8 Affordable Online Social Work Degrees in Ohio

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there are about 30,000 social workers across the state of Ohio. Most are child, family, and school social workers, but there are also many healthcare social workers, as well as mental health and substance abuse social workers.

To become a social worker in Ohio, you'll need a degree; however, you can earn an online bachelor's degree in social work to obtain a career in this field. Keep reading to discover affordable online social work degree programs for students in Ohio and throughout the country.

Affordable Online Social Work Degree Programs in Ohio

Many affordable online colleges in Ohio, as well as universities, offer social work programs. We've highlighted these programs below, all of which are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)

1. Cleveland State University

Cleveland State University is a public research institution in Cleveland. It offers a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and a Master of Social Work (MSW) online through its School of Social Work.

The BSW prepares students to be entry-level social workers with courses in human behavior and social welfare, as well as field placements. In-state residents studying full-time pay $6,436.20 per semester, while part-time students pay $536 per credit.

The master's degree offers an advanced standing program for those with a BSW and a traditional program, both with full-time and part-time options. These programs cost $618.25 per credit for in-state students, although those taking 13 or more credits per semester pay a flat rate of $8,037.25.

2. Kent State University

Through the College of Applied and Technical Studies, Kent State University offers an online BSW program. Kent State is a public research institution in Kent, OH.

This program includes core social work practice courses as well as electives on topics like mental health, substance abuse, and child welfare. In-state students pay $313.22 per credit hour.

3. Mount Vernon Nazarene University

At Mount Vernon Nazarene University, students can earn a bachelor's or a master's in social work online. Both programs prepare students to be successful in their social work careers.

The bachelor's degree program includes coursework on topics like social justice and social work policy, with some in-person field education. It costs $350 per credit hour.

The online MSW program offers concentrations in behavioral health and school social work. Both have educational requirements that include advanced practicums and seminars and cost $565 per credit hour. MVNU is a private, nonprofit Christian University in Mount Vernon, OH.

4. Ohio State University

Ohio State University is a public research institution in Columbus. It offers a BSW and MSW degree online through its College of Social Work.

In the bachelor's program, coursework covers topics like social justice, social welfare, and social work practice. It also requires fieldwork. This program is $6,090 for full-time, in-state students.

The online Master of Social Work prepares students for clinical social worker licensure with a blend of synchronous and asynchronous courses. This program costs roughly $9,667.56 per year and is not available to residents of Colorado.

5. Ohio University

Through the College of Health Sciences and Professions, Ohio University offers an online MSW program that prepares students to be licensed clinical social workers in rural environments. This degree is offered as a traditional and an advanced standing program.

Ohio University is a public research institution in Athens, OH. It charges $508 per credit hour for this online degree.

6. University of Akron

Online students at the University of Akron can earn an MSW through the School of Social Work and Family Sciences. The University of Akron is a public research institution in Akron, OH, and charges $463.50 per credit hour for this degree.

This generalist program is offered full-time and part-time, with both a traditional and advanced standing track. Two specializations are available: micro social work, which focuses more on social services for individuals and families, and macro social work, which focuses on broader social sciences, social change, and advocacy.

7. University of Cincinnati

The University of Cincinnati is a public research institution in Cincinnati. It offers an online BSW degree completion program for students who already have associate degrees. This program includes coursework on:

• human behavior
• mental health
• social work practice
• substance abuse

Students are required to complete real-world field education experiences during their senior year. The University of Cincinnati charges full-time, in-state students $7,063 per semester.

8. Ursuline College

At Ursuline College, students can earn a Bachelor of Social Work online. This program offers core courses in social work practice, as well as electives on topics like substance abuse, domestic violence, and ethics in human services.

Ursuline College is a private, nonprofit Catholic liberal arts school in Pepper Pike, OH. Online learners pay $505 per credit for the school's online BSW.

FAQs About Online Social Work Programs

Below, we've answered some frequently asked questions about online social work degree programs.

How Much Does an Online Social Work Degree Cost?

The cost of an online social work degree will depend on several different factors, including:

• what level of degree or credential you're earning
• whether your school is public or private
• if you're an in-state or out-of-state student
• whether you study full-time or part-time
• what types of financial aid you qualify for

Of the accredited programs above, bachelor's degrees range from about $300 to $500 per credit for online classes, while master's degree programs range from around $460 to $620 per credit hour.

What Can I Expect from an Online Social Work Degree?

What you can expect from an online social work degree depends on the type of degree you're earning: a BSW or an MSW.

Bachelor's degree programs usually begin with core general education courses. Then, you'll move into courses for your social work major. Full-time students usually complete bachelor's degrees in four years.

These are usually generalist courses that prepare students for various career paths in criminal justice, human rights advocacy, and social services. These programs focus on the foundations of social work practice and usually include field placements.

Master's degree programs are typically designed to lead to social work licensure. Students start with foundational courses before moving on to more advanced courses on social work practice. If you have a BSW and are in an advanced standing program, you'll skip the foundational courses.

What Degree Do You Need To Be a Social Worker in Ohio?

There are several different levels of social workers in Ohio. All licensed social workers need at least a bachelor's degree from a CSWE-accredited program, and more advanced licensed social workers need a master's degree.

Additionally, the state offers a Social Work Assistant License for those with an associate degree in social services.

Find Online Bachelor's Degree Programs Today

If you're ready to start your career path in social work, check out the accredited online social work programs featured on Learn.org. Reach out to individual schools to learn more about admissions requirements, enrollment, and financial aid.