Online MSW Certificates and IPS
Customize UK’s Master of Social Work to Fit Your Career Goals
100% Online
6 Certificates
2-4 Semesters*
9-15 Credit Hours
Learn More Today
Complete the form to learn more about this program.
UK’s Online MSW: Where Passion Intersects with Success
UK’s online MSW program offers six career-driven certificates plus the option to build an Individualized Plan of Study (IPS), enabling you to earn the personalized social work degree you need to pursue your career aspirations. Whichever path you choose, our CSWE-accredited program prepares you with the skills to provide research-informed support and make a lasting impact on the individuals and communities you serve. Learn from industry experts and graduate ready to sit for the social work licensure exam, if you wish to pursue clinical licensure post-graduation.
Certificate and IPS Details
- Ranks #1 for licensing exam pass rates in KY1
- Surpasses the national average for licensure pass rates1
- Delivers real-world skills in your focus area through practicum education
- Taught by instructors who combine passion with expertise
MSW Certificates and IPS
Online MSW students may apply for a certificate after being accepted to the MSW program. Courses required to complete the certificate or IPS replace elective course options and do not increase the credits required to complete your MSW curriculum.
- 3 COURSES | 9 CREDITS
Build a comprehensive understanding of topics influencing child welfare practice, including historical perspectives, child protection policy, and abuse intervention.
Course Highlights
- SW 505 Intro to Child Welfare Services
- SW 550 Child Sexual Abuse Assessment and Intervention
- One Practicum: SW 640, SW 740, or SW 741
- 3 COURSES | 9 CREDITS
Gain an advanced level of clinical knowledge and skills, including application of social work practice in a variety of clinical settings.
Course Highlights
- SW 726 Psychopathology for Clinical Social Work
- SW 728 Comparative Treatment Modalities
- SW 730 Evidence-Based Practice for Social Workers
- 3 COURSES | 9 CREDITS
Gain a deeper understanding of the unique experiences of military members, veterans, and their families, and explore effective behavioral healthcare services for this population.
Course Highlights
- SW 530 Responding to Military and Veteran Populations
- SW 738 Guided Independent Work: Military and Veteran Populations
- SW 711 Trauma-Informed Practice OR SW 524 Substance Misuse
- 5 COURSES | 15 CREDITS
Develop critical skills to assess and intervene on behalf of children and adolescents. Students will complete two practicum experiences in a school setting.
Course Highlights
- EDS 516 Principles of Behavior Management and Instruction
- SW 616 Social Work Practice in a School Setting
- SW 704 Topical Seminar in Social Work: Mental Health Assessment and Interventions with Children and Adolescents
- 3 COURSES | 9 CREDITS
Learn treatment and prevention approaches related to substance use disorders and develop evidence-based intervention skills.
Course Highlights
- SW 524 Substance Misuse
- SW 711 Trauma-Informed Practice
- One Practicum: SW 640, SW 740, or SW 741
- 3 COURSES | 9 CREDITS
Learn how to help individuals in their mental health journeys and promote post-traumatic growth and healing.
Course Highlights
- SW 510 Understanding Trauma
- SW 711 Trauma-Informed Practice
- SW 712 Advanced Trauma-Responsive Practice
- 3-4 COURSES | 9-12 CREDITS
Create your plan of study based on your specific goals through a selection of social work elective courses designed for your professional success.
Potential Course Topics:
- Trauma-informed practice
- Psychopathology
- Child welfare services
Graduate Exceptionally Prepared
UK’s online, CSWE-accredited Master of Social Work allows you to pursue a degree that’s personalized to your specific career goals by earning one of six certificate options or creating an Individualized Plan of Study. The courses within the certificate or IPS replace elective course options and do not increase the credits required to complete your MSW curriculum.
Complete the 30-hour Advanced Standing or 60-hour Regular Standing program to graduate with the skillset to deliver quality practice to individuals, groups, organizations, and communities. However you customize your MSW, you’ll graduate prepared to sit for the social work licensure exam** from an institution where licensure pass rates surpass the national average.1
Curriculum DetailsYour Social Work Values Open Doors to New Opportunities
With an online MSW from the University of Kentucky, you’ll be prepared to apply your passion for helping others toward a rewarding career. Social work employment is growing at a faster rate than average, with a 7% increase in job openings projected through 2033.2 Demand for social workers with specialized skills is increasing at an especially high rate, with positions in healthcare social work projected to grow 10% and mental health and substance abuse social work projected to grow 12% this decade.1 Explore potential job titles for each area of focus below.
Sources and Disclaimers
- Association of Social Work Boards. “Exam pass rates.” Retrieved January 7, 2025, from https://www.aswb.org/exam/exam-scoring/exam-pass-rates/.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Outlook Handbook. “Social Workers.” August 29, 2024. Retrieved January 27, 2025, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/social-workers.htm.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. “May 2023 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates: Kentucky.” April 3, 2024. Retrieved January 28, 2025, from https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_ky.htm.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. “May 2023 National Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates by ownership: Federal, state, and local government, including government-owned schools and hospitals and the U.S. Postal Service.” April 3, 2024. Retrieved January 28, 2025, from https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/999001.htm.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “May 2023 National Industry-Specific Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates: NAICS 623100 – Nursing Care Facilities (Skilled Nursing Facilities).” April 3, 2024. Retrieved February 6, 2025, from https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/naics4_623100.htm.
* Duration varies for Advanced Standing and Regular Standing.
** A professional licensure or certification may be required to practice, advance, or specialize in social work. However, educational requirements for licensure vary by state. View more information on social work licensure here. For more information on our program’s SARA compliance, please see here.