Admission | MSW Online | College of Social Work

Online Application Form	Your first step is to create an account on the application network. Be sure you save your username and password, as you will need this information to revisit an incomplete application or review your completed application. Before you start your application, decide whether you will apply for the Master of Social Work’s Advanced Standing program or Regular Standing program.
Application Fee	$65 Application Fee You will pay this fee with a credit card when you submit your application.
Degree and Minimum GPA	An application to the 30-credit-hour Advanced Standing program requires: A Bachelor of Social Work (BSW or BASW) degree from a CSWE-accredited program, earned within the past seven years. Cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0, social work GPA of 3.5, and a graduate GPA of 3.0 (if applicable). An application to the 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. If your GPA doesn’t meet this standard for admission, you can still apply if you complete a Petition for Exceptional Consideration.
Transcripts	Applicants must submit unofficial transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended to be eligible for application review. Any offer of admission will be contingent upon the submission of official transcripts to the University of Kentucky Graduate School through one of the approved submission methods listed below. You can submit electronically to gradtranscripts@uky.edu or send them in hard copy to: Graduate Admissions 202 Gillis Building Lexington, KY 40506-0033
Personal Résumé	Include work and volunteer experience.
Two Recommendations	Recommendation forms will be emailed to the references you provide. These references should fit the following categories: professor, social work professor, practicum instructor, and work or volunteer supervisor. Please exclude personal, pastoral, and relative references as these will not be considered. *If you have attempted coursework at any institution of higher education within the past five years, you must provide at least one academic reference.*
250-Word Writing Sample	As AI tools become more widely available, graduate applicants are increasingly using them to support their writing. This trend raises meaningful questions about how future social workers engage with emerging technologies while upholding the values of our profession. We invite you to reflect on the role of AI in your writing process through the lens of the NASW Code of Ethics, which emphasizes specifically Integrity and Competence. Please review the NASW Code of Ethics in preparation for your response. In 250 words or fewer, respond to the following: In what ways might using AI tools to write your admissions application be helpful or harmful? How does the NASW Code of Ethics and core social work values apply to the use of AI in writing? What does your response reveal about your values and judgement as a future social worker?
Personal Statement (3 – 4 pages)	In this autobiographical personal statement, you should be responding to: Motivation for social service, social work education, and a career in the profession: State your reasons for wanting to pursue an MSW degree. Why are you applying to the University of Kentucky College of Social Work? What are your social service interests and career goals? Personal life experiences and relevant events: Briefly describe your personal history as it relates to your interest in the profession of social work. What do you consider to be your particular strengths, skills and abilities that will contribute to your success in this field? Capacities for professional social work education: Briefly describe your professional, volunteer and/or educational history as it relates to your capacity for success in graduate study in the field of social work. What characteristics, circumstances, or challenges could serve to enhance or limit your capacity to pursue graduate level education in the field of social work? Your statement should be 3-4 pages, double-spaced, and adhere to APA formatting.
AI Disclosure Requirement	The University of Kentucky is committed to the responsible and ethical adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI), consistent with the the University’s Commonwealth AI Transdisciplinary Strategy (CATS AI). Use of AI at any stage of the application process, whether for brainstorming, outlining, editing, or revising is permitted. However, you must include a brief disclosure describing how it was used in the MSW application before submission. This supports our shared commitment to transparency, integrity, and personal accountability. Applicants remain responsible for the accuracy, originality, and final content of all submitted application materials.

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 MSW 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 MSW program.

Application Fee	$75 Application Processing Fee
Transcripts	Official transcripts in English
English Proficiency	Students from non-English speaking countries must take an English proficiency test directly from the testing center: TOEFL: 79 iBT IELTS: 6.5

Students who may need to complete their practicum requirements outside the U.S. should be aware of potential additional considerations. These include working with the UK International Center, allowing extra time for partnership agreements, purchasing liability insurance, and virtual practicum requirements per UKY’s Compliance Office. Students expecting an international practicum should meet with a practicum team member to plan accordingly upon admission into the MSW Program. To request a meeting, please email coswpracticum@uky.edu, and a team member will follow up with next steps.

Transfer Credit

Up to 25% of coursework can be transferred to either program courses or electives. The maximum number of transfer credit hours is 15 credits for Regular Standing and 9 credits for Advanced Standing.

When to Apply

You can apply immediately! The Master of Social Work program offers three start dates: fall, spring, and summer. Any Advanced Standing students intending to start a practicum in their first fall or spring semester should plan to apply by the priority deadline. The application deadlines are:

Fall Semester Start

Priority Deadline: June 1
Deadline: July 15

Spring Semester Start

Priority Deadline: November 1
Deadline: December 1

Summer Semester Start

Deadline: April 1

To ensure your application is received ahead of the deadline for your preferred start, apply online or call 833-358-1721 to speak with an admissions counselor.