Bachelor of Science in Social Work
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2026-05-11 | - |
| 2026-08-25 | - |
| 2027-01-11 | - |
| 2027-05-11 | - |
| 2027-08-25 | - |
Program Overview
Introduction to the Bachelor of Science in Social Work
The Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSSW) program at Ohio State University is designed to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to become a generalist social worker. The program is structured to provide graduates with comprehensive knowledge and practical field experience, preparing them for a career in social work.
Program Overview
The BSSW program requires 120 total hours of coursework, including social work prerequisite courses, general education and free elective courses, social work major courses, and social work elective courses. The program is designed to be completed in four years, with students taking 15 credits per semester as a full-time student or 6 credits per semester as a part-time student.
Admission Criteria
To be eligible for the BSSW program, students must have earned 30 or more semester hours at the time of application with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0. Students must also complete the BSSW Declaration Form and meet with a social work academic advisor to enroll in major classes.
Curriculum
The BSSW curriculum includes a range of courses designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in social work. These courses include:
- SWK 3101: Professional Values & Ethics
- SWK 3201: Social Justice & Social Welfare Policy
- SWK 3401: Research and Statistics for Understanding SWK Problems and Diverse Populations
- SWK 3402: Research and Statistics for Understanding SWK Interventions
- SWK 3501: Building Engagement and Interpersonal Skills
- SWK 3502: Generalist Practice with Individuals
- SWK 3503: Social Work Practice with Diverse Populations
- SWK 3600: Introduction to Psychopathology and Social Work Practice
- SWK 4188: Field Seminar 2
- SWK 4189: Field Practicum
- SWK 4501: Generalist Practice with Families
- SWK 4502: Generalist Practice with Groups
- SWK 4503: Generalist Practice with Organizations and Communities
Faculty
The College of Social Work's faculty is composed of experienced and knowledgeable professionals in the field of social work. Faculty members have expertise in areas such as aging, child welfare, health, mental health, substance abuse, corrections, juvenile justice, positive youth development, school social work, immigrants and refugees, environmental justice, community food security, international issues, grandparents, human trafficking, health disparities, and many more.
Career Outlook
Graduates of the BSSW program are prepared for a career in social work, with potential job titles including:
- Child, Family, and School Social Workers
- Healthcare Social Workers
- Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
- Mental Health Counselors
- Rehabilitation Counselors
- Community Health Workers
- Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs
- Climate Change Policy Analysts
Tuition Fees
The tuition fees for the BSSW program vary depending on the student's residency status and the number of credits taken per semester. The estimated cost of the program is based on the total credit hours needed to complete the program, assuming the part-time or full-time indication.
Financial Aid
Ohio State University offers a range of financial aid options to help students pay for their education. These options include scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs. Students can also use the university's tuition calculator to estimate the cost of their program.
Conclusion
The Bachelor of Science in Social Work program at Ohio State University is a comprehensive and practical program that prepares students for a career in social work. With a range of courses, experienced faculty, and a strong career outlook, the BSSW program is an excellent choice for students who are passionate about helping others and making a positive impact in their communities.
