Ohio 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.
NEW: Online Bachelor's Program
Online Bachelor of Science in Social Work
Explore your passion for helping others and uplifting your community with Ohio State’s bachelor’s degree in social work online. Gain the knowledge and skills to support society’s most vulnerable populations and promote social, economic, environmental, and institutional well-being and justice.
Ohio State’s BSSW program offers the flexibility to finish your undergraduate degree in social work online while still providing the opportunity to engage with your fellow classmates through meaningful pre-scheduled, synchronous discussions. Additionally, during your final year in the program, we’ll match you with an agency near your community to complete a 400-hour in-person field placement experience that supports your individual career goals and interests. This invaluable opportunity allows you to apply your (virtual) classroom knowledge to real-world experiences interacting with and advocating for your clients as you hone your skills as a social worker.
Our online bachelor in social work program is designed for students seeking a flexible option to complete their social work bachelor’s degree while balancing work, family, and other responsibilities. If you have a passion for pursuing a career in social work and have some prior college experience, you are encouraged to apply.
Transferring to social work
Transfer students make up the highest percentage of enrolled social work students and bring with them unique perspectives and experiences. Our social work major offers flexibility to accommodate a wide range of learning needs including full-time working students, adult learners, students with families, and part-time students. If you have a passion for pursuing social work, we have a place for you. You will need to apply to The Ohio State University and be admitted to Ohio State before you can complete the BSSW Declaration Form. You may submit the BSSW Declaration Form between Feb. 1 and Aug. 1 to start the major in Autumn Semester and between Sept. 1 and Dec. 15 to start the major in Spring Semester.
Transfer students need to have a cumulative GPA and pre-requisite GPA of 2.0 or higher and complete or be 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, Writing & Information Literacy GE.
Once approved for the major, you will meet with your social work academic advisor to enroll in major classes!
Learn more about the college’s articulation agreements with:
- Columbus State Community College
- Central Ohio Technical College
- Marion Technical College
- North Central State College
- Rhodes State College
- Zane State College
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
Bachelor 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 Disclosure
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.
Schedule a Tour/Request More Information
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.
