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Earn Your Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) Online in Columbus, Ohio

Make lifting the local community your career with a bachelor’s degree in social work, 100% online.

Multiple classes available throughout the year. Apply today to be ready for the next cohort!

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Elevate Your Impact with an Online BSW Program for Columbus Professionals

Your heart’s already in the work. Now it’s time to build the skills to match.

If you live in the Columbus area and want to pursue a meaningful career in social work—without stepping away from your current responsibilities—Mount Vernon Nazarene University offers a flexible, fully online BSW program built just for you.

Rooted in Christian values and designed with working adults in mind, the online BSW program for Columbus working adults prepares you to meet real needs in your community while supporting your personal and professional goals. You’ll grow as a learner and a leader—without putting your life on pause.

Already have an associate degree in human services or social work? You may be able to transfer credits and fast-track your degree.

The BSW Program Columbus Students Need For Career Growth

Columbus is a city that never stops moving—and neither do the people who call it home. That’s why MVNU created an online path for a BSW program that Columbus students can fit into their busy lives, even if they are also working. 

Our fully online format gives you the freedom to study on your schedule, whether you’re working full time, raising a family, or both. Courses are a mix of asynchronous content and live Zoom sessions—so you get the flexibility you need with opportunities to connect and collaborate. You won’t feel like you’re doing this alone.

MVNU faculty bring years of field experience to the classroom, combining academic excellence with real-world perspective. They’re not just instructors—they’re mentors who invest in your journey. And because our program is grounded in Christian values, you’ll be supported academically and spiritually as you grow into a career that’s all about service.

With a strong community, a cohort-based model, and personal attention from day one, MVNU’s BSW program helps Columbus students build confidence and take the next step with purpose.

Curriculum stats/highlights

The BSW program—which is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education—is designed for students who have an associate degree in human services or social work. However, students who have earned a minimum of 56 transferable semester hours (84 quarter hours) from an accredited university and have completed the necessary social work foundation and cognate requirements are also eligible to apply to the BSW program. Students who have not completed the minimum credit requirement or foundation/cognate courses have the option to enroll in the Associate of Arts in General Studies program at MVNU to complete their remaining credit requirements necessary to begin the BSW program.

MVNU’s Bachelor’s degree in Social Work curriculum is guided by a Christian worldview and grounded in the 6 core values of social work: service, competence, integrity, the importance and centrality of human relationships, social justice, and the dignity and worth of the person. Students enrolled in either the on-campus or online BSW degree program have the opportunity to learn a multitude of subjects in addition to the required social work courses, including English composition, Natural Science, and a number of Liberal Arts electives of their choosing.

Courses

Core Courses
Credit Hours
Student Success Strategies 1
Foundations of Generalist Social Work Practice 3
Social Justice and Advocacy 3
Introduction to Statistics 3
Social Science Research Methods 3
Human Behavior and the Social Environment I 3
Social Work Practice with Individuals 3
Human Behavior and the Social Environment II 3
Social Work Practice with Groups 3
Social Work Practice with Families 2
Preparation for Field Education 1
Social Work Practice with Organization and Communities 3
Analysis of Social Policy 3
Integrated Social Work Seminar 2
Social Work Practicum 10
Introduction to Mathematical Systems 3
Health and Wellness 3
Personal Finance 3
American Politics and Government 3
Social Problems 3
Human Biology 4
Total Program Hours 46

Get the Facts

$50,390

Median Annual Salary

+9%

Job Growth

74,700

New Job Openings Per Year

Lead with Compassion in Columbus Community

Columbus is more than Ohio’s capital. It’s a vibrant, growing city with deep needs and strong communities. That makes it an ideal place to begin or grow your social work career.

The city is home to a wide range of organizations that rely on dedicated, skilled professionals to support individuals and families. With an MVNU BSW, Columbus Ohio students can complete online, you’ll be prepared to step into these roles and start making a difference, right in your own backyard.

You’ll find opportunities at places like:

  • Nationwide Children’s Hospital, a national leader in pediatric behavioral health
  • The YMCA of Central Ohio, offering wraparound social services for youth and families
  • Columbus CARE Coalition, responding to trauma with community-based care
  • Community Refugee & Immigration Services (CRIS), helping newcomers navigate life in Central Ohio
  • Public schools, nonprofits, ministries, and government programs throughout the city

In Columbus, social work is woven into every part of the community—from education and healthcare to housing, advocacy, and mental health. With your MVNU BSW, you won’t just be job-ready—you’ll be community-ready.

Why MVNU Stands Out for Your Columbus BSW

There are plenty of online programs out there—but not all of them understand what it means to truly support working adults in Ohio. That’s where MVNU stands out.

Our fully online Columbus BSW students enjoy more than a degree path. It’s a purpose-driven journey built around real life. Designed for students who are already managing work, family, and community commitments, the program gives you the flexibility to learn on your time, without sacrificing connection.

You’ll move through your courses with a small cohort of peers, building relationships and support as you go. Live virtual sessions offer space to ask questions, share insights, and engage with your professors, while asynchronous content gives you the freedom to study when it works best for you.

What sets MVNU apart?

  • A faith-based foundation that shapes how and why we serve
  • Small class sizes for personal attention and meaningful discussion
  • Experienced faculty who’ve worked in the field and are here to mentor, not just lecture
  • A community that sees you as more than a student—you’re a person with purpose

Whether you’re starting fresh or transferring in with credits from a human services associate degree, MVNU is here to help you move forward with clarity, confidence, and calling.

Meet the Faculty

Learn from MBA faculty members who know how to balance theory and practical application for a relevant, empowering, Christ-centered learning experience. Read how MVNU faculty bring this mission to life in our blog spotlight on Dr. Rachel Young, a professor dedicated to impactful, faith-driven education.

Professor Jeff Styer

Assistant Professor of Social Work and BSW Field Education Director

Dr. Rachel Young

Assistant Professor of Social Work, MSW Program Director, and Social Work Department Chair

Take the Next Step Toward Your BSW in Columbus

You’ve got the heart. You’ve got the drive. Now it’s time to equip yourself with the knowledge and support to truly make a difference.

MVNU’s online BSW program gives Columbus-area working adults and students a flexible, faith-rooted path to a career in social work. Whether you’re changing fields, advancing your role, or finally answering a calling that’s been on your heart for years, this is a place where your goals are seen, supported, and celebrated.

Ready to move forward?
We’re here to answer your questions, help you explore your options, and guide you every step of the way.

Because your story matters. And we’d be honored to be part of it.

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