#1 public university in Ohio for student experience

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A female social worker works on paperwork with an elderly man.

Bachelor of Science (BSSW)

Social Work

Want to make a difference? Social workers empower people and communities. They help them cope with some of life’s most difficult challenges.

Our accredited bachelor’s degree in social work focuses on what we call a systems approach. We teach you to examine issues from all angles. At BGSU, you’ll build your skills — and your resume — in real-life settings. Learn how to motivate others to make positive change, and to promote social justice and human dignity for all.

Social workers are in high demand. We prepare you to work with diverse populations in a variety of care settings. Our graduates’ passage rate on the national licensing exam is consistently above the national average.

Why study social work at BGSU in Ohio?

  • Undergraduate research. Conduct research with faculty who still practice in the field.
  • Low student-to-faculty ratio. You’ll get personal attention and enjoy robust classroom interactions.
  • Hands-on learning. Community service programs allow you to apply what you learn in the classroom. You’ll also spend a full semester in the field your senior year.
  • Active student organizations. Network and learn in the Student Organization of Social Workers and the Phi Alpha Honor Society - Phi Iota Chapter.
  • Above-average exam pass rate. Our undergraduate degree meets all the education requirements for social work licensure in Ohio. BGSU graduates out-perform the national average on the national licensing exam.
  • Good preparation for graduate school. You’ll be ready to enter BGSU’s accredited master’s program in social work.

#1 university in Ohio for career preparation

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Career - what can you do with a social work degree?

The social work program prepares you to be an entry-level generalist practitioner. You’ll have the knowledge and skills you need to work with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities.

Our graduates pursue graduate school or careers in a variety of fields, including:

  • Mental health
  • Child welfare
  • Chemical dependency
  • Aging

They work in settings as diverse as schools, hospitals, criminal justice agencies, and child and family services.

With a high demand for social workers, 99% of our graduates report they are employed, in graduate school or starting a business within six months of graduation.

Career paths

  • Field case manager
  • Clinical social worker
  • Family case manager
  • Child welfare social worker
  • School social worker
  • Long-term care facility social worker

Quick Facts from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

View Average Salaries

Curriculum

Get a strong foundation in liberal arts, along with a grounding in human behavior and social policy. The curriculum includes classes on:

  • Human behavior
  • Substance abuse
  • Mental health
  • Diversity, oppression and social justice

Field experience

Our required field experiences let you apply classroom knowledge to real-life situations. They give you an advantage when it’s time to launch your career.

  • Community service programs
  • A full semester of field instruction during senior year

Required courses

Criminal Justice

Sample courses

  • Social and Behavioral Sciences
  • Introduction to Social Work Profession
  • Social Work Practice with Older Adults
  • Diversity, Oppression and Social Justice
  • Lifespan Human Development
  • Interview and Observation
  • Mental Health

#1 public university in the Midwest students would choose again

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BGSU College of Heath and Human Services 

The social work program is part of the Department of Human Services in the BGSU College of Health and Human Services.

Updated: 05/16/2025 01:26PM