Program Overview

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Introduction to the Master of Social Work Program

The Master of Social Work (MSW) program at The Ohio State University is designed to prepare students for a career in social work, with a focus on addressing regional, national, and global issues. The program is ranked among the best by U.S. News & World Report and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

Program Overview

The MSW program offers two pathways to the master's degree: the Traditional MSW pathway and the Advanced Standing Alternative Plan (ASAP) pathway. The Traditional MSW pathway is designed for students with a bachelor's degree in any discipline, while the ASAP pathway is designed for students with a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree.

Admission Criteria

To be eligible for the MSW program, students must have:

• Any baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university
• A grade-point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher (based on a 4.0 system) for the last highest degree earned
• At least 15 quarter or 10 semester credit hours of coursework in the social sciences

Advanced Standing Alternative Plan (ASAP) Pathway

The ASAP pathway is designed for students with a BSW degree. To be eligible, students must have:

• A BSW degree within the last five years from an accredited college or university
• A "B" or better in all required social work courses
• A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher (based on a 4.0 system) for the BSW degree

Curriculum

The MSW program curriculum includes courses such as:

• SWK 6188: Preparing for Field Education
• SWK 6189: Field Practicum
• SWK 6201: Social and Economic Justice
• SWK 6202: Diversity and Cultural Competence
• SWK 6301: Social Work Perspectives on Development and Behavior Across the Lifespan
• SWK 6302: Organizational & Community Systems
• SWK 6501: Engaging and Entering the Profession
• SWK 7189: Advanced Field Practicum
• SWK 7400: Evidence in Social Work Practice
• SWK 7401: Social Work Evaluation I
• SWK 7402: Social Work Evaluation II
• SWK 7510: Strengths-based Clinical Social Work with Individual Adults
• SWK 7511: Clinical Social Work with Children and Adolescents
• SWK 7512: Clinical Social Work with Couples and Families
• SWK 7515: Crisis Intervention and Trauma Treatment
• SWK 7516: Assessment and Diagnosis in Clinical Social Work Practice
• SWK 7517: Social Work Practice in Schools
• SWK 7518: Advanced Case Management
• SWK 7630 & 7631: Integrative Seminar on Child & Youth Services
• SWK 7620 & 7621: Integrative Seminar on Mental Health & Substance Abuse

Program Faculty

The MSW program faculty includes:

• Shannon Jarrott, PhD, Professor & Director of Faculty Development
• Michelle Kaiser, PhD, Associate Professor
• Joe Guada, PhD, Associate Professor
• Vincent Sabino, MBA, MSW, LISW-S, LICDC-CS, Community Lecturer, Assistant Director of the Mental Health Recovery Board for Licking and Knox Counties
• Linda Helm, MSW, PhD, LISW-S, Community Lecturer, State Director of the University Partnership Title IV-E Child Welfare Training Program (OUCCAS)
• Jerry Bean, Lecturer

Career Outlook

The MSW program prepares students for a career in social work, with a focus on addressing regional, national, and global issues. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall employment of social workers is projected to grow 6 percent from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations.

Tuition Fees

The estimated total cost of completion for the MSW program is:

• MSW in 4 semesters: $27,996.00
• MSW in 8 semesters: $51,680.22
• MSW in 11 semesters: $55,429.94
• Advanced Standing MSW in 3 semesters: $20,997.00
• Advanced Standing MSW in 6 semesters: $35,957.50

Financial Aid

The university offers financial aid to help students manage their expenses. Students can learn more about payment options, tuition fees, and financial aid resources on the university's website.

Conclusion

The Master of Social Work program at The Ohio State University is a comprehensive program that prepares students for a career in social work. With a focus on addressing regional, national, and global issues, the program offers two pathways to the master's degree: the Traditional MSW pathway and the Advanced Standing Alternative Plan (ASAP) pathway. The program curriculum includes a range of courses that provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the field of social work. With a strong faculty and a commitment to financial aid, the MSW program at The Ohio State University is an excellent choice for students looking to pursue a career in social work.