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Master of Social Work Online

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CSWE-Accredited Online Master of Social Work Degree for Ohio Students

Let your passion for helping others propel you to careers where you support Ohio families and communities. Get started in our CSWE-accredited Master of Social Work degree program. You can take classes online, and there’s no GRE required to apply.

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Regular Standing MSW

Format 100% Online

Total Credits 60

Program Length As few as 4 semesters

Certificate Options Yes

Advanced Standing MSW – Accelerated Format

Format 100% Online

Total Credits 30

Program Length As few as 2 Semesters

Certificate Options Yes

Advance Social Change and Social Justice in Ohio.

Prepare to advance the ideals of social justice while supporting human rights in Ohio with UK’s online Master of Social Work degree. There’s no GRE required to apply, and with our Advanced Standing MSW program, you can accelerate your classes to finish the program in 12 months—without leaving Ohio.

The College of Social Work enables Ohio students to seek a CSWE-accredited social work degree online, and our accelerated degree option allows for even more flexibility. What’s more, you can choose from multiple certificate options to customize and enrich your education.

After earning an accredited social work degree, you’ll be ready to provide impactful, research-informed support to people across Ohio. You can also develop expertise to help foster large-scale improvements to systems of care, drive social change, or lead an Ohio-based social work organization. Because our online MSW program has no GRE requirement, it’s easier to apply and get started.

Put Your Passion for Helping Ohio Communities to Work.

UK’s accredited MSW program prepares you for high-need roles available in Ohio. For instance, 10-year projections show healthcare social worker jobs will increase 16% in Ohio—faster than for the U.S. overall.1 Additionally, Ohio employs the fourth most mental health and substance abuse social workers in the nation.2

Ohio Social Work Jobs by the Numbers.

Projections for Ohio’s social work employment in 2028 are presented below.

  • Child, Family, and School Social Workers: 11,360 jobs3
  • Mental Health Counselors: 10,310 jobs4
  • Healthcare Social Workers: 8,520 jobs1
  • Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers: 7,090 jobs5
  • Social Workers (All Other): 3,340 jobs6

13% Ten-year projection for healthcare social workers in the U.S.1

16% Ten-year projection for healthcare social workers in Ohio.1

No. 4 Ohio’s national ranking for the employment of mental health and substance abuse social workers.2

Careers Details

Graduate Ready to Pursue Licensure Required in Ohio.

While earning your Master of Social Work degree online, you can build the confidence and expertise to foster change in the roles Ohio employers need most. Plus, our accredited MSW program has a focused Licensing Preparation Initiative (LPI) that uses detailed instruction and exam structure throughout your coursework that better prepares you to sit for the social work licensure exam. Our licensure pass rates surpass the national average.

Professional licensure or certification may be required to practice, advance, or specialize in social work. However, educational requirements for licensure vary by state. You can view more information on social work licensure here.

Get more information about our online MSW program’s SARA compliance.

“The MSW degree can help you upgrade your license to an independent credential in the future and make you more marketable as a professional. I recently passed my LSW exam in Ohio, and I am working with the addiction population as a counselor. Being able to finish my MSW successfully as a single mother of two while working in a pandemic was a major accomplishment for me. UK made the online program so easy to navigate, and I learned a lot.”

– Jessica King, 2022 MSW graduate
woman being hugged by child while she works at laptop

Curriculum: Make a Positive Impact in Ohio Communities.

Ohio students with a bachelor’s in social work degree can apply to our 30-credit Advanced Standing program to finish in two semesters over 12 months. We also offer a 60-credit Regular Standing program for students with bachelor’s degrees in other fields. There is no GRE requirement for either program, which simplifies the application process.

You will complete one of our multiple certificates in areas like Clinical Social Work, Child Welfare, Trauma-Responsive Practice, Military Behavioral Health, School Social Work and Substance Use Disorder, or select elective courses to complete an Individualized Plan of Study, while seeking our accredited social work degree. Each option helps you fulfill your passion for delivering ethical, effective social work practice while preparing to address a range of complex issues, such as poverty, inequality, and injustice. Plus, learn to apply the theories relevant to setting effective policies, delivering direct service, and engaging in group practice.

In addition to online courses, our MSW program offers hands-on experience for careers in Ohio through practicums guided by a faculty field professor and an agency field instructor.

Our online Master of Social Work degree program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).

Explore Curriculum

Choose an Area of Focus for Careers in Ohio.

You’ll complete either a certificate or individualized plan of study while attaining your social work degree online. Each program path includes courses that enhance your learning experience and focus on topics relevant to social work careers in Ohio.

Build a comprehensive understanding of topics influencing child welfare practice, including historical perspectives, child protection policy, and abuse intervention. Students may apply for the certificate after being accepted to the online MSW program.

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Gain an advanced level of clinical knowledge and skills including application of social work practice in a variety of clinical settings. Students may apply for the certificate after being accepted to the online MSW program.

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Gain a deeper understanding of the unique experiences of military members, veterans, and their families, and explore effective and culturally-sensitive behavioral healthcare services for this population. Students may apply for the certificate after being accepted to the online MSW program.

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Develop critical skills through study and experience to assess and intervene on behalf of children and adolescents in a school setting. Students may apply for the certificate after being accepted to the online MSW program.

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Learn treatment and prevention approaches related to substance use disorders and develop essential intervention skills through a curriculum founded on evidence-based practice. Students may apply for the certificate after being accepted to the online MSW program.

View Certificate

Create your plan of study based on your specific career goals through a selection of social work elective courses designed for your professional success. Students may apply for the certificate after being accepted to the online MSW program.

View IPS

Learn how to help individuals in their healing journeys and promote post-traumatic growth and healing. Students may apply for the certificate after being accepted to the online MSW program. Students who have a conferred MSW from a regionally accredited institution may also apply.

View Certificate

Admission Requirements

You don’t need to take the GRE or have previous work experience to apply to the online Master of Social Work degree program at UK. Admission requirements include*:

An application to the 30-credit-hour Advanced Standing program requires:

  • A Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree from a CSWE-accredited program, earned within the past seven years
  • Cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0, social work GPA of 3.5, or a graduate GPA of 3.0 (if applicable)

An application to the 60-credit-hour Regular Standing program requires:

  • A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
  • A GPA of 3.0 or above in all of your academic endeavors

Other requirements include:

  • Application Form
  • Personal Résumé
  • Two letters of recommendation
    • If you graduated within the past five years, at least one academic reference is required
    • References you provide should fit the following categories: professor, social work professor, professional social worker/field instructor, and work or volunteer supervisor
    • Please exclude personal, pastoral, and relative references
  • Four-page autobiographical personal statement
  • 250-word writing sample on an ethical dilemma
  • All transcripts from any higher education institution attended
  • No GRE requirement

*Students may apply for the certificate after being accepted to the online MSW program.

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Tuition & Financial Aid

Students in the online MSW pay UK’s in-state tuition regardless of the state in which you reside. With a cost per credit hour of $753, the total tuition for the 60-credit Regular Standing master’s degree program is $45,180*, or $22,590* for the 30-credit Advanced Standing master’s degree program.

Students can save up to 40% on tuition by taking advantage of the block tuition rate. For added convenience, the CSWE-accredited Master of Social Work degree program has no GRE requirement for Ohio residents.

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We’re here to help Ohio students fulfill their commitment to academic excellence and connect with a variety of forms of financial aid—from federal loans to scholarships and military benefits.

Note that additional fees may apply, and total tuition will depend on various factors, such as the number of credits taken and time to complete the online social work degree program. Tuition rates are subject to annual changes.

*Published tuition costs to attend UK may differ from a student’s estimated total “cost of attendance,” which includes the amount an online student may choose to spend on expenses such as housing and food, books and supplies, transportation and other personal items or activities per academic year. For further information regarding specific charges for instruction and related services (excluding other living and personal expenses), please refer to the tuition and fees page.

Tuition Details
Military man holding child

Military Student Support

The flexible nature of our online Master of Social Work degree program is ideal for U.S. military service members and veterans in Ohio. With faculty who have military backgrounds, courses specific to the issues relevant to you, no GRE requirement, and military-specific benefits like our Veterans Resource Center, our mission is to support your academic success.

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Experienced Faculty Prepare You to Support Ohio Communities.

UK faculty understand the theory behind social work and the realities of professional practice in the field. Moreover, many of our faculty are experienced, licensed social workers who bring their deep passion and professional backgrounds to the online classroom.

Attain our Master of Social Work degree online to learn from professors committed to the ideals of justice and equity in social work. You’ll also work with a field advisor to cultivate hands-on experience relevant to positions with Ohio-based organizations.

Our Faculty

Why Students in Ohio Should Choose UK Online.

Bring the Big Blue Nation to the Buckeye State

The Master of Social Work degree program at UK lets you benefit from a tradition of excellence as you build your career with confidence—all while learning online at your pace. With experienced faculty, a thoughtfully designed curriculum, and a licensure exam pass rate that surpasses the national average, we help students in Ohio graduate exceptionally prepared for real-world practice.

How to Apply

Follow these steps to apply:

  • Create an online account
  • Submit your undergraduate transcripts, letters of recommendation, and other supporting materials
  • Pay the $65 application fee

You can expect to receive a decision 2 to 3 weeks after you apply.

Get Started

Frequently Asked Questions

Have more questions about the online MSW program? Visit our Resource Center to find answers fast.

Resource Center
Yes, the online MSW program is fully CSWE accredited. This affirms our commitment to the core competencies, outcomes, and practices required by the CSWE, the nation’s premier social work accrediting body.

Up to 25% of coursework can be transferred toward either program courses or electives, with up to 15 credit hours for Regular Standing and 9 for Advanced Standing.

Yes, the online MSW program does offer virtual open houses. These events are held regularly—register to participate in an upcoming virtual open house here.

Regular Standing requires three practicum courses and Advanced Standing requires two practicum courses. Each practicum requires 300 hours over 16 weeks.

The online MSW program does not offer concentrations. However, students may choose to complete a certificate or Individualized Plan of Study along with their master’s degree to gain in-depth skills in a specific area of study. Learn more about available certificates and developing an Individualized Plan of Study here.

Sources

  1. O*NET OnLine. (2022, March 1.) Ohio Employment Trends for: 21-1022.00 – Healthcare Social Workers. Retrieved March 10, 2022, from https://www.onetonline.org/link/localtrends/21-1022.00?st=OH&g=Go.
  2. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2021, March 21.) Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2020: 21-1023 Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers. Retrieved March 10, 2022, from https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes211023.htm#st.
  3. O*NET OnLine. (2022, March 1.) Ohio Employment Trends for: 21-1021.00 – Child, Family, and School Social Workers. Retrieved March 10, 2022, from https://www.onetonline.org/link/localtrends/21-1021.00?st=OH&g=Go.
  4. O*NET OnLine. (2022, March 1.) Ohio Employment Trends for: 21-1011.00 – Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors. Retrieved March 10, 2022, from https://www.onetonline.org/link/localtrends/21-1011.00?st=OH&g=Go.
  5. O*NET OnLine. (2022, March 1.) Ohio Employment Trends for: 21-1023.00 – Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers. Retrieved March 10, 2022, from https://www.onetonline.org/link/localtrends/21-1023.00?st=OH&g=Go.
  6. O*NET OnLine. (2022, March 1.) Ohio Employment Trends for: 21-1029.00 – Social Workers, All Other. Retrieved March 10, 2022, from https://www.onetonline.org/link/localtrends/21-1029.00?st=OH&g=Go.