Program Overview

---

Master's Degree (MSW) in Social Work

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.

Program Overview

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.

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.

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

Credential

MSW

Tuition / Credit Hour

• Resident: $825.50
• Non-Resident: $2,060.50

Cost of Attendance

Refer to the University Catalog for detailed information on degree requirements, course descriptions, and academic policies.

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.

Admission Requirements

Please view the Graduate School's Admission Requirements. If there are Program Specific Requirements listed below, those will also apply.

Application Requirements

Please view the application requirements for the Graduate School. If there are Program Specific Requirements listed below, those will 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.

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.

Application Deadlines

Domestic Students

• Fall: 07/15/2026

International Students

• Fall: 04/15/2026

Online Option Available

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.