Bachelor's Degree in Social Work
OVERVIEW
Who is this program for?
The bachelor's degree program in Social Work is designed for students passionate about helping individuals, families, and communities overcome challenges and improve their quality of life. Graduates gain skills in counseling, case management, and community outreach, preparing them for careers as social workers, case managers, or mental health advocates in settings such as schools, hospitals, and social service agencies.
Program Overview
As the only helping profession that emphasizes both human well-being and social justice, social workers strive to empower others to make the changes they desire in their lives and advocate to bring about social change on both individual and community levels. Social workers help communities provide maximum equality of opportunity for all; help vulnerable individuals learn to cope more effectively with their problems and needs; and seek continually to strengthen and improve the institutional systems responsible for education, justice, health, business, labor, and welfare, so that people are better served. Social workers impact all walks of life--from those who work with and advocate for the elderly, to those who work in schools with young learners.
Our Accreditation
Our Social Work program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), the sole accrediting body for baccalaureate and master’s-level social work programs in the United States and its territories. This accreditation confirms our curriculum meets rigorous, competency-based standards essential for ethical and effective practice, ensures eligibility for state licensure, and signals to employers and the public our commitment to quality, accountability, and social justice.
Related Careers
- Administration
- Adoption Advocacy
- Child Welfare
- Community Outreach
- Counselor
- Criminal Justice
- Developmental Disabilities
- Education
- Foster Care
- Gerontology
- Immigrants and Refugees
- International Social Work
- Intimate Partner Violence
- Medical Social Worker
- Mental Health Case Worker
- Non-Profit Organizations
- Public Health Outreach
- School Social Worker
- Substance Abuse
- Poverty
- Public Policy
- Veterans and Military Families
Plan to Pursue Licensure Outside of Kentucky?
If you plan to obtain professional licensure outside of Kentucky, please refer to the Licensure page to confirm whether the program meets the educational requirements for professional licensure in your state of interest.
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What You'll Learn
The Bachelor of Arts in Social Work program provides students with a strong foundation in social work theory, research, and practice, with an emphasis on social justice, ethical practice, and community engagement. Students learn about human behavior, social policy, advocacy, and methods for supporting individuals, families, and communities. The curriculum combines classroom learning with hands-on field experiences to help students develop the communication, assessment, and intervention skills essential to the profession. Expand the menu below to view a sample curriculum plan.
Degree requirements, course descriptions and academic policies for all programs are detailed in the University Catalog.
Transfer in using our KCTCS Pathway
This program has a degree pathway from KCTCS, allowing students a seamless transfer process to obtain their bachelor's degree from the University of Kentucky.
View Pathways
Get a Head Start with an
Accelerated Pathway
This program is part of the Accelerated Master's Pathways program. If you plan to obtain a related master's degree, this program can save you time and money with dual credit hours when you sign up.
Admission Requirements
- Official High School Transcript with Pre-College Curriculum: View transcript requirements on the Undergraduate Admission webpage.
- Test Scores (optional): ACT or SAT scores can be submitted but are not required for university admission.
Any "Program Specific Requirements" that display below are specific to the program and will be required for admission to the program.
Application Requirements
Completed applications include an official high school transcript, application fee ($50 domestic/$60 international) and optional official ACT/SAT score (the University of Kentucky is test-optional for admission and scholarships through the 2028-29 academic year).
Program Specific Requirements
The Bachelor of Arts in Social Work is a selective admissions program. Admission to the social work major does not guarantee admission to the professional Social Work program. Students will apply for admission to the professional social work education program after admission to UK and after completing the pre-requisites.
Learn more about the application process here: https://socialwork.uky.edu/academics/basw-program/basw-application-information/
Application Deadlines
Freshman
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Early Action
- 12/01/2025 Apply early to be considered for Lewis Honors College, scholarships, or on-campus living.
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Regular Decision
- 02/15/2026
Transfer
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Fall Scholarship
- 06/15/2025 Apply early to be considered for scholarships.
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Fall
- 08/01/2025
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Spring
- 11/15/2025
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Summer
- 04/15/2025
"I decided social work was the field for me because I learned early on how versatile and flexible my job opportunities would be if I completed my degree in this field. I have been humbled by the support of my peers and faculty and the collaboration and teamwork towards a shared goal of having an impact on our world."
Daniel Beasley, BASW Student
Class of 2019
Explore Financial Aid Options
Undergraduate degree-seeking students have access to a variety of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, work-study programs, and student loans, designed to make education more affordable.
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Students who get involved in activities outside of the classroom tend to do better academically and develop meaningful relationships with others at UK. Our network of student organizations and activities has something for everyone, from academic to professional to fun!
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