College of Social Work
Social Work
Sapplication
ocial work is a profession for those with a passion to help
others. Social work practice consists of the professional
of social work values, principles, and techniques
to one or more of the following ends: helping people obtain
tangible services; providing counseling and psychotherapy
with individuals, families, and groups; helping communities
or groups provide or improve social and health services; and
participating in relevant legislative processes.
The practice of social work requires knowledge of human
development and behavior; of social, economic, and cultural
institutions; and of the interaction of these factors. Many
social workers specialize in serving a particular population
or working in a specific setting, such as hospitals, schools,
private practices, correctional facilities, community mental
health agencies, and substance abuse treatment centers.
Pursuing Social Work at Ohio State
Students considering a major in social work should follow a
college preparatory curriculum in high school. Courses which
provide excellent preparation include English composition,
mathematics, and the biological and physical sciences.
Students should have a natural interest in human behavior and
respect for diversity. Good listening skills, empathy, and self
awareness are also important.
All Ohio State freshman applicants are considered within a
competitive admission process for the Columbus campus.
The primary criteria for admission are the completion of
the applicant’s high school college preparatory program,
performance in that program as indicated by class rank and/
or grade-point average, and performance on either the ACT
or SAT. Upon admission to the university, students pursuing
social work receive departmental advising to assist in course
work selection appropriate to students’ interests and the
admission requirements for the social work major.
Acceptance criteria to the social work major:
• A minimum of a 2.0 cumulative point-hour ratio and
a minimum of a 2.0 pre-major point-hour ratio after
completion of the required pre-major courses
• Personal statement
• Letter of reference
Social Work Requirements
Pre-major social work requirements:
• Biology 101 and 102
For more information, check these web sites:
College of Social Work: csw.osu.edu
Ohio State: osu.edu
Admissions: undergrad.osu.edu
• English 110
• Math 104, 116, or above; or math placement N or higher
• Psychology 100
• Social Work 100 (or equivalent), 230, and 300
• Sociology 101
Co-Curricular Opportunities
Social work students may participate in College of Social Work
organizations such as the Social Work Student Association,
MWANAFUNZI (a chapter of the National Association of Black
Social Workers), and the Social Welfare Action Alliance. In
addition, high-achieving students are invited to participate in
the national social work honor society, Alpha Delta Mu.
Social work students interested in augmenting their course
work with research experience may pursue an independent
research project under the guidance of a faculty member.
Students receive credit for research experience through Social
Work 593, Individual Studies.
For students interested in incorporating a study abroad
experience into their education, the College of Social Work
offers programs in India, Mexico, and Poland. Students and
faculty travel for three weeks during summer. Students receive
12 credits for their study abroad experience, which includes a
required three-credit class, International Social Work.
Honors & Scholars Programs
The social work Honors program consists of Honors courses
and the opportunity for students to pursue a senior thesis
under the guidance of a faculty mentor. Upon successful
completion of the senior thesis, the designation “with
research distinction” is printed on students’ diplomas.
A minimum CPHR of 3.4 is required for the Honors program.
Honors students are eligible for research scholarships granted
by the College of Social Work.
Honors and Scholars programs represent great opportunities
for students to be part of a smaller community within a large
university. Good candidates for these programs will receive
additional information after admission to the university. Learn
more about the Honors and Scholars program at honors-
scholars.osu.edu.
Field Education
The College of Social Work integrates a field education
component (an internship) during the senior year. The field
Multicultural Center: multiculturalcenter.osu.edu
First Year Experience Program: fye.osu.edu
Curriculum Sample
This is a sample list of classes a student will take to
pursue a Bachelor of Science in Social Work. Since
university students need more than specific education
in a narrow field, they also will take classes to
complete the General Education Curriculum (GEC). The
GEC will allow students to develop the fundamental
skills essential to collegiate success across major
programs. Course work options satisfying the GEC
often come from a variety of academic areas of study
allowing students to tailor their GEC toward their
interests. Note: This sample represents one of several
possible paths to a degree in Social Work. Consult the
departmental web site, csw.osu.edu, for details on
each specific track.  exam on their first attempt, compared to the national average of 77 percent.
education offers students a hands-on learning experience wherein students
can refine their professional social work skills in an agency setting. Faculty,
community social work practitioners, and students work together to prepare
students with the skills and expertise needed for a successful career in
social work.
Licensing Requirements
States legally regulate the practice of social work to protect the public and
control the use of the social work title and practice. Each state defines by
law what is required for each level of social work license. Graduates of
Ohio State’s social work program are well prepared for the bachelor’s level
licensure exam. In 2008, 90 percent of Ohio State students passed the

Freshman Year: Both Ohio State’s BSSW and MSW programs are accredited by the Council
General Psychology 5 on Social Work Education (CSWE).
Introductory Sociology 5
Mathematics 5
Career Prospects in Social Work
Introduction to Social Work and Contemporary
Society 5 Students who pursue a degree in social work have a broad range of career
Biology 10 possibilities. Graduates are prepared to work in careers such as aging and
Social Work Survey 1 gerontology, child and family welfare, developmental disabilities, domestic
Minority Perspectives: Race, Ethnicity and Gender 5 violence, health care, homelessness, justice and corrections, international
GEC (first-year writing course) 5 social work, mental health, policy and planning, school social work, and
GEC (physical science) 5 substance abuse treatment. Social workers are administrators, therapists,
Total hours 46
community organizers, educators, and researchers. They work with a
Sophomore Year: diverse population, helping people in large cities and in small communities.
Human Behavior in the Social Environment 6
Social Work electives 5 Many students use the undergraduate social work major as preparation for
GEC (physical science) 5 graduate school in social work. Students who have undergraduate degrees
Philosophy 5 in social work can apply for one-year accelerated master of social work
GEC (social science) 5 (MSW) programs. An MSW degree prepares students for advanced practice
GEC (literature) 5
GEC (historcal study) 5
and is necessary to provide mental health counseling in most states.
GEC (second writing course) 5
Total hours 41 Some students use the undergraduate social work major as preparation for
various other graduate and professional programs including business, law,
Junior Year: medicine, and public health.
Problems, Policies, and Progams in Social Welfare 6
Quantitative Analyses of Social Data 5
Introduction to Research Methods in Social Work 4
Critical Assessment of Social Research 5
Social Work Practice I 5
Social Work electives 6
GEC (historical study) 5
GEC (social science) 5
Free elective 5
Total hours 46

Senior Year:
Field Practice 18
Social Work Practice II and III 6
Social Work electives 18
GEC (visual/preforming arts) 5
Total hours 47
Revised August 2009. For the most up-to-date information on the social
work program, please visit csw.osu.edu.

Contact information:
BSSW Program Office | College of Social Work
308 Stillman Hall | 1947 College Road
Columbus, Ohio 43210-1162 | (614) 292-7488 or (614) 292-7591