Master of Social Work (MSW) Programs in Ohio

There are 11 master of social work programs offered in the state of Ohio. If you want to become a social worker in this state, you may have many options available to you. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Ohio is the fifth highest employer of social workers, and social work is projected to grow at a much faster rate than other careers. According to O*Net Online, the projected growth and median wages for social works in Ohio is as follows:

• Child, Family, and School Social Workers
  • Projected Growth: 11% (much faster than other occupations)
  • Median Annual Wages: $46,930
• Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
  • Projected Growth: 15% (much faster than other occupations)
  • Median Annual Wages: $40,940
• Healthcare Social Workers
  • Projected Growth: 9% (much faster than other occupations)
  • Median Annual Wages: $60,210
• Social Workers, All Other
  • Projected Growth: 7% (faster than other occupations)
  • Median Annual Wages: $56,120
• Social and Community Service Managers
  • Projected Growth: 12% (much faster than other occupations)
  • Median Annual Wages: $64,420

Before becoming a social worker in Ohio, though, you must earn a college degree, such as a bachelors, masters, or doctorate. Once you graduate, you must also take an exam to earn your social work license. To gain an entry-level job as a social worker, you may be able to do so by earning a bachelor’s degree and a BSW license. However, if you already have a bachelor’s degree in another field, or work in social work already and want to increase your career opportunities, a master’s degree may be for you. For those looking to focus more on Marriage and Family Therapy, an MFT program in Ohio could be a better option. This article will review universities that offer a master’s degree in social work in Ohio, including:

• Case Western Reserve University
• Cleveland State University
• Ohio State University
• Ohio University
• Bowling Green State University
• Miami University
• University of Akron
• University of Cincinnati
• University of Toledo
• Wright State University
• Youngstown State University

Ohio Online Masters in Social Work

There are four universities in Ohio offering a master’s in social work degree that have both online and on-campus options. When thinking about where you want to attend for your MSW program, online coursework may be something to consider. There are many benefits to completing a program online. For example, you can attend class at home or in an environment that is more comfortable to you. Completing coursework may be more flexible and self-paced. Online programs can be especially helpful to those who already work a full-time or part-time job in social services or another field, and can’t make it to in-person classes. These online programs are equal in quality to their on-campus counterparts, but can give you the flexibility needed to earn a degree while living your busy life. 

Below is an overview of the MSW programs in Ohio that offer an online format.

CSWE Accredited MSW Programs in Ohio

There are 11 MSW programs in Ohio that have been accredited by the CSWE. When thinking about where you want to attend school, it’s important to take accreditation into consideration. The Council for Social Work Education (CSWE) is the sole organization in the US responsible for accrediting social work programs, and consists of various professionals in the field who create and implement the standards for social work education. Attending a CSWE-accredited social work program ensures that the education you are receiving has been assessed for quality and should adequately prepare you for your licensing exam and career. Employers typically prefer to hire a social worker who received their education through an accredited program. 

Each of the Ohio universities mentioned in this article have been accredited by the CSWE. This includes all the universities in the previous section, as well as the ones below.

No GRE Required MSW Programs in Ohio

There are 11 universities that do NOT require the GRE scores to be submitted in an MSW program admissions application. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a multiple choice exam that tests skills including math, data analysis, vocabulary, critical thinking, and problem solving. However, many universities are opting out of this requirement, and instead choosing to assess a student through a method that gives a more holistic picture of their abilities. None of the MSW programs in this article require the GRE for admission. Instead, you may have to submit things like a resume, letters of recommendation, undergraduate GPA, and possibly more. This varies through each program. 

Certain programs don’t require the GRE unless you don’t meet the GPA requirement for their program. For example, Youngstown State University and University of Toledo require you to submit GRE scores if you received below a 2.7 GPA in your undergraduate program. If that is the case, you will have to have passed the GRE within a certain percentage, such as top 30%, if you want to be admitted. This is dependent on the university. Other universities may have different requirements for enrollment.

Ohio CSWE Accredited MSW Programs

University Name	City	State	Program Title	Program URL
Case Western Reserve University	Cleveland	OH	Master of Social Work	https://case.edu/socialwork
Cleveland State University	Cleveland	OH	Master of Social Work	https://class.csuohio.edu/social-work/social-work
Ohio State University, The	Columbus	OH	MSW Program	https://csw.osu.edu/degrees-programs/msw/
Ohio University	Athens	OH	Master of Social Work	https://www.ohio.edu/chsp/social-work/graduate

Ohio MSW programs with Accelerated Advanced Standing Options

There are 11 total MSW programs with an accelerated and/or advanced standing option. This includes all of the universities in previous sections. Enrolling in an advanced standing program is beneficial because it can allow you to complete your MSW degree in half the amount of time or less. Many of the universities also offer an advanced-standing part-time program, so you can pass over some of the first-year course requirements and focus on the second, more specialized year’s content instead. However, in order to qualify for advanced standing, MSW program admissions require you to have earned a bachelor’s degree in social work and have maintained a certain GPA, along with the usual application requirements. Getting a bachelor’s degree in social work gives you the basic knowledge needed to bypass some of the MSW program requirements. There is also a shorter practicum requirement if you qualify to enroll in an advanced-standing program as well. If you didn’t earn your bachelor’s degree in social work, not to worry. You can still apply for the standard MSW full-time or part-time programs.

Affordable MSW Programs in Ohio

Cost is an important factor to consider when looking at MSW programs to attend. While the cost may differ between universities, some are typically more affordable than others. In Ohio, the more accessible MSW programs are offered through the state universities. These are affordable because state universities receive funding through taxes. By simply being a resident of Ohio, you can attend one of these CSWE-accredited universities at a lower rate than private universities. These universities are equal in quality to MSW programs offered through private universities in Ohio, as they have all been accredited. 

Below are affordable MSW programs in OH:

•  Cleveland State University 
  • Tuition: $602 per credit hour 
• Ohio State University 
  • Tuition: $26,000 
• Bowling Green State University 
  • Tuition: $536 per credit 
• Youngstown State University 
  • Tuition: $5,359 per semester

Conclusion

Ohio has a high demand for social workers. Although social work can be difficult, it is also very rewarding. If you are considering this career path, you will be helping lives in your community and state. By earning a master’s degree in social work, you can increase your career and income opportunities. Individuals with a master’s degree are often appealing to employers due to their advanced knowledge and experience. An MSW may also give you the chance to become a leader in a social services organization, non-profit, or clinic. This degree truly opens up many options for those who choose to pursue it.