’s services agency.