Master of Social Work

The University of Kentucky's CSWE- Accredited online MSW program combines flexible online learning with a rigorous curriculum that prepares graduates for advanced social work practice. This Master of Social Work program emphasizes engaging others, uses evidence-informed intervention strategies, embraces diversity and aspects of justice while equipping students to improve communities through social change.

Options for an advanced-standing program (30 credits) and a 60-credit regular standing program give experienced social workers and passionate newcomers alike the practical skills needed to be effective in the field.

Program graduates will be able to:

• Demonstrate ethical, professional judgment in the delivery of quality practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
• Respect how diversity and difference shape the human experience and impact all levels of practice.
• Appreciate and seek to advance human rights and social, economic and environmental justice.
• Recognize the roles of quantitative and qualitative research methods and their contribution to advancing social work practice.
• Succeed as analysts, planners, advocates, leaders, and change agents in policy development and implementation within the micro, mezzo and macro levels.
• Utilize and apply social work knowledge and values to effectively engage, assess, intervene and evaluate practice at all levels.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for social workers will grow by 16 percent from 2016 to 2026. The University of Kentucky's MSW program gives students the adaptable skill set to take advantage of opportunities across the many practice areas and settings of this fast-growing, dynamic field.

The University of Kentucky's CSWE-accredited online MSW prepares students for effective advanced practice across the micro-macro continuum with diverse populations.

Admission Requirements

Applicants for the online MSW program must have an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution, do not need to take the GRE and have two program options:

Advanced Standing (30 Credit Hours) Eligibility Criteria:

• Applicants who have received their BASW or BSW from a CSWE accredited program within the last 7 years and have a minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0, a social work GPA of 3.5 and a graduate GPA of 3.0 (if applicable) are eligible to apply for the advanced standing program.
• Provide official transcripts from all higher education institutions attended.
• Three references
• Writing sample
• Personal statement autobiography
• Personal Résumé

Regular (60 Credit Hour) Program Eligibility Criteria:

• Must have an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution
• Minimum GPA of 3.0
• Provide official transcripts from all higher education institutions attended
• Three references
• Writing sample
• Personal statement autobiography
• Personal Résumé

Note: If your past academic performance does not meet one or more of the GPA standards for admissions to the 60-credit hour program, you can still apply if you complete a Petition for Exceptional Consideration.