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College
Department
Degree
B.S.
Program Type
Undergraduate
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Social Work Program Overview
Prepare yourself for a lifetime of advocacy. By joining Ashland University’s Social Work program, you will gain the experience and education needed to serve a variety of at-risk populations.
You will master crisis intervention, client assessment and case management while gaining insight into human behavior, the structure of relationships and the organization of communities.
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Learning Experiences
In the Social Work program you will:
- Receive personalized attention in small classes.
- Learn from dedicated, innovative faculty who have extensive experience with social work.
- Gain invaluable, firsthand experience through field placements with more than 40 agency partners.
- Become fully prepared to obtain social work licensure. In 2024, AU BSW students achieved a 81.8 percent first-time pass rate on the Association of Social Work Boards, exceeding the Ohio first-time pass rate of 69.5 percent and the national first-time pass rate of 67.9 percent.
- In the past five years, more than 95 percent of graduates have received a job offer or been accepted to a graduate school within six months after graduation.
As a senior, you will complete a 400-hour agency placement working under the direction of a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) to gain experience working with clients in real-life situations.
To learn more about what you can expect in the Social Work program, refer to the Ashland University Social Work Handbook.
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Sample Curriculum
For additional information about the Social Work curriculum, review the Four-Year Curriculum Guide, Course Rotation and Academic Catalog.
First Year
Introduction to Social Work
General Psychology
Principles of Sociology
Second Year
Social Problems
Global Human Rights and Social Justice
Foundations of Social Welfare
Race, Ethnic and Minority Issues
Third Year
Social Work Practice I & II
Human Behavior Across the Lifespan
Social Environment and Human Behavior
Research Methods in Social Sciences
Fourth Year
Community Practice
Social Policy Development and Analysis
Pre-Practicum Seminar
Field Instruction
Field Seminar
Upon graduating from the Social Work bachelor’s degree program, you will be eligible to seek professional social work licensure in Ohio and various other states. Since licensure requirements vary by state, it is important to consult your state licensing board with specific questions.
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Licensure Disclosure: Ashland University’s Bachelor of Science in Social Work program does NOT meet educational requirements for licensure as a social worker in the following states and territories: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, the Virgin Islands, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of Palau. If a student's permanent residence is in one of these states or territories, they can only enroll in this program if they plan to work in a state where the AU program does meet the educational requirements for licensure. |
Dean's Scholarship
The Dean's Scholarship was created to enhance the undergraduate academic experience for new first-time and transfer students enrolled in a major within the College of Arts & Sciences. It is a merit-based, renewable scholarship of $1,500 that can be "stacked" on top of other awarded AU academic scholarships. In addition, students have the opportunity to participate in unique academic communities with a focus on career coaching and preparation.
Accreditation
Ashland University's Bachelor of Science in Social Work program has been accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) since 1987.
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Graduate Outcomes
Typically, more than 95 percent of graduates receive a job offer or are admitted to a graduate school within six months after graduation.
Past graduates have achieved more than a 90 percent pass average on the Association of Social Work Boards.
Internships and Career Opportunities
More than 40 agencies partner with us to offer internship opportunities, including:
- Mental health clinics
- Children’s services agencies
- Schools
- Hospitals
- Rehabilitation clinics
- Long-term care facilities
- Community agencies