Master of Social Work Online
A CSWE-Accredited Online MSW for Utah Residents
Earn a Master of Social Work from the University of Kentucky and tailor your education to the needs of Utah communities. Our degree is flexible and customizable. No GRE required.
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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
Meet the Demand for Social Workers in Utah
The demand for social workers is expected to grow seven percent in the U.S. between 2022 and 2032, resulting in 53,800 new jobs.1 With UK’s online MSW, you can gain the education you need to support Utah’s diverse communities.
The College of Social Work offers Regular and Advanced Standing social work degrees in two modalities, including a fully online program. UK’s high-quality education remains the same no matter how you access the curriculum, and you can tailor the MSW degree for your goals by choosing from multiple certificate options.
Our CSWE-accredited MSW program enables you to serve individuals directly, coordinate social work macro practice in organizations, and contribute to social policy improvements throughout Utah. After earning your social work degree online, you’re qualified to provide impactful, research-informed social work practice to vulnerable populations in your community.
There is no GRE requirement to apply, so you’re already one step closer to starting our accredited MSW program. And with our Advanced Standing option, eligible full-time students can finish the online program in 12 months.
Launch a Successful Social Work Career in Utah
Healthcare social workers in Utah make a median salary of $68,050, which is higher than the national average.2 Utah expects to see 20 percent growth in the demand for healthcare social workers between 2020 and 2030, which is also higher than the national growth average for social workers.3 Earning your MSW from UK will allow you to meet that increasing need.
Utah Careers in Social Work
Here are four social work roles available in Utah and their employment projections for 2030.
- Mental Health Counselors: 5,390 jobs4
- Healthcare Social Workers: 1,610 jobs3
- Child, Family, and School Social Workers: 1,890 jobs5
- Mental Health and Substance Misuse Social Workers: 1,170 jobs6
20% growth Utah will see 20 percent growth in the demand for healthcare social workers between 2020 and 2030.3
53,800 new jobs The U.S. will add 53,800 new jobs in the field of social work between 2022 and 2032.1
$68,050 per year Healthcare social workers in Utah make a median salary of $68,050.2
Use Your Accredited MSW to Pursue Utah Licensure
With our online master’s in social work, you’ll have the confidence and expertise to foster change in Utah. What’s more, our accredited MSW degree was created with a focused Licensing Preparation Initiative (LPI). It infuses specific instruction and exam structure throughout coursework to better prepare 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.
Customizable Curriculum for Utah Students
Utah residents with a bachelor’s degree in social work can apply to our 30-credit Advanced Standing MSW program, an option that lets you earn your social work degree in as few as two semesters. We also offer a 60-credit Regular Standing MSW program for students with bachelor’s degrees in other fields. The Regular and Advanced Standing programs have no GRE requirement, simplifying the application process. UK’s MSW programs are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
While seeking your social work degree online, you may complete one of our multiple certificates or select elective courses to complete an Individualized Plan of Study. Our social work online program also offers hands-on experience through a series of practicums guided by a faculty field instructor and an agency field instructor in your area.
Explore CurriculumChoose an Area of Focus to Address Utah’s Needs
Our accredited social work degree program gives you the option to choose a certificate or individualized plan of study. Each path includes online courses that enhance your learning experience and enable you to thrive professionally.
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.
View CertificateGain 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.
View CertificateGain 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.
View CertificateDevelop 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.
View CertificateLearn 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 CertificateCreate 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 IPSLearn 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 CertificateAdmission Requirements
Utah residents can apply to the CSWE-accredited master’s degree at UK today—no GRE or work experience required. See admission requirements below.*
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
- 4-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.
Apply NowTuition & 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.
Learn MoreWe’re here to help Utah students fulfill their commitment to academic excellence and connect them with a variety of financial aid options—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 Student Support
The flexible nature of our online Master of Social Work degree program is ideal for U.S. military service members and veterans throughout Utah. With faculty who have military backgrounds, courses specific to the issues relevant to you, and military-specific benefits like our Veterans Resource Center, our mission is to support your academic success.
Get SupportLearn from Experienced Faculty
UK faculty understand the theory behind social work and the realities of professional practice in the field. Because many of our faculty members are licensed professionals, you’ll benefit from their deep passion and experience while seeking your social work degree online.
With our CSWE-accredited MSW program, you can engage directly with professors committed to the ideals of justice and equity in social work. You will also work with a field advisor to cultivate hands-on experience for careers in Utah.
Our FacultyWhy Is UK Online Right for Students in Utah?
Bring Big Blue Nation to Your Home State
By enrolling in the online MSW program at the University of Kentucky, you’ll benefit from a tradition of excellence, getting the support to build your career with confidence. There’s no GRE requirement to get started. With experienced faculty and a thoughtfully designed curriculum, we make sure you graduate exceptionally prepared for real-world practice in Utah. Plus, our licensure exam pass rate surpasses the national average.
How to Apply
Follow these steps to apply to our CSWE-accredited Master of Social Work degree program:
- 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 StartedFrequently Asked Questions
Have more questions about our CSWE-accredited MSW program? Visit our Resource Center to find answers fast.
Resource CenterUp 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
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Social Workers. Retrieved November 9, 2023, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/social-workers.htm.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. Healthcare Social Workers. Retrieved November 13, 2023, from https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes211022.htm#st.
- ONET OnLine. Utah Employment Trends. Healthcare Social Workers. Retrieved November 13, 2023, from https://www.onetonline.org/link/localtrends/21-1022.00?st=UT.
- ONET OnLine. Utah Employment Trends. Mental Health Counselors. Retrieved November 21, 2023, from https://www.onetonline.org/link/localtrends/21-1014.00?st=UT.
- ONET OnLine. Utah Employment Trends. Child, Family, and School Social Workers. Retrieved November 21, 2023, from https://www.onetonline.org/link/localtrends/21-1021.00?st=UT.
- ONET OnLine. Utah Employment Trends. Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers. Retrieved November 21, 2023, from https://www.onetonline.org/link/localtrends/21-1023.00?st=UT.