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B.A. in Social Work Online: Admission Requirements

Students must be admitted to the University of Kentucky as a Social Work major prior to submitting this application. Social Work students collaborate with their academic advisor to determine when they are ready to apply to the Professional Social Work Education program. If you are a prospective freshman or transfer student, please review the University of Kentucky admission information. Incomplete applications will not be processed. Note that there is a $50 application fee to apply to UK.

Online Application Form Apply Now
Application Deadlines
  • August 1 for Fall semester
  • December 1 for Spring semester
Minimum GPA2.5 or higher on all college work
TranscriptsTranscripts from all completed courses and previously attended institutions
Personal EssayIn 500-750 words, complete the following:

You’ve made a decision to become a professional social worker, as such the College of Social Work wants to know more about you and your readiness for your social work education and practice. In a short (no more than 5 paragraphs) essay, answer each of the following prompts. Where appropriate, you may use first-person language. Additionally, where appropriate please use citations in APA formatting. As you write, please remember It is important for social workers to be able to engage in self-reflection, an expected component behavior of professional behavior, but in a way that is primarily grounded in academic content and not a means to solely share personal experiences. We recommend that you review the COSW BASW handbook prior to completing your essay.
  • Articulate your understanding of social work as a profession.
  • Identify and explain the personal qualities, strengths, abilities, and/or skills that equip you to be a successful BASW student & professional social worker.
  • Additionally, identify those areas in which you foresee a need for personal growth and development to become successful in both the academic program and the profession.

Essay Evaluation Criteria
  • The degree to which your essay demonstrates an understanding of social work.
  • Your ability to effectively communicate your ideas through writing.
  • Appropriate use of APA style, including formatting and citations.

Please Note: It is recommended that you use spell check and proofread your essay prior to submitting the application.
Additional Program Admission Requirements
  • A grade of B or better in both SW 124 (or equivalent) and SW 222 (or equivalent), or a grade of B or better in SW 322 (or equivalent)
  • A grade of C or better in PSY 100, SOC 101, BIO 103, and PS 101

Request more information or a consultation

You’re likely to have questions as you make your decision about pursuing an online degree. From program information to application process details, we’re here to help you find the answers you need.

International Students

International students applying to the online Bachelor of Arts in Social Work program need to meet certain additional requirements. International students are not eligible for an I-20 for F-1 status or DS-2019 for J-1 students status based on enrollment in the online BASW program. Note that there is a $75 application fee for international students to apply to UK.

TranscriptsOfficial transcripts in English
English ProficiencyStudents from non-English speaking countries must take an English proficiency test directly from the testing center:

Transfer Credits

Students can transfer up to 67 credit hours from a two-year institution. However, they must complete at least 30 credit hours at the University of Kentucky.

Kentucky Community & Technical College System Transfer Pathway (KCTCS)

The University of Kentucky is proud to welcome KCTCS students as part of the Wildcat family! The UK Transfer Center provides personalized, continued support for KCTCS students while at KCTCS and upon transfer to UK. Find out more here.

When to Apply

Thank you for your interest in earning your Bachelor of Arts in Social Work online. With three start dates per year, you can fit the course schedule around your personal and professional obligations.

Apply here or call 833-358-1721 to learn more.