Online Bachelor of Science in Social Work
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 and justice.
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.
Our online bachelor in social work program is designed for students seeking a flexible option to complete their social work bachelor’s degree while balancing work, family, and other responsibilities. If you have a passion for pursuing a career in social work and have some prior college experience, you are encouraged to apply.
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.
Common career pathways include:
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Child, family, and school social workers
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Substance use, behavioral health, and mental health counselors
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Social and community service managers
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Health care social workers
BSSW graduates may choose to continue forward with Ohio State’s Online Master of Social Work degree. Students who have earned their BSSW within the previous five years and who achieved a 3.0 or higher GPA and a “B” or better in all required social work courses may be eligible for the MSW Advanced Standing path to complete their master’s degree in only one year.
Class Format: Courses are offered in synchronous and asynchronous formats, while some core courses will have required, hour-long synchronous sessions weekly.
Credit Hours Required: 120 total credit hours, including 59 credits from the Social Work major and elective courses. There is no limit to the number of credits that can transfer; however, students must take at least 30 credit hours at Ohio State to receive an Ohio State degree.
Cost Per Credit Hour: $514.59 per credit hour (includes instructional and general fees)
Time to Completion: Depends on number of transfer credits and pace. Students often complete the program in 2 years.
Admission Requirements: Successful completion of all prerequisite courses totaling at least 30 credit hours, with a minimum cumulative GPA and prerequisite GPA of 2.0.
Prerequisite Courses
- 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
Licensure Information: If you are planning to obtain professional licensure or certification in a state other than Ohio, please visit the State Authorization Disclosures page for licensure requirements by state. If you have additional questions regarding licensure, please reach out to the State Authorization team.
