School Social Work

Where Expertise Meets Purpose – School Social Work at Ohio State

At The Ohio State University College of Social Work, we prepare social workers to meet students where they are — in the classrooms, hallways, and communities that shape their lives. Our School Social Work certificate program is the largest in Ohio and among the most respected in the nation, combining rigorous academic preparation with hands-on field experience in real school settings across the state.

Bridging the Gap: How School Social Workers Unlock Student Potential

School social workers are licensed mental health professionals who serve as essential members of school communities. Embedded within K–12 educational settings, they bridge the gap between students’ social-emotional needs and their capacity to learn, grow, and thrive. Their work spans direct clinical services, crisis response, preventative programming, and systems-level advocacy — all in service of children, youth, families, and the systems that surround them

The Heart of Student Success: Inside the Role of a School Social Worker

In practice, school social workers collaborate with teachers, administrators, special education teams, and outside providers to address the full range of factors that affect student well-being. They conduct assessments, develop and implement individual service plans, facilitate IEP and 504 team meetings, provide individual and group counseling, design and lead social-emotional learning initiatives, and connect students and families to community resources. They are trained to respond to crises, recognize warning signs of mental health distress, and advocate for students whose voices might otherwise go unheard.

A Rising Crisis, A Critical Response: The Surging Demand for Qualified School Social Workers

The need for qualified school social workers has never been greater. The youth mental health crisis has escalated dramatically over the past decade: between 2016 and 2020, anxiety diagnoses among children increased by 29% and depression diagnoses by 27% (Education Week, 2022). Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, 1 in 5 children ages 3–17 were identified as having a mental, emotional, developmental, or behavioral disorder, yet roughly half did not receive adequate treatment (Office of the Surgeon General, 2021). Suicide rates among youth ages 10–24 increased by 57% between 2007 and 2018. Schools have emerged as one of the most critical and accessible sites for prevention, intervention, and ongoing support.

Why Choose School Social Work at Ohio State

Ohio’s Largest School Social Work Program

We prepare 80–100 master’s-level school social workers every year — far more than any other program in the state.

A Field Network You Can’t Find Anywhere Else

Our students gain supervised experience through approximately 100 school placement sites across Ohio, as well as 33 affiliated sites in other states. From urban district partnerships to rural community schools, our network is built to reflect the full range of environments where school social workers serve.

Faculty and Practitioners Who Know This Work

You will learn from and be supported by a dedicated team of faculty members engaged in school social work research and teaching, a full-time program coordinator, practicing community lecturers, and contracted field liaisons who provide direct support during your placement. This team brings both scholarly expertise and lived professional experience to your preparation.

A Clear Path to Licensure

Our program is designed around Ohio’s credentialing requirements. Upon completion, graduates are prepared to apply for the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce’s Pupil Services License in School Social Work.

Testimonials

“One of the most meaningful parts of the experience was building relationships with students and learning from the many different cultures, backgrounds, and experiences represented within the school community. Experiences like that reminded me how impactful consistent support and connection can be, and they helped me grow both personally and professionally as a future school social worker.”

Reilly Taylor, ‘26 Placed in Dublin City Schools,
Currently Employed in Olentangy Local School District

“The SSW Program at Ohio State had a profound impact on my career, not only through its rigorous training but also through its close-knit community of advisors, supervisors, and field liaisons who were deeply invested in my success. The guidance, mentorship, and accessibility of my supervisor and field liaison helped me build confidence in my skills, navigate challenges effectively, and develop into a competent and compassionate school social worker.”

Rachel Kline, ‘23 Placed Columbus City Schools-One Linden Schools Initiative,
Currently Employed in East Cleveland City Schools

Request More Information

There are many ways to engage with the College of Social Work – enrolling as a student, taking a training, becoming a community or practicum partner, learning more about faculty research, strengthening your alumni network or supporting student and college initiatives – and we’re here to help connect you in advancing the social work field.

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Support Social Work at Ohio State

As one of the country’s oldest continuously accredited public social work programs, the College of Social Work is an integral partner with the state of Ohio and the nation, sharing its expertise in collaborative efforts to reform and resolve an extensive array of contemporary social problems.

Consider making an investment in our students, our faculty and our potential. By supporting Ohio’s land-grant institution, alumni, friends, parents and partners can help us secure educational opportunities for future generations of students and meet the enormous challenges we face as a society. Together, we will sustain an enduring tradition of scholarship, service and pride.