Master's Degree in Social Work
OVERVIEW
Who is this program for?
A master’s degree in social work is designed for individuals committed to advocating for social justice and supporting individuals, families, and communities in overcoming challenges. This program prepares graduates for careers in clinical social work, community outreach, policy advocacy, and leadership roles in healthcare, education, and nonprofit organizations.
Program Overview
The Master’s in Social Work (MSW) program prepares students to become compassionate, ethical, and effective professionals dedicated to promoting social justice and improving the well-being of individuals, families, and communities. Through a combination of classroom learning and hands-on field experiences, students gain the knowledge and skills needed to address complex social issues, advocate for vulnerable populations, and lead in diverse practice settings. Graduates are equipped for careers in clinical social work, community advocacy, policy development, healthcare, and more.
The hybrid MSW at UK includes both the 30-credit hour, Advanced Standing and the 60-credit hour, Regular Standing programs. Courses meet five times a semester in the late afternoon and early evenings to make the classes accessible to working adults. The hybrid MSW program accepts applications for the fall semester only.
At UK we believe in helping each student find the right pathway to professional success. Our highly dedicated faculty and staff are here to challenge and inspire, guide and assist you throughout your graduate student career. We are committed to your success, both as students in our Master in Social Work program and as professional social work practitioners in whatever arena you may choose to practice.
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
- Child Welfare
- Community Outreach
- Counseling
- Medical Social Worker
- School Social Work
- Substance Abuse
- 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.
FIND OUT EXACTLY
What You'll Learn
Degree requirements, course descriptions and academic policies for all programs are detailed in the University Catalog.
Admission Requirements
Please view the Graduate School's Admission Requirements. If there are Additional Requirements listed below, those program-specific requirements also apply.
Application Requirements
Please view the application requirements for the Graduate School. If there are Additional Requirements listed below, those program-specific requirements also apply.
Program Specific Requirements
Advanced Standing (30 Credit Hours)
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 advanced standing which reduces the MSW program from 60 hours to 30.
Candidates who are not admitted to advanced standing usually can be automatically considered for the Regular 60-credit program. Additionally, for students to fully engage in the curriculum, at least 1 year of previous full-time paid social work-related experience is recommended.
Regular Standing (60 Credit Hour)
Applicants who have received their bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and have a minimum 3.0 GPA in all academic endeavors are eligible to apply for the regular standing MSW program. If your past academic performance does not meet one or more of the GPA standards for admission to the 60-credit hour program, then you must complete the Petition for Exceptional Consideration, in addition to the other application components described below.
How to Apply
Required materials and more information on the application process can be viewed on the the College of Social Work's MSW program page.
Application Deadlines
Domestic Students
-
Fall
- 07/15/2025
International Students
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Fall
- 04/15/2025
Explore Funding Options
As a graduate student, there are additional opportunities for student funding. Once you are admitted into a degree-bearing graduate program at UK, you can apply for a wide variety of financial assistance, including assistantships and fellowships. These opportunities can be tied to your program’s availability, so you should inquire with your program director about opportunities available within your program!
Get Involved!
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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