MSW Programs in Ohio | No GRE/CSWE Accredited Masters

If you are looking to earn a degree in social work, Ohio may be the place for you. There are many options available to you, whether you want to earn a bachelors, masters, or doctoral degree. The state of Ohio features 38 accredited social work degree programs according to the website of the Council for Social Work Education.

Out of these, 27 are bachelors of social work programs, and 11 are master’s of social work programs. Seven of them are online for those who need a flexible option. It’s important to choose a program that has been accredited by the Council on Social Work Education to ensure a quality education for your future career.

Social work is consistently in demand across the United States, and Ohio is no different. Pursuing an Ohio social work degree may lead you to a challenging and ultimately rewarding career of helping others and bettering your community.

Social Work Degree Programs in Ohio

Ohio State University

Ohio State University offers a Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD degree program in social work. These programs are intended to prepare students to take their licensing exam for the appropriate credential. The bachelor’s degree program involves a four year curriculum.

Students learn generalist social work practices through electives and courses in ethics, sociology, interviewing skills, psychology, social justice, statistics, and more.

The program also requires students to complete a six credit field practice to gain experience. Ohio State University offers students the opportunity to earn both their bachelors and masters degree in five years.

The MSW program at OSU has a variety of attendance options, including full-time, part-time, on-campus, or online. Students anywhere in the USA can take the online program.

The traditional program is 63 credit hours and can be completed in two years. If a student chooses to take the part-time program, it can be completed in three or four years. Students can choose among four areas of emphasis, which include Aging and Health, Mental Health and Substance Misuse, Child and Youth Services, and Community and Social Justice.

There is also an option for students to complete the MSW program at the same time as the social work PhD program.

The Ohio State University PhD in social work program creates social work scholars who understand how to perform research to better the field. PhD candidates study a broad range of topics including, but not limited to, environmental justice, cultural competency, human trafficking, integrative care, mental health, trauma, family systems, policy, poverty, and far more.

Ohio University

Ohio University offers a Bachelor’s degree in social work program and Master’s of Social Work degree program. Both of these programs get students involved in field practice to practice what they learned in their courses. The courses are taught by faculty well-versed in social work.

The BSW program is focused on generalist social work practice, which involves knowledge of human behavior, policy, social welfare, and the ability to intervene with a number of populations and individuals.

At Ohio University, two bachelor’s degrees are offered: one is a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (BASW), and the other is a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW). Both programs can be completed within four years, but the BASW requires the completion of four months of foreign language courses.

The Master’s of Social Work program focuses on rural clinical practice. There are five program options for students: a full-time, two year program, a part-time, three year program, a part-time, four year program, a one-year, advanced standing program, and a 100% online program.

Students who qualify for the one year advanced standing program must have previously earned a bachelor’s in social work degree from an accredited program. The social work master’s program at Ohio University will involve students in a two-semester research study and field internships to apply what they have learned.

Case Western Reserve University

Case Western Reserve University offers a Master’s of Social Work degree program. In this program, students will develop eight core abilities that are essential to social work, such as advocacy for social justice, upholding ethics and values, critical thinking, communication skills, applying social work methods, and more.

This program is ranked among the top 10 of social work schools according to the US News and World Report. There is a 60-credit standard program as well as a 36-credit, advanced standing program offered for students. Additionally, students have the opportunity to attend the school of social work part-time.

Students who are enrolled in the traditional, two-year program will complete 900 hours of education in the field, and those in the advanced standing program will complete 500 hours. Case Western Reserve University also offers a dual-degree program where students have the opportunity to earn a degree in both social work and nonprofit management.

University of Cincinnati

University of Cincinnati offers a bachelor’s and master’s degree in social work. The bachelor’s of social work is offered both on-campus and online. The program takes four years and 120 credits to complete. Students begin required social work courses in their junior year.

They will take courses to achieve core competencies that have been established by the Council on Social Work Education. Students will be linked to a local social service organization to complete their field education.

Upon graduation, students will be prepared to enter a career in generalist social work. They may also qualify for admittance into an accelerated social work master’s degree program.

The master of social work degree at University of Cincinnati offers four curriculum options: the accelerated program (offered full-time and part-time), and the standard program (offered full-time and part-time).

The accelerated program is intended for students who have previously earned a BSW from an accredited institution. Each program involves hybrid learning, where the curriculum and coursework is provided through a combination of online and in-person learning.

Students will apply their knowledge during the field education component, where they will be assigned to a local agency for 14-17 hours a week. While the length and credits to complete range based on the program, the standard, full time program takes two years and 44-60 credits for graduation.

CSWE Accredited Programs in Ohio

What is CSWE Accreditation?

CSWE stands for the Council on Social Work Organization, which was founded in 1952. This organization comprises 800 social work programs as well as professionals who are passionate about the quality of social work education. The organization accredits social work programs in the United States, and is the sole agency responsible for doing so.

CSWE Accredited Programs:

Why is CSWE Accreditation Important?

CSWE accreditation establishes high standards of education through their Commission on Accreditation (COA). Institutions with social work programs have to prove that they meet these standards in order to become accredited.

Accreditation assures students that they are receiving an education that will prepare them for their future career and for state licensure, and students will also know that their investment into their education is secure.

Additionally, CSWE accreditation may be important when graduates are looking to become employed, as many agencies and organizations wish to hire employees that graduated from accredited institutions.

Accreditation also promotes consistency across state lines, so if a social worker with a license wants to move, they may have an easier time obtaining a license in a new state.

Online Social Work Programs in Ohio

If you want to enroll in a social work degree program, but are hoping to find a flexible curriculum, then online courses might be the right choice for you. Online social work programs are a viable option for many students, and they have multiple benefits.

There are many programs that offer online programs in Ohio, including:

Cleveland State University: Bachelors of Social Work, Masters of Social Work
Malone State University: Bachelors of Social Work
Ohio State University: Masters of Social Work
Ohio University: Masters of Social Work
Union Institute and University: Bachelors of Social Work
University of Cincinnati: Bachelors of Social Work
Ursuline College: Bachelors of Social Work

What Are the Benefits of an Online Social Work Degree?

Students of many backgrounds can enjoy the benefits of an online social work degree program. Online programs offer a unique experience to those who are unable to attend a full-time format.

Some students may benefit from the flexibility of online courses because they have a full-time social work job and are going to school to increase their expertise and opportunities. Some may also have a family with children. Even still, other students may thrive in an alternative learning environment, such as their home, where they can gain information without being in a traditional classroom.

Online Social Work Degrees:

Social Work Licensure in Ohio

There are two kinds of licensed social workers in Ohio: the Licensed Social Worker (LSW) and the Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW). They each have different education and career requirements.

A LSW requires a bachelor’s degree in social work from an accredited program as well as the completion of multiple post-graduation steps for licensure. The LISW requires a master’s degree and post-graduation licensure steps as well, including a certain number of supervised clinical employment experience hours.

How to Become a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) in Ohio

Earn a bachelor’s degree in social work from an accredited institution.
Complete the LSW online application.
Pass the ASWB licensing exam.
Watch the ASWB law and rules video.
Complete the required background check.
Submit your official transcripts to the board.
Receive your LSW license.

How to Become a Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW) in Ohio

Earn a master’s of social work degree from an accredited institution.
Obtain a minimum of 3,000 hours (no more than 1,500 per year) of supervised employment experience as an LSW.
Fill out the online LISW application.
Take the ASWB clinical or advanced generalist exam for licensure.
Watch the online laws and rules video by the ASWB.
Submit your official transcripts to the Ohio board.
Complete your background check.
Receive your LISW license.

Social Work Salary & Job Outlook in Ohio

The salary for social workers in the state of Ohio can range due to many factors. These factors include the degree held by the social worker, where they are located, what kind of organization they work for, any additional degrees or certificates they may have, their length of employment, and more.

Social workers with advanced degrees may make a higher salary by being employed in supervisory roles. Certain clinical social workers may also be self employed through their own practice, which can also determine a salary. In the state of Ohio, there is an average salary that can be determined based on the degree that the professional holds.

Social Worker Salary in Ohio

According to O*Net Online, the median salary for a social worker in Ohio was about $49,150 annually as of 2021. Comparatively, the Bureau of Labor Statistics states that the median salary for social workers in the US was about $50,390 as of 2021. Below is a summary of the average salary of social workers based on their degree as of 2023.

Ohio BSW average salary: The average salary for a social worker with their bachelor’s degree is about $61,002, but this can range between 54,522 and $68,048.
Ohio MSW average salary: The average salary for a social worker with their master’s degree is about $67,534 but this can range between $61,008 and $74,493.
Ohio LCSW average salary: The average salary for a licensed clinical social worker is about 75,491 but this can range between $69,158 and $83,490
Ohio PhD or DSW average salary: The average salary for a social worker with a doctoral degree can range depending on their career. Some social workers with a PhD choose to stay in the field, while others go on to become professors (salary range: $81,922-$143,547), directors of social service agencies ($50,328-$62,557). There are also many other careers that someone with their PhD or DSW may choose to pursue, and the salaries can range widely.

Social Worker Job Outlook in Ohio

According to O*Net Online, social workers are expected to increase by 8-10% in the next ten years. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the social work careers should increase about the same amount in the whole United States at 9%, with 74,700 jobs opening up each year.

Child and family social workers, healthcare social workers, and mental health and substance abuse workers are projected to be the careers that will be the most in demand.

Popular Social Work Careers in Ohio

Each state is unique and may have different needs in their social services sector. Because of this, some social work careers may be more in demand or more popular. Ohio is no different in that regard.

Below are some of the social work careers that are more popular in the state.

Licensed Social Worker

This career typically requires a social worker with a master’s degree. In Ohio, a licensed social worker may also be an individual with a bachelor’s degree.

LSW coordinates with other staff on a patient’s team to provide a number of services to enhance their wellbeing and ensure that they are connected to needed services. They may assist with the coordination and planning of procedures and stay on top of rules and regulations. There are many jobs that a licensed social worker performs both directly to the client and with external agencies.

Salary: $69,158-83,490

Case Management Social Worker

This career may fall under many categories. A case manager social worker might be a nurse, a licensed social worker, or many other categorizations.

This type of social worker often does not require a graduate degree. A case manager might fulfill duties such as managing a caseload of clients where they coordinate their services while monitoring each individual to ensure they are receiving effective care. They may also develop treatment plans and perform intakes for new clients.

Salary: $64,000-$77,866

Hospice Social Worker

This career involves supporting families who are experiencing the end of the life of a family member.

A hospice social worker may help the families understand what the loved one will need, how to manage their own stress and finances, how to deal with crisis, and may even connect them to support. Hospice social workers also play the role of advocates to their patients and the families.

Salary: $49,767-$60,766

What is the Typical Cost of a Social Work Program in Ohio

When planning to earn a social work degree in Ohio, considering cost is an important part of the process. While tuition is different between each university, there is an average cost across the state that can help you understand what to expect from each program.

Bachelor’s of Social Work Average Cost: $50,466
Master’s of Social Work Average Cost: $52,277
Doctorate of Social Work Degree Programs and PhD programs: This cost is typically not disclosed on the website of the institution. You may wish to contact the program directly for more information. PhD and DSW programs often have financial assistance programs that can help students pay for their doctoral education, such as grants, scholarships, assistantships, and more. These opportunities are usually available to students who remain in good standing within the 4-6 years of their program.

Social Work Scholarships

When it comes to funding your social work education, grants and scholarships are an excellent option. There are many websites online that feature scholarships for many different kinds of students, including those who are in a social work program.

For example, the Council on Social Work Education provides various opportunities for social work students to apply for scholarships or fellowships. They list these opportunities on their website. Another excellent option when it comes to funding your education is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This is the primary provider of financial aid for many college students across the USA.

The application is to be filled out each year that you are in school, and determines if you are eligible for any grants or federal student loans based on a number of factors including your income. Yet another option to consider is looking into the scholarship opportunities provided by your individual school.

Many institutions provide their own financial assistance. Ways to find out more information include searching the school website or reaching out to the university directly via email or phone call.

Other scholarship opportunities online include:

Key Social Work Areas in Ohio

Social workers in Ohio are likely to find themselves employed in the mental health, substance abuse, healthcare or gerontology sector.

Nearly 25% of adults in Ohio experience mental health issues, which is higher than the national average of 20%. Additionally, Ohio decreased from the 11th to the 25th worst mental health in the nation according to Mental Health America statistics. Social workers can help this issue by coordinating mental healthcare or providing it themselves through clinical care. T

hese kinds of social workers may be employed through government mental health agencies, private therapy practice, prison, and more. They can also use their knowledge of social justice and policy to advocate for better mental healthcare. Ohio also has a larger population of individuals who are over the age of 65 (17.8%) as compared to the rest of the United States (16.9%), according to the United States Census.

This means that social workers who work in healthcare or with aging populations can support those populations and their families by coordinating care, providing emotional support, and a number of other important services. Some may find themselves working for hospitals, VA clinics, or working as a hospice social worker.

Schools in Ohio Offering Masters in Social Work Programs

Case Western Reserve University

(Cleveland, OH)

Masters in Social Work (MSW)
$40,120 Tuition Cost
$24,800 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
Urban Campus Setting

Cleveland State University

(Cleveland, OH)

Masters in Social Work (MSW)
$9,264 Tuition Cost
$5,155 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
Urban Campus Setting

Kent State University at Kent

(Kent, OH)

Masters in Community and Social Psychology
Masters in Human Development and Family Studies
$9,672 Tuition Cost
$4,590 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
Suburban Campus Setting

Miami University-Oxford

(Oxford, OH)

Masters in Human Development and Family Studies
$11,270 Tuition Cost
$5,966 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
Suburban Campus Setting

Ohio State University-Lima Campus

(Lima, OH)

Masters in Social Work (MSW)
$6,912 Tuition Cost
$1,112 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
Rural Campus Setting

Ohio State University-Main Campus

(Columbus, OH)

Masters in Human Development and Family Studies
Masters in Social Work (MSW)
$9,168 Tuition Cost
$6,665 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
Urban Campus Setting

Ohio State University-Mansfield Campus

(Mansfield, OH)

Masters in Social Work (MSW)
$6,912 Tuition Cost
$2,249 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
Rural Campus Setting

Ohio State University-Newark Campus

(Newark, OH)

Masters in Social Work (MSW)
$6,912 Tuition Cost
$1,985 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
Suburban Campus Setting

Ohio University-Main Campus

(Athens, OH)

Masters in Social Work (MSW)
$10,282 Tuition Cost
$3,923 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
Suburban Campus Setting

University of Akron Main Campus

(Akron, OH)

Masters in Social Work (MSW)
$8,284 Tuition Cost
$4,652 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
Urban Campus Setting

University of Cincinnati-Main Campus

(Cincinnati, OH)

Masters in Public Policy Analysis
Masters in Social Work (MSW)
$9,124 Tuition Cost
$5,922 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
Urban Campus Setting

University of Dayton

(Dayton, OH)

Masters in Community and Social Psychology
$32,000 Tuition Cost
$14,765 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
Urban Campus Setting

University of Toledo

(Toledo, OH)

Masters in Social Work (MSW)
$7,864 Tuition Cost
$5,561 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
Urban Campus Setting

Wright State University-Main Campus

(Dayton, OH)

Masters in Community and Social Psychology
$8,354 Tuition Cost
$3,549 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
Suburban Campus Setting

Youngstown State University

(Youngstown, OH)

Masters in Social Work (MSW)
$7,483 Tuition Cost
$4,135 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
Urban Campus Setting