Military Behavioral Health Certificate
Support Military Personnel and Their Families
The Military Behavioral Health Certificate enhances your ability to provide effective and culturally-sensitive behavioral healthcare services to veteran and military populations.
Learn More Today
Complete the form to learn more about this program.
Program Highlights
online
certificate courses
total certificate credit hours
Provide Behavioral Health Services to the Military Community
The Military Behavioral Health Certificate explores the unique experiences of military members, veterans, and military families. Through online study, you will build an understanding of the resources, support structures, ethical considerations, and emerging trends in military social work.
In addition to coursework taught by expert faculty, you’ll gain real-world behavioral health experience through an independent study project and the completion of an electronic portfolio. You will also choose one elective course to fulfill the requirements for this certificate, allowing for a more personalized course of study. Combined, these requirements prepare graduates to provide support services through evidence-based treatment.
Students may apply for the certificate after being accepted to the online MSW program.
Please note, Federal Title IV financial aid is only available for certificate courses when they are taken as a part of a degree-seeking program.
Join the Growing Field of Military Social Work
Graduates who complete the Military Behavioral Health Certificate may find employment in a range of careers serving military populations, including substance use treatment, mental health counseling, and suicide prevention. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for counselors in mental health, substance abuse, and behavioral disorders is expected to grow 23% by 2030, which is much faster than average.1
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.
Careers and Salaries
Apply Evidence-Based Practices to Military Social Work
The Military Behavioral Health Certificate curriculum is designed to build your understanding of the unique experiences of military members, veterans, and military families. This program’s rigorous coursework will familiarize you with the resources and evidence-based treatments available to this population.
Military Behavioral Health Certificate (12 credit hours)
- SW 530 Responding to Military and Veteran Populations (3)
- SW 738 Guided Independent Work: Military and Veteran Populations (3)
- FAM 600 Working with Military Families (3)
- Qualified Elective Course (3)
The courses within the certificate replace elective course options and do not increase the credits required to complete your MSW curriculum.
Learn more about the courses required for this certificate on our courses page.
Choose An Area of Focus
As a student, you’ll choose either a certificate or an individualized plan of study to complete within the MSW. These certificates are designed to enhance your learning experience and ensure you graduate with the career-ready skills necessary for professional success.
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 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 CertificateWhy Choose UK Online?
Join the Big Blue Nation
Joining the online MSW at UK means joining a tradition of excellence where you can build your career with confidence—all while learning online at your own pace. With experienced faculty, thoughtfully designed curriculum, and high licensure exam pass rates, we make sure you graduate exceptionally prepared for real-world practice.
How to Apply
Submit an application to UK in three simple steps:
- Create an online account.
- Submit your application and supporting documents.
- Pay the $65 application fee.
You can expect to receive a decision 2–3 weeks after you apply.
Get StartedFrequently Asked Questions
Earning your degree online with the University of Kentucky College of Social Work is a big step — but we’re here to support you along the way. Below, you’ll find frequently asked questions about the College and the online Master of Social Work program. If you have additional questions, call 833-358-1721 to speak with an Admissions Counselor.
Yes, all certificate programs require an application. Students must submit an application through the Graduate School’s application portal. Contact us for more information.
The certificates are completed as a part of the Master of Social Work program. Full-time students can complete the Advanced Standing program in two semesters and the Regular Standing program in 4 semesters in an accelerated format. Part-time students can complete the Advanced Standing program in two years and the Regular Standing program in three years. Accelerated completion options are available with program director approval.
The certificate programs provide a versatile credential that allows you to qualify for a myriad of roles in a variety of settings through career-ready skills that immediately apply to your chosen area of focus.
All certificate programs are offered online and through a hybrid format.
To see full curriculum details, please visit the MSW courses page.