 The Bachelor of Science in Social Work is the sole undergraduate major offered by Ohio State's College of Social Work. The Social Work major prepares students to become licensed social workers upon graduating and passing a mandatory state licensure exam. Students study social work theory and principles and develop the techniques and skills necessary to be competent and ethical social workers. Some of these skills include linking people with appropriate community-based resources, providing counseling to individuals, families, and groups, advocating for others, and being an instrument of change in the legislative process. Social work majors have the opportunity to refine their knowledge and skill both in the classroom setting and through internship experience. Students study ethical principles and professional judgment, critical thinking techniques, diversity, social and economic justice, human behavior, public policy, evidence-based practice and research, and a variety of treatment models involving engagement, assessment, intervention, and evaluation. Social work majors can specialize by taking electives in areas such as aging, cross-cultural social work, health care, international social work, justice and corrections, mental health, and poverty and homelessness. During the last year of the Social Work major, students intern at a local agency, allowing them to synthesize classroom knowledge and practical experience. The College of Social Work at Ohio State has relationships with hundreds of agencies in the state of Ohio, including mental health and chemical dependency agencies, schools, hospitals, government, corrections, and settlement houses. Licensed social workers work in a variety of settings, including aging and gerontology, child and family welfare, developmental disabilities, domestic violence, health care, homelessness, justice and corrections, mental health, public policy, school social work, and chemical dependency. Social work graduates may also pursue graduate studies, such as the Master of Social Work program, which can lead to certification as a licensed independent social worker in the state of Ohio. Admission to the Social Work major is competitive and application based, and requires the completion of certain prerequisite coursework. Applicants must be able to demonstrate personal and professional readiness to be able to work with clients, and they must reflect a commitment to service with other individuals, groups, and communities in need. Eligible students typically apply during their second year. Social work also has a pre-major option for interested students who are in the process of completing requirements to apply to the full major. Students who have an OSU GPA of at least a 2.0 and have completed at least 12 hours at Ohio State are eligible to switch into the pre-major.