Bachelor of Science in Social Work

November 1, 2025
January 12, 2026
Inspire change in your community
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.
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.
If you have a passion for pursuing a career in social work, have some prior college experience, and are seeking a flexible option to complete your social work bachelor’s degree while balancing work, family, and other responsibilities, Ohio State’s online bachelor in social work program is perfect for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
The time it takes to complete your online bachelor’s degree in social work depends on your courseload and the number of credits you have taken before entering the program.
The Bachelor of Science in Social Work requires 120 total hours of coursework, but most students enter the program with 30 to 90 credit hours already completed. The typical student enters the program with 60 credit hours completed and takes 2 years to complete the program. Some students may be able to complete the program in 3 semesters, while others may take more than 2 years to complete their degree.
A bachelor’s degree in social work will allow you to positively impact your community regardless of which career you choose. Learn more about what you can do with a bachelor’s degree in social work.
No, the fieldwork placement must be completed in either one or two semesters.
The College of Social Work accepts transfer credit from any university accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. Your enrollment advisor can help determine how your previously earned credits will transfer into the program.
Yes. There are a few synchronous classes that will be offered in the evening. You will know the day and time the class meets in advance when registering for classes.
The cost of instruction will vary depending on which degree or certificate you are seeking as well as if you are going full or part-time. Please refer to our tuition table or tuition calculator to more fully understand our tuition costs.
Our online college provides a variety of resources to support your academic success. These include virtual tutoring services, online writing centers, and academic advising through video calls or chat. Additionally, we offer webinars and workshops on study skills, time management, and exam preparation. You can access a wealth of digital resources, such as research databases, e-books, and academic journals, through our online library portal. For personalized assistance, faculty members are available during virtual office hours.
Social workers are everywhere! There are many types of jobs and industries you can enter with a BSSW. Learn more about what you can do with Ohio State’s online bachelor’s degree in social work.
Social worker salaries vary based on experience, location, and role. You can review the Career Outlook tab of this page for more BLS salary data pertaining to social work careers.

Accreditation
The Council on Social Work Education’s Board of Accreditation is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation as the sole accrediting agency for social work education in the United States and its territories.
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Academic Calendar
For your convenience, multiple start dates are offered during the academic calendar year for the Bachelor of Science in Social Work program.
Academic Calendar
For your convenience, multiple start dates are offered during the academic calendar year for the Bachelor of Science in Social Work program.
Admission Criteria
Our online social work bachelor’s degree program offers flexibility to accommodate your learning needs. Whether you are working full-time or part-time, an adult learner, or have a family or other personal responsibilities, we have a place for you if you have a passion for pursuing a social work career.
You will need to have earned 30 or more semester hours (45 quarter hours) at the time of application with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0, after high school graduation at the time of application in order to be eligible for this program. If you are a transfer student, you will need to apply to The Ohio State University and be admitted to Ohio State before you can complete the BS SW Declaration Form.
Declaring the Social Work Major
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. Once approved for the major, you will meet with your social work academic advisor to enroll in major classes.
If you have any questions about the application or major declaration process, please reach out to an Enrollment Advisor who can assist you.
The Application Process
Once you understand your program’s admission criteria, please note the application deadline. You’ll need a quiet space and a variety of materials for your application. To learn more, please see our Admissions page for the full process. Ready to Apply? Find your application here.

The Ohio State University participates in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (SARA).
SARA is a national initiative that increases student access to distance education courses and programs while maintaining compliance with state regulations. Institutions participating in SARA can offer educational opportunities in all 49 SARA member states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico without seeking individual approval in each state.
California is not a SARA member state, however, OSU may offer online courses and programs to students located in California under the California Private Post-Secondary Act of 2009.
The Application Process
Once you understand your program’s admission criteria, please note the application deadline. You’ll need a quiet space and a variety of materials for your application. To learn more, please see our Admissions page for the full process. Ready to Apply? Find your application here.
Career Outlook
What can you do with a Bachelor in Social Work?
As an Ohio State graduate with a bachelor’s degree in social work, you will be prepared to become a generalist social worker armed with knowledge of the values and ethics needed to guide your professional practice. Completion of the online bachelor in social work will prepare you to sit for your social work licensure exam, subject to state educational requirements for licensure and certification. Some states may require a master’s degree prior to sitting for a licensure exam. Please speak with one of our Enrollment Advisors to confirm eligibility in your state.
Below are some examples of potential careers and social worker salaries with a bachelor’s degree. Common career pathways include:
- Child, family, and school social workers
- Substance use, behavioral health, and mental health counselors
- Social and community service managers
- Health care social workers
BSSW graduates may choose to continue forward with Ohio State’s Online Master of Social Work degree. If you have earned your BSSW within the previous five years and achieved a 3.0 or higher GPA and a “B” or better in all required social work courses, you may be eligible for the MSW Advanced Standing path to complete your master’s degree in only one year. Ask our enrollment advisors for more information.
Top Occupations by Median Income
What They Do
Plan, direct, or coordinate the activities of a social service program or community outreach organization. Oversee the program or organization’s budget and policies regarding participant involvement, program requirements, and benefits. Work may involve directing social workers, counselors, or probation officers.
Work Activities
Establish and oversee administrative procedures to meet objectives set by boards of directors or senior management. Direct activities of professional and technical staff members and volunteers. Evaluate the work of staff and volunteers to ensure that programs are of appropriate quality and that resources are used effectively.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $50,020
- Mid Level: $78,240
- Senior Level: $129,820
Job Outlook
Bright
Projected Growth
8.2%
Related Careers
- Child, Family, and School Social Workers
- Community Health Workers
- Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare
- Healthcare Social Workers
- Rehabilitation Counselors
Job Sectors
- Customer and Personal Service
- Administration and Management
- English Language
- Psychology
- Education and Training
What They Do
Assist other social and human service providers in providing client services in a wide variety of fields, such as psychology, rehabilitation, or social work, including support for families. May assist clients in identifying and obtaining available benefits and social and community services. May assist social workers with developing, organizing, and conducting programs to prevent and resolve problems relevant to substance abuse, human relationships, rehabilitation, or dependent care.
Work Activities
Assess clients’ cognitive abilities and physical and emotional needs to determine appropriate interventions. Develop and implement behavioral management and care plans for clients. Keep records or prepare reports for owner or management concerning visits with clients.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $33,280
- Mid Level: $45,120
- Senior Level: $63,850
Job Outlook
Bright
Projected Growth
7.9%
Related Careers
- Child, Family, and School Social Workers
- Healthcare Social Workers
- Marriage and Family Therapists
- Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
- Mental Health Counselors
Job Sectors
- Customer and Personal Service
- Psychology
- Therapy and Counseling
- English Language
- Administrative
What They Do
Provide social services and assistance to improve the social and psychological functioning of children and their families and to maximize the family well-being and the academic functioning of children. May assist parents, arrange adoptions, and find foster homes for abandoned or abused children. In schools, they address such problems as teenage pregnancy, misbehavior, and truancy. May also advise teachers.
Work Activities
Maintain case history records and prepare reports. Interview clients individually, in families, or in groups, assessing their situations, capabilities, and problems to determine what services are required to meet their needs. Serve as liaisons between students, homes, schools, family services, child guidance clinics, courts, protective services, doctors, and other contacts to help children who face problems, such as disabilities, abuse, or poverty.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $40,580
- Mid Level: $58,570
- Senior Level: $94,030
Job Outlook
Average
Projected Growth
4.9%
Related Careers
- Healthcare Social Workers
- Marriage and Family Therapists
- Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
- Rehabilitation Counselors
- Social and Human Service Assistants
Job Sectors
- Customer and Personal Service
- Psychology
- Therapy and Counseling
- English Language
- Administrative
What They Do
Provide individuals, families, and groups with the psychosocial support needed to cope with chronic, acute, or terminal illnesses. Services include advising family caregivers. Provide patients with information and counseling, and make referrals for other services. May also provide case and care management or interventions designed to promote health, prevent disease, and address barriers to access to healthcare.
Work Activities
Advocate for clients or patients to resolve crises. Educate clients about end-of-life symptoms and options to assist them in making informed decisions. Collaborate with other professionals to evaluate patients’ medical or physical condition and to assess client needs.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $45,030
- Mid Level: $68,090
- Senior Level: $100,870
Job Outlook
Bright
Projected Growth
9.7%
Related Careers
- Child, Family, and School Social Workers
- Marriage and Family Therapists
- Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
- Mental Health Counselors
- Rehabilitation Counselors
Job Sectors
- Psychology
- Therapy and Counseling
- English Language
- Sociology and Anthropology
- Customer and Personal Service
What They Do
Assess and treat individuals with mental, emotional, or substance abuse problems, including abuse of alcohol, tobacco, and/or other drugs. Activities may include individual and group therapy, crisis intervention, case management, client advocacy, prevention, and education.
Work Activities
Counsel clients in individual or group sessions to assist them in dealing with substance abuse, mental or physical illness, poverty, unemployment, or physical abuse. Collaborate with counselors, physicians, or nurses to plan or coordinate treatment, drawing on social work experience and patient needs. Monitor, evaluate, and record client progress with respect to treatment goals.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $39,620
- Mid Level: $60,060
- Senior Level: $104,130
Job Outlook
Bright
Projected Growth
11.6%
Related Careers
- Healthcare Social Workers
- Marriage and Family Therapists
- Mental Health Counselors
- Rehabilitation Counselors
- Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors
Job Sectors
- Therapy and Counseling
- Psychology
- English Language
- Customer and Personal Service
- Education and Training
What They Do
Counsel and advise individuals and groups to promote optimum mental and emotional health, with an emphasis on prevention. May help individuals deal with a broad range of mental health issues, such as those associated with addictions and substance abuse; family, parenting, and marital problems; stress management; self-esteem; or aging.
Work Activities
Maintain confidentiality of records relating to clients’ treatment. Encourage clients to express their feelings and discuss what is happening in their lives, helping them to develop insight into themselves or their relationships. Assess patients for risk of suicide attempts.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $39,090
- Mid Level: $59,190
- Senior Level: $98,210
Job Outlook
Bright
Related Careers
- Clinical and Counseling Psychologists
- Healthcare Social Workers
- Marriage and Family Therapists
- Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
- Rehabilitation Counselors
Job Sectors
- Psychology
- Therapy and Counseling
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
- Education and Training
What They Do
Counsel individuals to maximize the independence and employability of persons coping with personal, social, and vocational difficulties that result from birth defects, illness, disease, accidents, aging, or the stress of daily life. Coordinate activities for residents of care and treatment facilities. Assess client needs and design and implement rehabilitation programs that may include personal and vocational counseling, training, and job placement.
Work Activities
Prepare and maintain records and case files, including documentation, such as clients’ personal and eligibility information, services provided, narratives of client contacts, or relevant correspondence. Confer with clients to discuss their options and goals so that rehabilitation programs and plans for accessing needed services can be developed. Develop rehabilitation plans that fit clients’ aptitudes, education levels, physical abilities, and career goals.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $34,480
- Mid Level: $46,110
- Senior Level: $77,200
Job Outlook
Below Average
Projected Growth
1.8%
Related Careers
- Child, Family, and School Social Workers
- Healthcare Social Workers
- Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
- Mental Health Counselors
- Occupational Therapy Aides
Job Sectors
- Customer and Personal Service
- Therapy and Counseling
- Education and Training
- Psychology
- English Language
What They Do
Promote health within a community by assisting individuals to adopt healthy behaviors. Serve as an advocate for the health needs of individuals by assisting community residents in effectively communicating with healthcare providers or social service agencies. Act as liaison or advocate and implement programs that promote, maintain, and improve individual and overall community health. May deliver health-related preventive services such as blood pressure, glaucoma, and hearing screenings. May collect data to help identify community health needs.
Work Activities
Maintain updated client records with plans, notes, appropriate forms, or related information. Advise clients or community groups on issues related to improving general health, such as diet or exercise. Identify or contact members of high-risk or otherwise targeted groups, such as members of minority populations, low-income populations, or pregnant women.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $37,930
- Mid Level: $51,030
- Senior Level: $78,560
Job Outlook
Bright
Projected Growth
13.1%
Related Careers
- Child, Family, and School Social Workers
- Health Education Specialists
- Healthcare Social Workers
- Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
- Mental Health Counselors
Job Sectors
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
- Education and Training
- Administration and Management
- Medicine and Dentistry
What They Do
Determine eligibility of persons applying to receive assistance from government programs and agency resources, such as welfare, unemployment benefits, social security, and public housing.
Work Activities
Compute and authorize amounts of assistance for programs, such as grants, monetary payments, and food stamps. Keep records of assigned cases, and prepare required reports. Compile, record, and evaluate personal and financial data to verify completeness and accuracy, and to determine eligibility status.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $37,690
- Mid Level: $51,500
- Senior Level: $72,280
Job Outlook
Average
Projected Growth
3.1%
Related Careers
- Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists
- Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping
- Human Resources Specialists
- Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks
- Interviewers, Except Eligibility and Loan
Job Sectors
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
- Administration and Management
- Administrative
- Personnel and Human Resources
What They Do
Research and analyze policy developments related to climate change. Make climate-related recommendations for actions such as legislation, awareness campaigns, or fundraising approaches.
Work Activities
Provide analytical support for policy briefs related to renewable energy, energy efficiency, or climate change. Propose new or modified policies involving use of traditional and alternative fuels, transportation of goods, and other factors relating to climate and climate change. Prepare study reports, memoranda, briefs, testimonies, or other written materials to inform government or environmental groups on environmental issues, such as climate change.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $50,130
- Mid Level: $80,060
- Senior Level: $134,830
Job Outlook
Bright
Projected Growth
7.3%
Related Careers
- Chief Sustainability Officers
- Environmental Economists
- Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health
- Industrial Ecologists
- Sustainability Specialists
Job Sectors
- Law and Government
- English Language
- Mathematics
National occupational information in Ohio State Online’s Career Outlook tool is sourced from O*NET Online and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The median annual wage displayed to the right of each occupational title above is based on the BLS Employment Projections program. Outlook and percent change indicate projected growth or decline over the next 10 years.
Curriculum
Experience top-tier curriculum in our online bachelor’s in social work program, structured to provide graduates with comprehensive knowledge and practical field experience. The Bachelor of Science in Social Work includes 120 total hours of coursework, and all core coursework can be completed via online classes in social work.
- Social Work Prerequisite Course Hours – 22 credit hours
- 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
- GE and Free Elective Course Hours – 39 credit hours
- Social Work Major Course Hours – 46 credit hours (courses listed below)
- Social Work Elective Course Hours – 13 credit hours
- Total Hours – 120 credit hours
Introduction to the National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics, ethical theory, issues and dilemmas that confront professional social workers.
Introduction to social justice and injustice; strategies to address injustice and advocate for vulnerable populations.
Application of research evidence to answer questions about social work problems and diverse populations.
This is the second course in the BSSW sequence preparing honors students to effectively work with research evidence and statistics as it applies to social work interventions at multiple levels. Students will develop the requisite skills and knowledge for beginning to identify, assess, and apply research evidence to inform and evaluate social work practices at multiple levels of intervention.
Development of interviewing skills critical to social work. Didactic and experiential methods will provide a foundation for practice and facilitate entry into the field.
Introduces students to the theories, knowledge and skills of generalist social work practice, with an emphasis on work with individuals. The content provides didactic and experiential learning of generalist practice skills that will facilitate and enhance the student’s entry into the senior year field practicum and will serve as a foundation for entry level professional practice.
Foundation knowledge and a social work perspective for working with diverse populations, especially those who are oppressed and marginalized.
This course will familiarize students with the major mental disorders, offer strategies for building on clients’ strengths and resilience, provide basic tools for screening and referral, and impart knowledge of the mental health delivery system and its resources.
Integration of classroom knowledge and practice experiences; companion to field practicum (one credit per semester).
Two-semester internship in a social work agency; integration of classroom knowledge and skills with practice experiences (five credits per semester).
This course addresses professional values, knowledge, and skills essential for effective generalist social work practice with families. Emphasis is placed on family theory, models, and strategies for intervention, practice skills, and ethics necessary for beginning practice in social service agencies. The development of culturally competent practice is an integral part of this course.
This course will provide instruction on professional values, knowledge, and skills essential for effective intervention with small groups.
Application of professional values, knowledge, and skills essential for effective generalist social work practice with communities and organizations.
Understanding Online Course Types
As you research the right online program for you, you likely will come across the terms “asynchronous” and “synchronous.” Learn what these terms mean and how they’re important to consider when understanding how a program will fit into your life.
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Program Faculty
The College of Social Work’s shared values demonstrate deep commitment to educate, volunteer, serve, and improve the quality of lives of those in our communities. You will learn from some of the most knowledgeable and passionate faculty in the field of social work. Our faculty will inspire you with their expertise in areas including 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.

Scottye Cash, PhD
Associate Professor
Dr. Cash’s research centers on assessment and service delivery for at-risk children, families, and adolescents, particularly in the context of mental health and child welfare. Dr. Cash has served as Co-Principal Investigator on a federally funded grant to develop, implement, and evaluate a children’s mental health training program for social work students pursuing a career in child welfare. She also served as the Principal Investigator on the evaluation of the state of Ohio’s Comprehensive Assessment and and Planning Model–Interim Solution case management and planning system, a project that evaluated the measurement of safety and risk for children and families involved in the child welfare system with a primary aim of identifying the relationship between a family’s identified needs, services received, and outcomes. Her recent work explores adolescent mental health and social media use, including studies on suicidal ideation shared online and adolescents’ preferences for mental health support platforms. She has collaborated with Reachout.com and the Young and Well Centre in Australia to examine how technology can enhance mental health literacy, reduce stigma, and promote help-seeking behavior.

Lisa Raiz, PhD
Associate Professor
Dr. Raiz’s career as a medical social worker has significantly shaped her research interests. She began by exploring how health policy influences individuals’ experiences of illness and wellness, which gradually evolved into an interest in access to and utilization of health care services. Her early research centered on the experiences of individuals undergoing renal transplantation. In 2011, Dr. Raiz was awarded a grant to study the state of primary health care in Ohio, with an emphasis on policy implications for the future. This work aimed to identify key factors associated with having a regular source of care, hospital admissions, and emergency room visits. A central theme throughout her research has been the health care needs of individuals living at or near poverty. Dr. Raiz has contributed to the field through publications in a range of respected journals, including Health & Social Work, Social Work in Health Care, Journal of Social Work Education, Transplantation, and The Journal of Poverty.

Kelley Breidigan, MSW, LISW-S
Assistant Clinical Professor
Kelley Breidigan, MSW, LISW-S, brings extensive experience from the behavioral health field, having worked with individuals and families in numerous treatment settings including juvenile justice, residential treatment, and private practice. Her recent clinical focus is on strengths-based psychotherapies for individuals experiencing mental and behavioral health challenges. Kelley values building rapport with clients and supports them in finding the best treatment on their personal needs and goals. Before joining the College of Social Work as a clinical faculty member, Kelley taught at the college for twelve years as a Senior Community Lecturer, a role in which she regularly collaborated with faculty and educational design teams to develop curriculum for clinical courses.

“My passion is to find and create trauma recovery interventions for vulnerable populations such as the LGBTQ+ community, incarcerated women and people with disabilities. It’s inspiring to be surrounded by peers with many passions united by our desire to be societal changemakers.”
Tuition Fee Overview
Investing in your future with a higher education degree is one of the best investments you can make for your future success. At Ohio State, we know understanding your program’s cost is an important part of your decision-making process. Below are the tuition fees you can expect with your program. The Bachelor of Science in Social Work program requires 120 credits for degree completion, much of which can be completed through transfer work or previous credits, including an associate’s degree. Total costs, number of credit required, and time to completion will vary based on courses needed to complete the program. Please note that summer semester instructional and general fees are 75% of the cost of autumn and spring fees, and this will decrease your total cost for the program.
Tuition Fees | Per Credit Hour (unless otherwise noted) | Part-Time – Total Cost Per Semester* | Full-Time – Total Cost Per Semester* |
---|---|---|---|
Instructional Fee (Autumn and Spring) | $522.71 | $3,136.26 | $6,272.50 |
Instructional Fee (Summer) | $392.03 | $2,352.18 | $4,704.38 |
General Fee (Autumn and Spring) | $23.79 | $142.74 | $285.50 |
General Fee (Summer) | $17.85 | $107.10 | $214.20 |
Distance Learning Fee | $100.00 (per semester) | $100.00 | $100.00 |
Non-Resident Surcharge (if applicable) | $200.00 (per semester) | $200.00 | $200.00 |
International Surcharge (if applicable) | $129.29 (per credit hour) | $775.74 | $1,551.50 |
*The table above provides per-credit and per-semester costs of students taking 6 credits per semester as a part-time student or 12 or more credits per semester as a full-time student.
Tuition fees are subject to change. The table above serves as a guide and not an official bursar’s bill. Full-Time costs are total tuition costs per semester.
Need help understanding tuition and fees?
We know each student’s situation is different. Reach out to an Enrollment Advisor today to help you understand what the program might cost based on your plans and potential financial aid options.

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