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Social Work B.A.
Honors Tutorial College Program

Social Work Major

The Honors Tutorial College Bachelor of Arts program in Social Work prepares high-achieving and motivated students to positively impact society and improve the lives of vulnerable populations. This Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)–accredited program integrates rigorous coursework, individualized tutorials, field-based learning, and original research within an interdisciplinary liberal arts framework. Students explore evidence-based clinical practice, social welfare policy, and social justice issues while developing advanced analytical, research, and professional skills. Graduates are prepared for licensure, advanced standing in graduate social work programs, and meaningful careers in the social work profession.

Curriculum

Students must complete at least 120 credit hours, maintain a minimum GPA of 3.5, and fulfill all university and Honors Tutorial College requirements.

The curriculum includes:

  • A CSWE-accredited core social work curriculum integrating theory, practice, policy, and research
  • Supervised field practicums and seminars providing applied professional experience
  • Opportunities for interdisciplinary coursework aligned with students’ academic and professional interests
  • University writing, quantitative reasoning, and Honors Tutorial College seminar requirements

Honors Tutorials and Thesis

Students complete eight tutorials under the close mentorship of faculty with expertise aligned to their interests. Early tutorials complement and enrich required coursework, while junior- and senior-year tutorials emphasize research and scholarly inquiry. Two senior-level tutorials are dedicated to the development and completion of an original honors thesis. Thesis topics reflect students’ academic and professional interests and may address issues such as rural food insecurity, access to social services for marginalized populations, trauma recovery, and social policy impacts. Theses are completed under faculty supervision and must be approved by the advisor, Director of Studies, and Dean of the Honors Tutorial College.

Field Practicum and Experiential Learning

Students apply theory to practice through supervised social work field practicums and internships. These experiences provide hands-on training in professional settings and allow students to engage directly with individuals, families, organizations, and communities. Field education is an integral component of the program and supports students’ preparation for licensure and advanced graduate study.

Admissions Requirements

This is a selective admission program. Students must demonstrate:

  • Exceptional academic performance
  • Strong potential for independent study and research
  • Submission of additional essays and high school teacher recommendations
  • An interview with the director of studies
  • A writing sample that explains the applicant's goals and interest in social work


First-year, transfer, and external applicants are held to the same high standards. More details can be found on the HTC Application Page.

  • Tuition & Fees

    OHIO is committed to your lifelong success through our Guarantee+, which offers fixed tuition and fees, a graduation plan and lifelong benefits to our students. We're continuously striving to make college more affordable and accessible, while maintaining the high quality and value of an OHIO education.

  • Financial Aid & Scholarships

    All first-year Honors Tutorial College students admitted for fall semester earn the OHIO Premier Scholarship, valued at full in-state tuition and renewable for four years. Out-of-state HTC students may also earn the OHIO Trustee Award, valued at up to $7,000 annually.
     
     
    Our Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships also provides services to students and parents both in-person and remotely.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Honors Tutorial College in Social Work are prepared for careers in child welfare, mental health services, foster care and residential treatment, adoption services, healthcare settings, schools, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations. The Bachelor of Arts in Social Work qualifies graduates to pursue licensure as a Licensed Social Worker (L.S.W.) and advanced standing in Master of Social Work programs. Alumni have been admitted to top-ranked graduate programs and frequently receive competitive scholarships and assistantships.

Director of Studies

Dr. Terry Cluse-Tolar serves as Director of Studies for the Honors Tutorial College Social Work program and is also the Program Director for the Online Master of Social Work.

Morton Hall 535
cluse@ohio.edu

headshot of Terry Cluse-Tolar

Request Info

Please request application information regarding admission as a student using the form below.

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