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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

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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
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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.

MSW: Child Welfare Practice Certificate

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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MSW: Clinical Social Work Certificate

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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MSW: Military Behavioral Health Certificate

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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MSW: School Social Work Certificate

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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MSW: Substance Use Disorder Certificate

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.

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MSW: Individualized Plan of Study

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.

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MSW: Trauma-Responsive Practice Certificate

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.

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MSW: Rural Health and Wellbeing Certificate 

Develop a holistic understanding of rural social work and gain practical experience leveraging community strengths to overcome the unique structural, resource, and policy challenges facing rural communities. Students may apply for the certificate after being accepted to the online MSW program.

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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 Details

Your 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.

  • Child Welfare Practice: Child Protective Services Social Worker $46,390 per year3
  • Clinical Social Work: Healthcare Social Worker $62,040 per year3
  • Military Behavioral Health: VHA Social Worker $69,260 per year4
  • Individualized Plan of Study: Social Services Manager $68,110 per year3
  • School Social Work: School Counselor $59,320 per year3
  • Substance Use Disorder: Substance Abuse Counselor $53,690 per year3
  • Trauma-Responsive Practice: Mental Health Counselor $53,690 per year3
  • Individualized Plan of Study: Nursing Facility Social Worker $58,360 per year5
  • Rural Health and Wellbeing: Community Support Worker $44,956 per year6

Sources and Disclaimers

  1. Association of Social Work Boards. “Exam pass rates.” Retrieved January 7, 2025, from https://www.aswb.org/exam/exam-scoring/exam-pass-rates/.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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. 
  5. 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.
  6. Payscale. “Average Community Support Worker Hourly Pay.” Retrieved March 25, 2025, from https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Community_Support_Worker/Hourly_Rate

* 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.