University of Kentucky Master of Social Work

Master of Social Work

• Program Description

•  

  Wildly Passionate. Exceptionally Prepared.

  Having a positive impact on people and communities starts with a passion for helping others. Make a difference with your CSWE-accredited online Master of Social Work.

   

  Social change. Social justice. Social work.

  In 12 months as a full-time student, you can complete our Advanced Standing program and develop your ability to support people from diverse backgrounds while engaging in social work that advances the ideals of human rights and social justice.

  The College of Social Work offers CSWE-accredited Regular and Advanced Standing MSW programs in several modalities: on-campus, online, and hybrid. UK’s high-quality education remains the same no matter how you access the curriculum. As a student of the program, you’ll choose to complete either a certificate in Clinical Social Work Practice or Substance Use Disorder or select elective courses to complete an Individualized Plan of Study to ensure you graduate prepared to succeed in your area of focus.

  Graduate ready and exceptionally prepared to provide research-informed support at any scale—from serving individuals directly to coordinating organizational practice. Or, explore macro-level social work and drive positive change in social policy and large-scale systems of care.

  Wherever you head next, connect with people and communities to assess needs, intervene with essential support, and evaluate your work lives.

   

  Curriculum: Built for Impact

  If you have a bachelor’s degree in social work, you can apply to our 30-credit Advanced Standing program, allowing you to complete your master’s degree faster. We also offer a 60-credit program for MSW students with bachelor’s degrees in other fields. The Clinical Social Work Practice Certificate, Substance Use Disorder Certificate, and Individualized Plan of Study are completed simultaneously with the social work graduate degree you choose.

  No matter which program path you pursue, you will fulfill your passion to ensure ethical, effective social work practice in any community or organization. Navigate complex issues like poverty, inequality, and injustice, and learn to apply the theory behind psychopathology, effective policy, direct service, and group practice. Enhance your experience with a hands-on series of practicums guided by a faculty field professor and an agency field instructor.

  Our online MSW is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).

   

  Choose An Area of Focus

  As a student, you’ll choose either a certificate or individualized plan of study to complete within the MSW. These certificates are designed to enhance your learning experience and ensure you graduate with the career-ready skills necessary for professional success.

   

  1. MSW: Clinical Social Work Certificate - Gain an advanced level of clinical knowledge and skills including application of social work practice in a variety of clinical settings.
  2. MSW: Individualized Plan of Study - Create your plan of study based on your specific career goals through a selection of social work elective courses designed for your professional success.
  3. MSW: Substance Use Disorder Certificate - Learn treatment and prevention approaches related to substance use disorders and develop essential intervention skills through a curriculum founded on evidence-based practice.

   

  Admission Requirements

  You don’t need to take the GRE or have previous work experience to apply for the MSW program at UK. Admission requirements include*:

  • Application Form
  • 3.0 minimum overall GPA
  • 3.5 social work curriculum GPA (Advanced Standing program only)
  • Bachelor’s degree in any field (Regular Standing program)
  • Bachelor’s degree in social work (Advanced Standing program)
  • Personal Résumé
  • Two letters of recommendation
    • If you graduated within the past five years, at least one academic reference is required.
    • References you provide should fit the following categories: professor, social work professor, professional social worker/field instructor, and work or volunteer supervisor.
    • Please exclude personal, pastoral, and relative references.
  • 4-page autobiographical personal statement
  • 250-word writing sample on an ethical dilemma
  • All transcripts from any higher education institution attended

  *Students may apply for the certificate after being accepted to the online MSW program.

   

  Tuition & Financial Aid

  With a cost per credit hour of $700.50, the total tuition for the 60-credit Regular Standing program is $42,030, or $21,015 for the 30-credit Advanced Standing program.

  Students can save up to 40% on tuition by taking advantage of the block tuition rate.

  We’re here to support you in your commitment to academic excellence and connect you with a variety of forms of financial aid — from federal loans to scholarships and military benefits.

  Note that additional fees may apply, and total tuition will depend on factors such as number of credits taken and time to complete. Tuition rates are subject to annual changes.

   

  Military Student Support

  The flexible nature of our online Master of Social Work program is ideal for U.S. military service members and veterans. With faculty who have military backgrounds, courses specific to the issues that are relevant to you, and military-specific benefits like our Veterans Resource Center, our mission is to support your academic success.

   

  Faculty: Learn From Experience

  UK faculty understand the theory behind social work and the realities of professional practice in the field — many of them are experienced, licensed professionals who bring their deep passion and practice experience to the virtual classroom.

  Learn from professors committed to the ideals of justice and equity in social work. Engage directly with your professors and work with a field advisor to cultivate hands-on experience.

   

  Why Choose UK Online?

   

  Join the Big Blue Nation

  Joining the online MSW at UK means joining a tradition of excellence where you can build your career with confidence—all while learning online at your own pace. With experienced faculty, thoughtfully designed curriculum, and the highest licensure exam pass rate in the Commonwealth, we make sure you graduate ready and exceptionally prepared for real-world practice.

   

  How to Apply

  Submitting an application to UK is as simple as creating an online account, submitting undergraduate transcripts, letters of recommendation, and other supporting materials, then paying your $65 application fee. You can expect to receive a decision 2–3 weeks after you apply.