Ohio · MSW programs by city
Best MSW Programs near Columbus, OH (2026)
Last updated
Edited by Zoe MacDougall, BS
Columbus, Ohio (population 913,175) has 1 CSWE-accredited MSW program based in the city . 5 Ohio programs also offer an online option. Every program below is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), the requirement for Ohio licensure.
Best MSW programs in Columbus, OH
Accredited programs with a campus in Columbus, OH, ranked by our five-factor model. National and online rank badges appear only for programs in the top 25 (nationally, or among online programs).
- #1 In Columbus, OH
Ohio State University, The
Columbus, OH, OH · CSWE-accredited since 1919 · Online or On-Campus
8.6
1 concentration ✓ Advanced Standing Online optionWhy it ranks here
Ohio State University, The has held CSWE accreditation since 1919, 107 years of standing as of 2026. The MSW is offered both online and on campus (Columbus, OH). It records 1 concentration (Advanced Generalist). An Advanced Standing track is available for qualified BSW holders. Students can enroll full-time or part-time. The program also offers 5 dual-degree options and 1 embedded certificate.
Concentrations
Advanced Generalist
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 10.0
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 10.0
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 5.0
- Delivery format (18%) 7.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0
Online MSW programs available in Columbus, OH
Ohio-based CSWE-accredited programs with an online option, which Columbus, OH residents can complete from home. See the full online MSW ranking for national options.
| Institution | Accredited | Adv. Standing | Natl. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Case Western Reserve University | 1919 | Yes | #29 |
| Ohio State University, The | 1919 | Yes | #43 |
| Cleveland State University | 1996 | Yes | #103 |
| University of Akron | 1996 | Yes | #107 |
| Ohio University | 2001 | Yes | #116 |
How much do social workers make in Columbus, OH in 2026?
Columbus, Ohio sits within the Columbus, OH metro area, the labor market that sets pay and demand for its social workers. Across specialties, the area employs roughly 6,680 social workers , and the best-paid specialty here is healthcare social workers at a $65,280 median. Figures are from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program (May 2025).
| Occupation | Employed | Median wage | Typical range (10th–90th) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare social workers | 1,680 | $65,280 | $46,740 – $88,380 |
| Mental health & substance abuse social workers | 1,050 | $47,820 | $36,870 – $108,870 |
| Child, family & school social workers | 3,200 | $58,460 | $46,690 – $75,940 |
| Social workers, all other | 750 | $59,690 | $39,530 – $95,560 |
| Social & community service managers (macro) | 1,280 | $79,830 | $50,680 – $123,150 |
How local pay compares
Child, family & school social workers around Columbus, OH earn a median of $58,460 versus $51,520 statewide in Ohio and $67,310 nationally. That is at or above the Ohio median.
Where do social workers work in Columbus, OH in 2026?
Columbus, Ohio sits in Franklin County. Organizations in and around the city that commonly employ MSW-level social workers include:
- Franklin County ADAMH Board and Department of Job and Family Services
- Nationwide Children’s Hospital
- OhioHealth and Ohio State Wexner Medical Center
- Columbus City Schools
- Netcare Access
Representative local employers known to operate in the area; illustrative, not an exhaustive or BLS-sourced list.
Nationally, BLS projects social worker employment to grow 6% from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations, driven by demand in healthcare and mental-health settings. Macro roles such as social and community service managers are projected to grow alongside them. See pay by role in our career guides.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025) for Columbus, OH; employment projections from the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Wages are annual medians.
What kind of social work license do I need in Columbus, OH?
After an MSW from Columbus, OH or anywhere, these are the Ohio social work licenses, per ASWB. A CSWE-accredited degree is required for each.
| License | Education | Supervised hours | Exam |
|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW) | Master of Social Work | 3000 hours | Advanced Generalist or Clinical |
| Licensed Social Worker (LSW) | Bachelor of Social Work or Master of Social Work or PhD in Social Work | — | Bachelors or Masters |
| Social Work Assistant (SWA) | Associate/Diploma (2 year degree) | — | Exam Not Required |
Source: ASWB social work licensure database. Verify current requirements with the Ohio state board before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many CSWE-accredited MSW programs are in Columbus, OH?
How much do social workers earn in Columbus, OH?
Can I earn an MSW online from Columbus, OH?
What license do MSW graduates need in Ohio?
MSW programs in other Ohio cities
Sources
- CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs for program accreditation, campuses, and structure.
- U.S. Census Bureau 2023 Gazetteer (city coordinates) and Population Estimates Program (population).
- ASWB social work licensure database for Ohio license requirements.
Last updated 2026-06-12. "Near" means a program campus within 60 straight-line miles of the city center.