Bachelor of Science in Social Work

Online Bachelor of Science in Social Work student taking an online class.
Next Application Deadline:
November 1, 2025
Credit hours: 120 for degree completion
Next Term Start Date:
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

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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.

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.

NC-SARA Participating Institution logo

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

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

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.

Learn More

Diagram explaining the differences between synchronous and asynchronous online courses.
Ray Mathew-Santhosham, a BSSW graduate.

“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.”

Ray Mathew-Santhosham MSW Student, BSSW ’24 Graduate

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.

Contact an Enrollment Advisor
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Connect with a knowledgeable Enrollment Advisor who can help answer your questions and explain different aspects of the more than 80 online degrees and certificates offered at Ohio State. They are here to help you on your education journey.

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