Additional Resources
Social Work
Preparing to make a positive difference in people's lives
A Social Work major is an excellent choice if you have a passion for helping others and like the challenge of working to better the lives of at-risk populations in your community and world. Through Ashland University’s Social Work program, you will study:
- Crisis intervention
- Interviewing and ways to assess clients
- Case management
- Community organization
- Relationship building
- Human behavior
- Professional ethics
- Diverse populations
- Social policy and research
Ashland’s program, which is one of the largest in the College of Arts and Sciences, is nationally accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) at the baccalaureate level. Your coursework prepares you to take the licensing exam required to become a Licensed (LSW) social worker in the state of Ohio and many other states.
Field Experience in Social Work
Field experience is integrated into every social work course. Students complete an agency observation, interview persons who work in agencies, interview individuals and families for specific assignments, visit a nursing home resident for a semester, and attend support groups. Students also have many opportunities for Service Learning. Seniors complete a 500-hour agency placement in their final semester. They must meet field entrance requirements before being admitted to SOCWK 418 Field Instruction.
What You’ll Love About Social Work at Ashland
- Our program is very popular with employers. In the past five years, every graduate has either gotten a job or been accepted into graduate school. Most who apply to graduate school in social work have received advanced standing allowing them to complete their Master’s degree in less than the typical two years.
- There are more than 35 internship agencies affiliated with the program.
- Our graduates pass the licensure exam at a rate that surpasses both the national and the state averages.
- Our faculty members are highly experienced educators and field practitioners.
- You’ll have opportunities to earn extra academic credits through service learning.
- You will have many opportunities for agency service and internships.
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| Social Work (BSW) | Reach your goals with a career in social work A degree in Social Work opens a wide range of possibilities for you including working in: learn more |
Career Outlook for Social Work Majors
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job prospects for social workers are expected to grow faster than most other occupations. Competition for positions will be high in urban environments but opportunities abound in rural areas. Three out of 10 social workers are employed by government agencies. Employment opportunities for social workers are expected to increase by 22 percent between 2006 and 2016. 1 Learn more about a career in social work.
Watch this video:
“On Any Given Day, Social Workers Help”
National Association of Social Workers
What Our Social Work Students Say About Ashland
“I learned that every little thing a person does can make a difference in the life of another. This program really taught me what is important in life. I have a sense of pride that I was able to make a difference.”
-- Brittany Bynum, Social Work Graduate