The Ohio State University

MSW Special Programs

• Aging
• School Social Work

• Joint Masters Degree in Social Work and City and Regional Planning
• Joint Masters Degree in Social Work and Public Policy and Management
  
  

Graduate Interdisciplinary Specialization in Aging

The Graduate Interdisciplinary Specialization in Aging is a University-wide program that provides graduate and professional students the opportunity to expand their knowledge, skills, and attitudes to meet the needs of our nation’s growing older adult population. 

Students must apply to enroll in the program and must satisfactorily complete at least 21 hours of graduate course work from the Master List of Courses, which includes:

• Nine (9) credit hours from the core curriculum,
• Courses from two or more graduate programs outside the student’s major program,
• Up to six (6) credit hours may be in approved independent study from the Master List of Courses.

The required core curriculum, an integrated series of four courses, focuses on basic components of gerontology shared by many professions.  Students then choose from a wide range of elective courses to complete the 21-hour requirement. Successful completion of the Specialization in Aging is noted on students’ transcripts.

Learn more about the Graduate Interdisciplinary Specialization in Aging at http://www.medicine.osu.edu/geriatrics/54.cfm, or contact Linda Mauger, Office of Geriatrics and Gerontology, at 614-293-8031, or mauger.10@osu.edu.

Certification in School Social Work

To be employed as a social worker in Ohio Schools, the social worker must be certified as a "school social worker" by the Ohio Department of Education. As per current legislative mandate, persons seeking certification as a school social worker must have an MSW degree and have satisfactorily completed a school social work program approved by the Ohio Department of Education. The school of social work program of the College of Social Work is approved by the Ohio Department of Education.

In addition to the satisfactory completion of the courses required of all MSW students, those seeking certification as a school social worker from ODE must complete the following: (1) all the required courses for the clinical concentration; (2) SW713 - Social Work Practice in the Schools; (3) SW741.D09 - Clinical Social Work Practice with the Young Child or SW741.F09 - Clinical Social Work Practice with the Adolescent; (4) EDU PAES650 - Introduction to Exception Children; (5) SW750.XX Advanced Policy Course in Mental Health, Health or Child Welfare and (6) a second year field practicum (minimum of three quarters) in an approved school setting.

It is important to note that under current legislative mandate, a social worker who has completed the courses outlined above cannot be certified as a school social worker unless they have completed the required experience as a "professional" in a school. Thus, students interested in school social work as an option need to explore this area of study early in their academic career in the college.

Joint Masters Degree in Social Work and City and Regional Planning

Students in social work and city and regional planning both share a common interest in the impact of community and the environment upon the well-being of individuals. Students in each discipline acquire knowledge and skills in community theory and practice interventions in macro settings. Health, safety, and the ability to live well in today's urban environment are the domain of both professions. A combined degree allows students to acquire the skill and practice experience of both disciplines and to apply that combination of skills in communities.

Joint Masters Degree in Social Work and Public Policy and Management

Students in this dual curriculum earn both the MSW and an M.A. in Public Policy and Management. Students must meet the admission requirements of both programs. Additional information can be obtained from the School of Public Policy and Management