Rural Health and Wellbeing Certificate
Positively Impact Care in Rural Communities
The Rural Health and Wellbeing Certificate deepens your understanding of strategies for overcoming the unique challenges facing rural communities.
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Program Highlights
online
certificate courses
total certificate credit hours
Overcome Obstacles in Underserved Populations
The Rural Health and Wellbeing Certificate provides an in-depth examination of how biases and systemic barriers affect social work in underserved communities. Instruction by supportive faculty enhances your knowledge of the responsibilities of rural social workers and empowers you with creative strategies for overcoming resource scarcity.
Flexible online coursework increases your cultural awareness and develops your ability to identify harmful stereotypes surrounding rural populations. You’ll benefit from advanced practicum that builds real-world experience with social work in rural areas. Upon graduation, you’ll be prepared to positively impact service delivery through advocacy and community engagement.
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 part of a degree-seeking program.
Meet the Rising Demand for Rural Social Workers
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for counselors, social workers, and other community and social service specialists is expected to experience above average growth of 9% by 2033.¹ Graduates of the Rural Health and Wellbeing Certificate program can serve their communities in a variety of different roles, including clinical social worker, community support worker, rural social worker, and more.
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
Learn a Capacity-Based Approach to Rural Social Work
The Rural Health and Wellbeing Certificate curriculum utilizes a holistic, capacity lens framework to advance your knowledge of the social, resource, and policy challenges rural communities face. Students also gain rural social work expertise through a field-based practicum experience.
Rural Health and Wellbeing Certificate (9 credit hours)
- SW 541 Rural Social Work Practice (3)
- SW 540 Intersectionality of Health and Mental Health in Rural Wellbeing (3)
- SW 640* Foundation Practice (3) OR
- SW 740* Advanced Practicum I (3) OR
- SW 741* Advanced Practicum II (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.
*Students complete either SW 640, SW 740 or SW 741.
Choose An Area of Focus
As an MSW student, you’ll choose either a certificate or an individualized plan of study to complete within the degree program. These certificates are designed to enhance your learning experience and ensure you graduate with the career-ready skills necessary for professional success.
View All CertificatesWhy 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.
No, there is no entrance exam requirement.
Licensure pass rates are among the highest in the state of Kentucky, and surpass the national average.
Students can complete the MSW fully online or in a hybrid format. There is not an a fully on-campus option.
All certificate programs are offered online and through a hybrid format.
To see full curriculum details, please visit the MSW courses page.
Yes, students can take fewer than 9 credit hours per semester for part-time status.