Bachelor of Social Work at The Ohio State University
The Social Work at The Ohio State University is a Full Time Bachelor program offered on the Lima campus in Columbus , United States of America. The program is delivered on campus in English and can be completed in 4 years. Students develop academic knowledge and practical skills that prepare them for future careers in this field. The next available intake starts on August 24, 2027.
About Bachelor of Social Work
Social Work
Degree: BS
Campus: Columbus, Lima, Marion, Mansfield, Newark
College: Social Work
Social work is a profession for those with a passion to help others. Social work practice consists of the professional application of social work values, principles and techniques to one or more of the following ends: helping people obtain tangible services; providing counseling and psychotherapy with individuals, families and groups; helping communities or groups provide or improve social and health services; and participating in relevant legislative processes.
The practice of social work requires knowledge of human development and behavior; of social, economic and cultural institutions; and of the interaction of these factors. Many social workers specialize in serving a particular population or working in a specific setting, such as hospitals, schools, private practices, correctional facilities, community mental health agencies and substance abuse treatment centers.
Get started
Upon admission to the university, students pursuing social work will begin as a pre-major social work student and receive departmental advising to assist in course work selection appropriate to students’ interests and the admission requirements for the social work major.
Application criteria to the social work major:
- A minimum of a 2.0 cumulative point-hour ratio and a minimum of a 2.0 pre-major point-hour ratio after completion of the required pre-major courses
- A personal statement
- Volunteer and/or work experience with individuals, groups or communities in need
- Evidence of emotional and professional readiness to work with clients
Students who plan to pursue their graduate degree in social work may complete both the bachelor's and master's programs in five years by applying to the 4+1 BSSW/MSW Program. The 4+1 Program allows students to apply for admission to both programs at once. Acceptance into the 4+1 Program is contingent upon admission to the Columbus campus as a new first year student.
Students who have completed a majority of General Education requirements and meet certain criteria may apply to the Career Acceleration Plan, which allows selected students to complete required major courses for the social work degree in three semesters. However, if all GE courses and social work electives are not completed prior to admission to CAP, additional semesters may be needed to complete the social work degree.
Curriculum
Pre-major social work requirements
- Human Biology
- First writing course
- Introduction to Psychology
- Introduction to Sociology
- Introduction to Social Welfare
- Introduction to Social Work
- Lifespan Development
- Minority Perspectives
- Social Work Survey or equivalent
Remaining GE courses required for graduation
- Biological science course with lab
- Culture and ideas course
- Global studies course (plan to fulfill requirement while completing other GE course work)
- Historical study course
- Literature course
- Math pathways course
- Open options (two courses)
- Physical science course with lab
- Second writing course
- Visual and performing arts course
Study abroad
Students who want to prepare for the global work environment by gaining cross-cultural learning and an expanded worldview have the opportunity to examine social issues, human rights, health and mental health abroad.
Internship
The College of Social Work integrates a field placement component (an internship) during the senior year. The field placement provides students the opportunity to integrate classroom knowledge into the practice setting. Through this learning process, students gain skills and expertise needed for a successful career in social work.
Honors and Scholars
The College of Social Work Honors Program invites outstanding undergraduate students to challenge themselves intellectually, professionally and personally. Through our various honors components, students engage in in-depth classroom study, conduct independent research, create and implement social change projects, develop leadership skills, and reflect critically upon their values and the learning process. The Honors Program seeks to enhance creative thinking and critical inquiry skills and develop dynamic leaders who are prepared to meaningfully engage with issues of social, economic and environmental justice.
A student may enter the College of Social Work Honors Program in the following ways: as an incoming freshman, as a second semester (or higher) pre-social work major, as a junior officially admitted into the major, and as a first-semester transfer student.
Research
Social work students interested in augmenting their course work with research experience may pursue an independent research project under the guidance of a faculty member. Students receive credit for research experience through Social Work 4193: Individual Studies.
Student organizations
Social work students may participate in College of Social Work organizations such as the Social Work Student Association, MWANAFUNZI, Out in Social Work and the Social Welfare Action Alliance.
Learn more about our student organizations.
Possible careers
Students who pursue a degree in social work have a broad range of career possibilities. Graduates are prepared to work in careers such as aging and gerontology, child and family welfare, developmental disabilities, domestic violence, health care, homelessness, justice and corrections, international social work, mental health, policy and planning, school social work, and substance abuse treatment. Social workers are administrators, therapists, community organizers, educators,and researchers. They work with a diverse population, helping people in large cities and in small communities.
Many students use the undergraduate social work major as preparation for graduate school in social work. Students who have undergraduate degrees in social work can apply for one-year accelerated master of social work programs. An MSW degree prepares students for advanced practice and is necessary to provide mental health counseling in most states.
Some students use the undergraduate social work major as preparation for various other graduate and professional programs including business, law, medicine, occupational therapy, physical therapy and public health.
Salary estimates
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median salary for social workers employed in the United States is $50,000.
Program objectives
- 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.
Requirements and Admission Criteria for Bachelor of Social Work at The Ohio State University
Entry Requirements
Criteria of our holistic review, in no particular order.
Successful completion of university preparatory courses
High school performance (class rank or GPA), including participation in accelerated programs like Honors, AP and IB; Ohio State does not have minimum requirements for class rank or GPA
Standardized test score (ACT or SAT); Ohio State does not have minimum requirements for ACT or SAT scores
Ohio State has adopted a TEST-OPTIONAL policy for 2022 applicants. Learn more.
Ability and desire to contribute to and engage with a diverse campus community
Experiences that demonstrate leadership or engaged involvement (e.g., co-curricular activities, work experiences or military service)
Status as a first-generation university student
Demonstration of outstanding talent in a particular area
High school performance if adversely affected by physical, mental or learning environment factors
Eligibility for and likelihood of benefiting from organized support services at Ohio State
Enrollment in your intended major
Once it is determined that you are admissible, you will be considered for enrollment in the college of your intended major. Read about
English Requirements
- IELTSMin 6.5
- TOEFLMin 79
English Program Requirements
we require evidence of English language proficiency, unless you have completed three full years of school at a U.S. regionally accredited high school or if you are a citizen of, or have received a bachelor’s degree from, Australia, Belize, British Caribbean, British West Indies, Canada (except Quebec), England, Guyana, Ireland, Liberia, New Zealand, Scotland, the United States or Wales.
Tuition and Fee Information for Bachelor of Social Work at The Ohio State University
How to Apply for Bachelor of Social Work at The Ohio State University
How do I submit scores?
Ohio State has adopted a TEST-OPTIONAL policy for 2022 applicants. Learn more.
Tips for sending scores to Ohio State
Scores must come directly from the testing agency. When you register for the ACT or SAT, indicate that you want your scores sent to Ohio State.
If you already took the test but didn't send your scores to Ohio State, you can order them for a fee. Order in advance to be sure scores reach us by the application deadline.
We must receive standardized test scores by your application deadline (either November 1 or February 1 for autumn semester applicants).
October 2 (SAT) and October 23 (ACT) are your last 2021 test dates if you want your scores to be considered for our November 1 early action deadline. Important! If you plan to test on those dates, you must request that Ohio State receive scores when you register for the test. And please note: If you choose to have your scores considered, you won’t be able to review scores from these dates prior to submitting your application by the November 1 deadline.
Applicants who will have been out of high school for two or more years by their term of enrollment are not required to submit scores.
Is the essay required?
The essay is not required for either the ACT or SAT.
Should I take a standardized test more than once?
Ohio State looks at the highest composite score from a single test date. Taking the test (and having scores sent to us) more than once, while not required, may work to your advantage.
How does Ohio State look at scores?
When considering students for admission or Honors and Scholars selection, we consider the best official composite / combined score from a single test administration. Ohio State does not mix sub-scores from multiple tests.
These items plus the Common Application (STEP 3) make up a complete application. We must receive all items by the deadline to consider your application on time.
Official transcripts
High school transcripts
Request that your high school or secondary school send transcripts / documents / official copies of examination certificates for coursework from the final four years (grades 9-12) to Ohio State.
How to send your transcripts to Ohio State:
Your high school counselor can upload the transcripts / documents / official copies of examination certificates using Common App, Naviance or other secure electronic delivery service.
Your high school counselor can email the transcripts to [email protected].
If electronic submission is not possible, please mail your official transcripts to our express mail address.
Faxed transcripts will not be accepted.
Foreign language documents must be translated into English by the issuing institution, an authorized translator or a teacher of the language. Any additional requirements will be posted to your Applicant Center, so be sure to check your application status regularly after you've applied.
Official ACT or SAT scores
Ohio State has adopted a TEST-OPTIONAL policy for 2022 applicants. Learn more.How do I submit my scores?
We must receive your official ACT or SAT score sent electronically directly from the testing agency. Scores from transcripts will not be considered. Read more about score requirements in STEP 1.
Optional: Recommendation from a teacher or counselor
While not required, your counselor may send a maximum of two letters of recommendation electronically through the Common Application.
If an electronic option isn’t available, your counselor may email your letter(s) to
[email protected]; the letter must include your first and last name and OSU ID number, found on the email we send acknowledging receipt of your application. Letters sent via email are subject to sender verification.
Official proof of English language skills
You must request that your testing agency send official scores electronically to Ohio State demonstrating the English proficiency level outlined below:
TOEFL (internet-based test or internet-based test Home Edition*): 79 or higher
IELTS or IELTS Indicator*: 6.5 or higher
ACT: 21 or higher on the English section
SAT: 27 or higher on the Reading Test
Duolingo*: 105 or higher
You are exempt from this requirement if you have completed three full years of school at a U.S. regionally accredited high school or if you are a citizen of, or have received a bachelor’s degree from, Australia, Belize, British Caribbean, British West Indies, Canada (except Quebec), England, Guyana, Ireland, Liberia, New Zealand, Scotland, the United States or Wales.
Ohio State has an intensive English program for students who wish to improve their language skills called the American Language Program. A separate application is required for this program. Ohio State does not offer conditional admission to students who enroll in the American Language Program.
*To accommodate applicants affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, The Ohio State University will accept Duolingo, the IELTS Indicator and the TOEFL internet-based test Home Edition from any international student applying for spring 2022 or autumn 2022 admission. All Duolingo test takers are required to take an English placement exam upon arrival to campus. TOEFL Home Edition and IELTS Indicator test takers are required to take an English placement exam upon arrival unless they qualify for a TOEFL or IELTS score exemption.
United States of America, Columbus