10 Best CSWE-Accredited BSW Programs in Ohio

Ready to kickstart your career in one of today’s most promising professions? Social work continues to expand as a field built on human connection. The job market looks bright with a 9% growth rate and 74,700 new positions opening up each year.

A BSW degree from Ohio can set you up for a rewarding career path. Social workers in the state earn a median annual salary of $50,390. The CSWE-accredited programs let graduates apply for Licensed Social Worker (LSW) status in Ohio, which gives them professional credentials right away. On top of that, BSW graduates often advance to graduate-level programs. The flexibility of online CSWE-accredited programs makes education accessible, with credit hours costing about $350.

We’ve put together a list of Ohio’s top 10 CSWE-accredited social work programs to help you choose the right educational path. These programs blend classroom learning with hands-on fieldwork experience that employers value, making them ideal for anyone committed to this meaningful profession.

1. Ohio University – Athens

Ohio University runs the state’s oldest social work program and offers an outstanding BSW degree that prepares you to work in a variety of settings. The Athens campus blends academic excellence with hands-on field experience to build a strong foundation for your social work career.

Program highlights

The social work program at Ohio University shines with its impressive 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio. This ratio helps you get individual attention and mentorship. The university supports its students financially – 97% of OHIO Southern first-year students received financial aid in Fall 2021.

Students can choose between two undergraduate degrees: Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (BASW) and Bachelor of Social Work (BSW). The BSW and BASW are identical except that BASW students must complete four semesters of a foreign language. Both degrees prepare you to work with individuals, groups, organizations, and communities.

Ohio University also offers a living/learning community specifically for social work majors. You’ll connect with your peers and develop professional skills under faculty guidance.

Curriculum

The curriculum strengthens your ability to use knowledge, skills, and values when working with different situations and populations. Your courses will help you learn about human behavior in social environments, social welfare history and policy, research methods, and social work practice techniques.

You’ll develop competencies in:

• Ethical and professional behavior
• Advancing human rights and social justice
• Engaging in anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Applying practice-informed research
• Policy practice and advocacy
• Assessment and intervention with individuals, families, groups, and communities

The program combines university general education requirements with specialized social work courses. This combination ensures you graduate with technical skills and a solid liberal arts foundation.

Fieldwork and practicum

Senior students get valuable agency experience through practice classes and seminars. The field practicum lets you apply your social work education while receiving professional supervision during your senior year.

Students must join the major by the seventh week of spring semester in their junior year to qualify for senior-level practice. The senior practicum requires 196 to 224 hours per semester at a community placement. These practical experiences often lead to job offers or internships before graduation.

Accreditation

Ohio University’s social work programs have managed to keep continuous accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) since 1974. The programs follow the 2022 Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS).

CSWE accreditation matters because Ohio and many other states require graduates from CSWE-accredited programs to take the social work licensure exam. The program goes through review and reaffirmation every eight years, with the next review coming up in 2029.

Career outcomes

A BSW from Ohio University creates paths to many career opportunities. Graduates work in child welfare, mental health services, foster care, residential treatment, adoption services, nursing homes, schools, government agencies, and medical facilities. You can take the social work licensing exam in any state that offers undergraduate licensing.

Child, family, and school social workers in Ohio earned an annual mean wage of $48,780 as of May 2022. Job opportunities for these professionals in Ohio should grow by 7.2% by 2028. This makes social work a promising career with strong future prospects.

2. Ohio State University – Columbus

Ohio State University’s Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSSW) program gives students plenty of flexibility. The program works well for working professionals, adult learners, and students with family commitments. Students get both academic excellence and hands-on experience at this Columbus-based program.

Program highlights

Ohio State’s BSSW program stands out because it’s open and welcoming to everyone. Transfer students can bring credits from any university with Council on Social Work Education accreditation. Enrollment advisors help figure out which credits will transfer. Students can choose between on-campus and online options to earn their BSW degree based on their situation.

Students start as pre-social work majors and finish their pre-major courses in the first two years. The next step is applying to the social work major, usually during year two. The admission team looks at your GPA, completed pre-major courses, personal statement, and readiness to work with clients.

Curriculum

Students need 120 credit hours to graduate. Most students already have 30 to 90 credits when they start. Students typically finish in about two years after bringing in 60 transfer credits.

The program has:

• Pre-major courses (22 hours)
• General Education and free electives (39 hours)
• Social work major courses (46 hours)
• Social work elective courses (13 hours)

Students learn about professional values, ethics, social justice, welfare policy, research methods, and client engagement. The program also teaches specialized topics. Introduction to Psychopathology helps students understand major mental disorders and learn screening tools.

Fieldwork and practicum

Students complete a 400-hour in-person field placement during their final year that matches their career goals. This two-semester internship (SWK 4189) earns 5 credits per semester. A field seminar (SWK 4188) helps students connect classroom learning with real-life experience.

Field placements are a great way to get practical experience while working with clients. Students get professional supervision and develop essential social work skills.

Accreditation

The Council on Social Work Education’s Board of Accreditation fully accredits Ohio State’s BSSW program. This matters because the Council for Higher Education Accreditation recognizes CSWE as the only accrediting agency for social work education in the United States. Most states require CSWE-accredited degrees for licensure, so this credential means your degree meets national standards.

Career outcomes

A BSSW from Ohio State prepares you as a generalist social worker with strong professional values and ethics. You can take the social work licensure exam if you meet your state’s requirements. Ohio State graduates pass the bachelor’s level exam on their first try at rates higher than the national average.

Social workers find jobs in many areas: aging services, family welfare, disability support, domestic violence prevention, healthcare, homeless services, mental health, and addiction treatment. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that social workers in the United States earn a median salary of $61,330.

Ohio State offers two paths for advanced education. The 4+1 BSSW/MSW Program lets you earn both degrees in five years. Recent BSSW graduates with a 3.0 GPA can choose the MSW Advanced Standing option to finish their master’s in one year.

3. University of Cincinnati

The University of Cincinnati has BSW programs both on campus and online, giving students great flexibility as they work toward their social work careers. Students can choose between these two formats based on their learning priorities while getting the same high-quality education.

Program highlights

The School of Social Work gives you two choices for your undergraduate degree: a traditional four-year on-campus BSW program and an online BSW program made for students with associate degrees in pre-social work or similar majors. Students need at least 25 credit hours with a minimum 2.75 GPA to join the online program. This online option works great for students who have jobs, with several start dates throughout the year.

The school also has a smart 4+1 BSW to MSW program where talented students can get both degrees in just five years and save money on tuition. Students need a 3.25 high school GPA and must keep a 3.25 college GPA with B or better grades in all social work classes.

Curriculum

The curriculum helps you become a generalist social worker through a complete structure that has:

• General education and elective courses (54 credits)
• Social work preparatory and foundation courses (18 credits)
• Social work core courses (27 credits)
• Field work (21 credits)

Cincinnati’s program stands out because you can earn extra credentials in Substance Abuse Counseling through a partnership with the College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services. These special courses meet the educational requirements for the Ohio Chemical Dependency Counseling Assistant Phase 1 Exam.

Fieldwork and practicum

Field education is vital to your training at Cincinnati. BSW students spend 448 hours in field placement during their senior year, about 16 hours each week. The School of Social Work partners with more than 200 agencies in Greater Cincinnati, including Dayton and Northern Kentucky.

You’ll work under qualified social workers’ supervision and use your classroom knowledge in real-life settings. Most placements happen during regular weekday hours (Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm), and it’s rare to find evening or weekend options.

Accreditation

The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) Commission on Accreditation fully accredits both the on-campus and online BSW programs. This respected credential shows that these programs meet national standards for social work education. The Higher Learning Commission also accredits all University of Cincinnati degree programs, including the BSW.

Career outcomes

A Cincinnati BSW prepares you for social work in organizations of all sizes. Graduates can take social work licensure exams, depending on their state’s requirements. You can work in child welfare, mental health services, substance abuse treatment, healthcare, and community organizations.

Social workers earn a median salary of $51,760, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics expects jobs to grow by 12% through 2029. Students often find jobs through their field education experience because they build professional networks and gain valuable hands-on experience during their placements.

4. Cleveland State University

Cleveland State University’s School of Social Work offers a versatile BSW program that prepares students to help oppressed, at-risk, and vulnerable populations. The program sits within the College of Health and combines academic excellence with ground experience to create skilled social work professionals.

Program explains

Students can choose between on-campus and fully online options to fit their needs. The online BSW program works great for working professionals who can complete it in as little as four semesters when transferring with associate degrees. The curriculum sees human diversity as enriching rather than challenging and promotes an educational viewpoint that values inclusivity and social justice.

Niche Rankings awarded Cleveland State an “A” in Diversity, and U.S. News & World Report named it the #1 University in Ohio for Social Mobility. Students can get financial support through strategic collaborations with Ohio’s Department of Children and Family Services. Qualifying students receive between $5,000 and $10,000 in financial reimbursement.

Curriculum

The BSW degree needs 46 credit hours in core Social Work courses beyond general education requirements. The curriculum gives you the knowledge, skills, and values needed for professional social work practice, conceptual foundations, and intervention strategies. Students learn creative ways to help people through life challenges while building strong communication and personal interaction skills.

Fieldwork and practicum

Field education works as the cornerstone of Cleveland State’s BSW program. Senior-year students spend two semesters as interns at one of over 300 social service agencies in the Greater Cleveland area. This hands-on experience has 400 hours in generalist practicum. Students apply classroom theories while working with clients under professional supervision.

Accreditation

The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) fully accredits Cleveland State’s BSW program. The CSWE Commission on Accreditation reaffirmed both undergraduate and graduate social work programs in 2019 for eight more years. This credential shows the program meets national professional standards and allows graduates to take licensure examinations.

Career outcomes

Graduates find work in private and public health/human service agencies of all sizes throughout Greater Cleveland, Ohio, and nationwide. Social work ranks among the nation’s fastest-growing careers according to the U.S. Department of Labor, with growth expected to continue. Career paths include:

• Mental health clinics
• Child welfare agencies
• Substance abuse settings
• Crisis centers
• Hospitals and healthcare
• Community organizations

A Cleveland State BSW degree qualifies graduates for Ohio Social Work Licensure—the only way to meet state licensure requirements. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects social work jobs to grow 6% through 2034. Social workers earned a median pay of $61,330 in 2024.

5. Wright State University

Wright State University ranks #16 in Ohio for social work education with its Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (BASW) program. Students become ethical, competent practitioners through this CSWE-accredited BSW program. They learn to advocate for social and economic justice with an empowerment viewpoint.

Program highlights

Wright State University offers both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work. The undergraduate program holds the #306 spot nationally. The university awarded 45 bachelor’s degrees in social work during 2021-2022. Students thrive in a supportive academic environment that promotes professional development. The program values diversity, with 33% of BSW graduates from various ethnic backgrounds and 67% identifying as white.

Curriculum

The BSW program equips students for entry-level social work positions or graduate studies. Students learn ethical practice, cultural competency, and social justice viewpoints through their coursework. They develop critical thinking skills and practical interventions at every level of social work practice. The program shapes students into self-aware, lifelong learners who deliver culturally competent services. Note that the program doesn’t award credit for prior life or work experiences toward social work courses.

Fieldwork and practicum

Field education is a vital part of the Wright State BSW experience. Senior students complete their practicum over fall and spring semesters at one of 100+ partner agencies in the Dayton area. They attend practice courses and seminars while completing their field placement. Students apply classroom theory in real-life settings to build essential skills. They work with agencies of all sizes that serve various populations and run well-established service programs.

Accreditation

Wright State University’s Bachelor of Arts in Social Work has kept its Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accreditation since 1974. This credential matters because state social work licensure requires a degree from a CSWE-accredited program since October 1992. Regular reviews help the university maintain this prestigious accreditation.

Career outcomes

BSW graduates build careers in:

• Family and children’s services
• Public schools and hospitals
• Mental health centers
• Probation and parole boards

Wright State BSW graduates earn a median salary of $39,926 per year, higher than the national median of $37,334. Their median student debt stands at $11,570—this is a big deal as it means that students pay substantially less than the national average of $18,722 for social work programs. These numbers make Wright State’s BSW program a smart financial choice for future social workers.

6. University of Akron

The School of Social Work and Family Sciences at University of Akron turns your passion to help people into professional expertise through their CSWE-accredited BSW program. The program combines hands-on skills development with theoretical knowledge. Students learn to serve vulnerable populations effectively.

Program highlights

University of Akron’s Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (BA/BASW) program offers remarkable flexibility. Students can choose full-time and part-time options with day, evening, and weekend courses that fit their schedules. The program has one of the highest licensure exam pass rates in Ohio and excellent post-graduation employment rates.

UA offers a 100% online BSW option for remote learners while maintaining the same rigorous standards as the on-campus program. Newsweek has recognized UAkron Online as one of America’s top online universities.

Curriculum

Students must complete 120 total credits to earn their BASW degree. The social work major requires 46 credits. The curriculum builds on a liberal arts foundation within the general education program. Students need to complete the liberal arts requirements and General Education mathematics and English courses before full admission.

The program requires a minimum 2.75 cumulative GPA for admission. Students learn generalist social work practice skills. The program follows CSWE Accreditation Standards and does not grant social work course credit for life experience or previous work experience.

Fieldwork and practicum

Field education is the program’s signature teaching method. Students get valuable opportunities to apply their learning through practical experiences. The fieldwork helps students build skills in four core social work areas: Engage, Assess, Intervene, and Evaluate. Students combine classroom knowledge with real-life situations and develop professional boundaries and attitudes.

Accreditation

The Council on Social Work Education fully accredits the School of Social Work and Family Sciences. This credential shows graduates meet national professional standards and can take licensure examinations.

Career outcomes

Graduates can work in various roles including:

• Caseworker
• Family service worker
• Residential case manager
• Mental health assistant
• Community outreach worker
• Public health social worker

Spring 2024 data shows 89% of undergraduate degree recipients found employment or continued education within six months after graduation. The data also reveals 87% of bachelor’s degree recipients took part in experiential learning before graduating through internships, practicums, and field experiences.

7. Mount Vernon Nazarene University (Online)

Mount Vernon Nazarene University offers a fully online CSWE-accredited BSW program. The program caters to working adults who need flexibility without sacrificing quality education.

Program highlights

Students can complete MVNU’s online program in 27 months. The program uses a cohort learning model that encourages mutual support and networking. You can maintain your professional and personal commitments through asynchronous coursework. The program costs $350 per credit hour, making it a budget-friendly choice for students.

Curriculum

Students need 46 credit hours to graduate—36 hours of coursework and 10 hours of fieldwork practicum. MVNU’s program stands out with its faith-based worldview built on six core values that are the foundations of social work:

• Service
• Competence
• Integrity
• Social justice
• Importance of human relationships
• Dignity and worth of the person

Fieldwork and practicum

Students must complete a 400-hour field practicum in their local community. MVNU’s field education liaison helps secure personalized placement by vetting agencies and providing oversight through Zoom visits. Students can apply their classroom knowledge directly through this hands-on experience.

Online BSW accreditation

The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) fully accredits the program. This accreditation ensures graduates qualify to become Licensed Social Workers.

Online BSW career outcomes

MVNU’s first-time test takers achieved an impressive 88.2% pass rate on the Association of Social Work Boards licensing exam in 2021. This rate surpassed Ohio’s average by 12 percentage points and exceeded the U.S. and Canada average by nearly 20 points.

8. Youngstown State University

Youngstown State University’s BSW program equips future social workers with skills to tackle unique challenges in the Youngstown region. Students learn to address social and economic conditions where poverty, unemployment, and racial disparities affect vulnerable populations.

Program highlights

The BSW program helps you become skilled at entry-level generalist practice with professional values and ethics at its core. Classes meet one night per week from 6-8:45 p.m.. This schedule allows working professionals to manage their education alongside other commitments. Students can attend classes at the main Youngstown campus or through strategic collaborations with Lakeland Community College and Lorain County Community College.

Curriculum

Students need 120 total credit hours to complete the BSW program, which combines general education, support courses, and social work-specific coursework. The curriculum builds nine core competencies:

• Ethical and professional behavior
• Human rights and social justice advancement
• Anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion practices
• Research-informed practice
• Policy engagement
• Skills to engage, assess, intervene, and evaluate practice with individuals through communities

Fieldwork and practicum

Students complete 450 hours of field experience over two semesters (12-15 hours weekly). The fieldwork coordinator connects students with numerous social service organizations that provide great hands-on learning opportunities under professional supervision.

Accreditation

The program maintains full CSWE accreditation, which qualifies graduates to apply for social work licensing in Ohio.

Career outcomes

BSW graduates build careers in mental health centers, healthcare settings, educational systems, correctional institutions, and social service agencies. Bachelor’s-level graduates can get their start in social work, while master’s level social workers earn about $15,000 more annually.

9. University of Toledo

The University of Toledo’s BSW program builds on human rights, social justice, and advocacy principles. Students learn to make meaningful changes in a variety of communities. The program blends theory with hands-on skills to help individuals, families, groups, and communities.

Program features

Students in this generalist program learn through a strengths-based approach. They develop skills in assessment, intervention, advocacy, policy practice, program evaluation, and research. The program shapes students into change-makers who stand up for social, racial, economic, and environmental justice.

Curriculum

Students need 120 credit hours to complete this BSW degree. The curriculum builds nine essential competencies. These include ethical behavior, human rights advancement, anti-racism practices, research work, policy practice, and skills to assess, intervene, and evaluate work with individuals and communities.

Fieldwork and practicum

Students complete a 448-hour field placement across fall and spring semesters. The program partners with more than 40 agencies, from healthcare facilities to community organizations. The field coordinator matches students with placements based on their interests and program needs, rather than having students find their own.

Accreditation

The Council on Social Work Education fully accredits the program. This accreditation allows graduates to take state licensure exams.

Career outcomes

BSW graduates work in child welfare, healthcare, mental health, advocacy, policy, and administration. Social work continues to be the fastest-growing profession worldwide. The field expects 7% growth with 67,300 new positions opening yearly between 2023–2033.

10. Capital University

Capital University’s BSW program has held CSWE accreditation since 1974. The program builds on social work education’s core values and knowledge that shape practice methods.

Program highlights

Capital offers a program that changes lives by creating an inclusive learning environment. Students learn generalist practice skills they can use in settings of all types. The classroom teaching combined with exceptional field experiences helps students work effectively with people from different backgrounds. The program’s 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio will give students personal attention throughout their academic experience.

Curriculum

Students need 124 semester hours to complete their BSW degree. The program teaches nine essential competencies:

• Ethical and professional behavior
• Diversity engagement
• Human rights advancement
• Research-informed practice
• Policy engagement
• Skills for assessment, intervention, and evaluation

Social work majors must maintain a 2.5 GPA. The program accepts nothing below a C grade in psychology, sociology, research, and all social work courses.

Fieldwork and practicum

Senior students complete a two-semester field practicum. This practical experience lets them apply classroom theories right away while developing professional skills. The university’s strong relationships with many agencies create valuable field placement opportunities. Students receive professional supervision based on their individual learning needs.

Accreditation

The program has managed to keep its CSWE accreditation since 1974. This respected credential shows the program meets national professional standards and prepares graduates for licensure exams.

Career outcomes

Graduates can work in behavioral health, public welfare, justice system, child and family services, schools, hospitals, substance use treatment centers, and vocational rehabilitation. BSW graduates earn a median salary of $44,344, which exceeds the national average of $37,334 for social work degree holders.

Next Steps

Ohio’s top CSWE-accredited BSW programs are excellent pathways to become a social work professional. Each school brings its own strengths while following core educational standards that drive professional success. The rigorous accreditation means graduates can take social work licensure examinations—a vital credential to advance their careers.

Field education is the foundation of all ten programs. You’ll get 400-450 hours of hands-on practice under professional supervision. This experience guides you straight to job opportunities and helps you build valuable professional connections before you graduate.

These programs offer another big advantage – flexibility. Many universities now have online, evening, or weekend options built for working adults and parents. This means you can earn your social work degree whatever your situation might be.

The right program for you ended up depending on your needs and goals. Some schools shine in affordability, others in specialized courses or exceptional field placements. Wright State University could be your pick if you want lower student debt, while Mount Vernon Nazarene University boasts impressive licensing exam pass rates. Ohio University stands tall as the state’s oldest social work program, and University of Cincinnati adds substance abuse counseling credentials.

A CSWE-accredited social work degree puts you in a strong position in today’s job market. This is a big deal as it means that growth rates are higher than many other professions, with median salaries around $50,000. Social work gives you both personal satisfaction and job security.

Now that you know about these top Ohio BSW programs, you can move forward confidently toward a meaningful career helping others and driving social change. Your choice – whether it’s an urban campus like Cleveland State or a program with religious roots like Mount Vernon Nazarene – will open doors to careers of all types and prepare you to impact countless lives.