The social work profession is booming. UToledo social work students embrace diversity and become change agents in their communities. Social justice is at the core of our program.
The profession of social work is booming. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that the employment of social workers is expected to grow 9% from 2021 to 2031, which is a faster than average growth rate than all other occupations.
If you are looking for a meaningful career that includes helping people meet complex needs with a particular focus on those who may be oppressed, living in poverty, or who are vulnerable, then social work may be the right profession for you. People who are drawn to this profession want to make a difference not only in others' lives but in the world. With a bachelor's degree from The University of Toledo, we can help you develop the skills you need to become a change agent to help others.
The University of Toledo’s accredited social work degree program prepares students to become licensed social work professionals.
UToledo's social work students gain knowledge and skills in interviewing, recording, and working with culturally diverse populations. Undergraduates study social policy and human behavior, conduct research, and gain real-world experience through field placements in social service organizations.
Social work and social justice go hand-in-hand. Our program in the College of Health and Human Services is committed to the advancement of human rights and the achievement of social, economic, and environmental justice.
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The Bachelor of Social Work Program at UToledo attracts a growing and diverse student body, providing students with strong preparation for generalist social work practice. The program includes:
Social workers help people cope with life challenges and can intervene at the individual, family, group, organization, and community levels. Social workers with a clinical specification can diagnose and treat mental, behavioral, and emotional problems. However, the social worker role falls into a variety of categories. These can include:
UToledo’s social work majors learn the professional skills to be change agents in the community to work in these settings. They are prepared to:
"The social work program has given me so much confidence and opportunity."
"Take advantage of what UToledo has to offer. I am leaps and bounds ahead of where most of my colleagues are right now in their professional development. I am a rookie, but still have people asking me questions and seeking my advice – all due, I believe, to the preparation UToledo gave to me."
"I feel ready to start this new adventure, thanks to such wonderful professors. You all care so much for your students. We are truly a social work family."
"You have provided us an educational experience that cannot be matched. You are a good example of what professionalism is about and what teaching effectively can do for students. I believe you’ve provided us with the first step in our careers by teaching us important information and by being role models."
"You have helped me so much to make sure I am ‘social work ready’ and prepared for grad school."
UToledo offers a strong, generalist-practice BSW curriculum, along with a research practicum sequence and field placements. Our students learn the theory, then apply that knowledge in research and in the field. Once accepted into the Social Work program, you will complete a personalized plan of study that is right for you.
All social work undergraduates complete two required internships at community agencies. Seniors graduate with 508 hours of field experience. These internships help our students gain confidence and build their resumes. Students are able to participate with a wide range of social work agencies among a rich network across the region that offer placements to our students. UToledo's Social Work program assists students with these placements, as students do not have to seek out these opportunities by themselves.
Completion of the BSW program meets educational requirements to apply for licensure in Ohio. Requirements for BSW licensure eligibility vary from state to state. Please reference the Professional Licensure Information page for state details.
For BSW graduates who wish to practice in a state other than Ohio, please e-mail the BSW program director/advisor Meredith Rinna, or call 419.530.4397 to discuss requirements in that state.
