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A student speaking on stage as part of a panel discussionOhio State is where you find your place

The College of Social Work is where you’ll find your academic home. With the opportunity to pair your social work major with any one of our 200 majors or 150 minors, you’ll be encouraged to explore your passions and interests while deepening your understanding of social work in today’s changing society. The College of Social work gives you the guidance to find your unique path.

Social workers are found in almost every facet of life. At The Ohio State University College of Social Work our close-knit community of undergraduate students, faculty and advisors will provide an academic environment that allows students to explore all those possibilities and equip you with a degree that will take you where you want to go. The College of Social Work is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education and is the oldest continuously accredited public social work program in the country.

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Top reasons to study Social Work

Social workers are the nation’s largest providers of mental health services—more than psychologists, psychiatrists and psychiatric nurses combined

Social workers have skills that allow them to work in a variety of non-clinical roles as well, including community organizing, advoacy, government affairs, program development and social justice. Social workers view that everyone deserves equal economic, political and social rights and opportunities, and they aim to open the doors of access and opportunity for everyone, particularly those in greatest need.

There are social workers in national, state and local office, including in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives

More than 13,000 social workers are employed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to assist with individual and family counseling, education, end of life planning, substance use treatment and crisis intervention

Social work can prepare graduates for an advanced degree in medicine, law, physical therapy, occupational therapy, nursing and more

There is a large demand for international social work — a field focused on global health and well-being, immigration, refugee rights, policy, advocacy, direct service and research — from employers including the United Nations, UNICEF, Peace Corps, Red Cross and Save the Children

Students in a classroomBachelor of Science in Social Work Mission Statement

The Ohio State University Bachelor of Science in Social Work Program prepares students for generalist social work 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 difference and diversity. Our graduates will employ evidence-informed practice, advocate for and empower vulnerable populations, and advance social, economic, environmental, and political justice.

Bachelor of Science in Social Work Program Goals

  • Prepare generalist social workers to use social work values and ethics to guide professional practice
  • Apply knowledge of human behavior and the social environment to guide practice at multiple levels
  • Possess knowledge and skills for working effectively with diverse and vulnerable populations
  • Analyze social policy, promote social, economic, and environmental well-being, and challenge injustice
  • Employ empirical evidence to inform, evaluate, and improve practice
  • Develop a professional identity, with a commitment to life-long learning

Licensure/State Authorization DisclosureStudents in graduation regalia smiling.

Ohio State academic programs are designed to prepare students to sit for applicable licensure or certification in Ohio. If you plan to pursue licensure or certification in a state other than Ohio, please review state educational requirements for licensure and certification and state licensing board contact information. See go.osu.edu/onground.

College of Social Work faculty, staff, and students who participated in the Washington DC advocacy opportunity pictured in front of the US Capitol building in Washington DC.

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At Ohio State, you’ll learn skills in client engagement, assessment, service planning, case management, crisis intervention, program evaluation, community organizing and advocacy. A social work degree can also prepare you for an advanced degree in counseling, medicine, law, occupational therapy, physical therapy, nursing and more.

The best way to determine is social work is the field for you is to schedule your on-campus visit today! These visits include an academic meeting and college tour.

If you’re interested in learning more about how you can , email us.