Social Work

College of Health Sciences and Professions
Morton Hall 416
Athens, OH 45701
Phone: 740.593.1269
Fax: 740.593.0427
www.ohio.edu/chsp/social-work

Terry Cluse-Tolar, Chair

Mission

Our mission is to prepare students to serve ethically and competently as generalist social workers. We aim to educate students to utilize critical thinking and scientific inquiry to inform practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. We emphasize a person-in-environment framework, respecting human diversity and human rights while advocating for social, economic, racial, and environmental justice in underserved communities. Our focus includes a commitment to the core values of the social work profession and enhancing human relationships locally, nationally, and globally.

Programs

The Department of Social Work in the College of Health Sciences and Professions offers the following academic undergraduate programs:

Social Work (B.A.) - BA6601
Social Work (B.S.W.) - BS6605
Social Work (B.A.) [offered through Honors Tutorial College] - BA1979

Social Service Minor - OR6602

Human Services Technology (A.A.S.) - AA2344

Department Accomplishments

The Department houses Council on Social Work Education accredited Social Work (SW) programs.

Opportunities

Opportunities for professional preparation vary in the department. Social Work prepares students for entry-level staff and management positions in social service task force agencies. Social Work programs prepare students to enter generalist social work practice or pursue a clinical graduate degree in social work or a related field. Graduates qualify to apply for licensure as a social worker in Ohio and most other states.

Student Organizations

Alpha Beta Chapter of Phi Alpha Honor Society

The purposes of Phi Alpha Honor Society are to provide a closer bond among students of social work and promote high academic standards in social work education. Undergraduate students are eligible for membership after achieving the following (see below) national requirements and meeting local chapter requirements. Local chapters may establish higher eligibility requirements. The application process begins in spring semester with the deadline for applications being January 31st. A membership fee of $35 is also required upon acceptance to the Phi Alpha Honor Society. Requirements for application include:

Declared social work major
Achieved sophomore status
Completion of three social work courses (9 CR)
Submit an essay of no more than 500 words describing the reasons why you want to belong to Phi Alpha and why you are qualified to be a member of Phi Alpha (beyond the requirements for admission)
Students in the top 35% by GPA are invited to apply

Advisor:

Alicia Castro, alicia.castro@ohio.edu, Phone: 740.593.9773

Student Social Work Association (SSWA)

SSWA is open to all social work students and others interested in social issues. SSWA promotes community service on campus and in the region. The organization has regular meetings which are announced in classes and posted on the organization’s Blackboard site, as well as its Facebook page.