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. (https://csw.osu.edu/degrees-programs/undergraduate/)
To become a student in the Social Work Program, an applicant must be admitted to the University as well as to the College of Social Work to pursue a BSSW degree. Upon admission to the university, you will begin as a “pre-social work” student and complete pre-major coursework and general education requirements (a.k.a., GE or Gen Ed courses) during your first two years of study. For information on admission to The Ohio State University, please visit Undergraduate Admissions and First Year Experience. If you are a current Ohio State student interested in changing your area of study to social work, or you are a transfer student from another institution interested in pursuing social work at The Ohio State University at Mansfield, you should contact Jessica Luttrell at luttrell.36@osu.edu. All students are required to apply to the social work major, with the majority of students applying to the major during their second year. Transfer students and current Ohio State students changing their major to social work may be eligible to apply directly to the social work major if they have completed specific coursework.
The College of Social Work admits students to the major for fall semesters only, because major courses are normally offered one time per year and begin in fall semesters. In general, the application materials to the major are available beginning the 10th week of fall semester. Applications are reviewed and admission decisions are made on a rolling basis, up until the start of the following fall semester or until the major has reached maximum capacity. The admissions process is based upon the following indicators:
- cumulative grade point average
- completion of the pre-major coursework
- composition and content of a personal statement
- evidence of emotional and professional readiness to work with clients
- work and/or volunteer experiences related to social work
- enrollment capacity
- a minimum of a 2.0 cumulative point-hour ratio
- a minimum 2.0 pre-major point-hour ratio after completion of the required pre-major courses
More information about the BSSW program can be found at https://csw.osu.edu/degrees-programs/undergraduate/
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 that state educational requirements for licensure and certification and state licensing board contact information at: go.osu.edu/onground.