Social Work Frequently Asked Questions

Social work is for compassionate people wanting to help others who are struggling. Every day, social workers help thousands of people learn new ways to overcome some of life’s most challenging obstacles. Everyone’s life has been touched by a social worker in one way or another. And that’s exactly what social work is all about—helping others and making a difference in people’s lives. If you want a career that’s diverse, meaningful, and rewarding, social work is for you. 

Social work provides a great variety of career paths in areas such as mental health and addiction, child welfare, healthcare, aging, school social work, housing and homelessness, criminal justice, military social work, human trafficking, and community organization. Social workers are educators, advocates, care coordinators, therapists, community organizers, administrators, mediators, politicians, and researchers.

Social Work Major required courses are on Tuesdays and Thursdays, in person.

To schedule an official campus tour, please visit the admissions page. To meet with the program coordinator or sit in on a social work class, please contact Stephanie Price price.345@osu.edu.

Social work major classes: Take classes in human behavior, social justice and advocacy, interviewing and assessment, practice with groups and families, community organizing, diversity, and professional ethics.

Application Deadlines

Applications for Autumn semester open February 1 and must be submitted by August 1. 

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. The earlier you apply, the sooner you will receive an admissions decision. Students may be asked to come in for an interview before an admissions decision can be made. To apply to The Ohio State University Lima, follow the link below!

Across the College of Social Work program at our regional and main campuses, transfer students make up a high percentage of enrolled social work students and bring with them unique perspectives and experiences. Our social work major offers flexibility to accommodate a wide range of learning needs, including full-time working students, adult learners, students with families, and part-time students. If you have a passion for pursuing social work, we have a place for you. You will need to apply to The Ohio State University and be admitted to Ohio State before you can complete the BSSW Declaration Form. 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.

Transfer students need to have a cumulative GPA and pre-requisite GPA of 2.0 or higher and complete or be in the process of completing the program pre-requisites: 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.

Once approved for the major, you will meet with your social work academic advisor to enroll in major classes!

Learn more about the college’s articulation agreements with

Rhodes State College

Rhodes and Ohio State Social Work Transfer Pathway  Social Work Transfer Pathway Ohio State Rhodes