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.

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 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. 

The online MSW Advanced Standing program can be completed in two semesters, while the Regular Standing program can be completed in 4 semesters with an accelerated format.

You have up to 6 years to complete the online MSW program.

Yes, you can take the program full time. Full-time status for graduate students is considered 9 credit hours or more per semester.

Yes, students can take fewer than 9 credit hours per semester for part-time status.

The cost per credit is $753. Students who take 9 or more credits per semester will have a block tuition rate of $6,761 per semester. Published tuition costs to attend UK may differ from a student’s estimated total “cost of attendance,” which includes the amount an online student may choose to spend on expenses such as housing and food, books and supplies, transportation and other personal items or activities per academic year. For further information regarding specific charges for instruction and related services (excluding other living and personal expenses), please refer to the tuition and fees page.

Yes, there are scholarships available for students completing the online MSW program. Learn more about scholarship opportunities here.

Tuition for the Regular Standing program is $45,180, and Advanced Standing tuition is $22,590 based on a part-time course load. Students can greatly reduce tuition costs by taking nine or more credit hours per semester at a block tuition rate of $6,761 per semester. Published tuition costs to attend UK may differ from a student’s estimated total “cost of attendance,” which includes the amount an online student may choose to spend on expenses such as housing and food, books and supplies, transportation and other personal items or activities per academic year. For further information regarding specific charges for instruction and related services (excluding other living and personal expenses), please refer to the tuition and fees page.

Most fees are included within tuition costs. However, there may be additional costs for textbooks, etc. Published tuition costs to attend UK may differ from a student’s estimated total “cost of attendance,” which includes the amount an online student may choose to spend on expenses such as housing and food, books and supplies, transportation and other personal items or activities per academic year. For further information regarding specific charges for instruction and related services (excluding other living and personal expenses), please refer to the tuition and fees page.

Yes, the online MSW program is fully CSWE accredited. This affirms our commitment to the core competencies, outcomes, and practices required by the CSWE, the nation’s premier social work accrediting body.

No, there is no entrance exam requirement.

Complete the online application and provide:

• Transcripts from all schools attended
• Resume
• $65 Application fee
• Two letters of recommendation
  • If you graduated within the past five years, at least one academic reference is required.
  • References you provide should fit the following categories: professor, social work professor, professional social worker/field instructor, and work or volunteer supervisor.
  • Please exclude personal, pastoral, and relative references.
• 4-page autobiographical personal statement
• 250-word writing sample on an ethical dilemma

Previous full-time, paid social work-related experience is recommended, but not required for students applying to the Advanced Standing online MSW program.

Yes, students can transfer credits according to the guidelines for the program.

Up to 25% of coursework can be transferred toward either program courses or electives, with up to 15 credit hours for Regular Standing and 9 for Advanced Standing.

• Undergraduate Cumulative GPA: 3.0
• Social Work GPA (if applicable): 3.5
• Graduate GPA (if applicable): 3.0

A 3.0 cumulative GPA is required; however, students can petition to appeal if there is a significant reason why the GPA falls below that requirement.

For Regular Standing, students need:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• 3.0 cumulative GPA on all undergraduate and graduate coursework (if applicable)
• Transcripts from all prior higher education coursework
• Personal Resume
• 2 Letters of Recommendation
  • If graduated within 5 years, one must by from an academic reference
• Writing Sample (prompt given)
• Personal Statement (prompt given)

For Advanced Standing, in addition to the items above, applicants need:

• BASW or BSW from a CSWE accredited program within the last seven years
• Social Work GPA of 3.5

The start dates for the online MSW program change each year. To learn more about upcoming start dates, call 833-358-1721.

Yes, the online MSW program does offer virtual open houses. These events are held regularly—register to participate in an upcoming virtual open house here.

There are 60 credits for the Regular Standing Online MSW, or 30 for Advanced Standing.

There are ten courses required for the online MSW Advanced Standing program and 20 for the Regular Standing program. Learn more about the curriculum here.

The online MSW program does not offer concentrations. However, students may choose to complete a certificate or Individualized Plan of Study along with their master’s degree to gain in-depth skills in a specific area of study. Learn more about available certificates and developing an Individualized Plan of Study here.

No, the online MSW program does not follow a cohort model. You can choose the courses you take each term.

Students can complete the MSW fully online or in a hybrid format. There is not an a fully on-campus option.

No, there is not a residency component to this online program.

The online MSW launched in 2019, and UK’s social work programs have been offered on campus for more than 80 years.

Regular Standing requires three practicum courses and Advanced Standing requires two practicum courses. Each practicum requires 300 hours over 16 weeks.

Many of our faculty members are experienced, licensed professionals who bring their practice experience to the virtual classroom.

Licensure pass rates are among the highest in the state of Kentucky, and surpass the national average.

Yes, the online MSW will prepare students for licensure, but remember that each state has different policies that should be referenced.

The University of Kentucky is located in Lexington, Kentucky.

Yes! Find out more about visiting campus here.

The University of Kentucky is dedicated to improving people’s lives through excellence in education, research and creative work, service, and health care. Learn more about our mission here.

We have a large and diverse student body consisting of 22,000 undergraduate learners and 7,000 graduate students, both on-campus and online.

The University of Kentucky is regularly listed in many “top” or “best of” categories by national publications or organizations, including U.S. News & World Report, National Research Council, and Military Times. See more rankings here.

No; UK online graduates earn the same diploma as on-campus students.

While not required, we certainly encourage all graduates to participate in commencement ceremonies.

No, you will earn the same diploma as our on-campus students.

The University of Kentucky is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, baccalaureate, masters, and doctoral degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097, call 404-679-4500, or visit (www.sacscoc.org) for questions about the accreditation of the University of Kentucky.

Yes, the University of Kentucky is regionally accredited.

The University of Kentucky was founded in 1865.

The University of Kentucky values teaching and learning, diversity and inclusion, discovery, research and creativity, promotion of health, and deep community engagement. Read more about our Strategic Vision here.

Regionally accredited higher education institutions are predominantly academically oriented, non-profit institutions. Nationally accredited schools are primarily for-profit and offer vocational, career, or technical programs. The type of accreditation your school has is especially important if you are looking at transferring credits or your degree.

Yes. We offer online Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (BASW), Master of Social Work (MSW) and Doctor of Social Work (DSW) programs. Learn more about our online programs here.

A hybrid MSW delivery option is available; however, students in the online MSW program are only allowed to take online classes at this time.

The BASW and DSW programs are not available in a hybrid format at this time. The BASW is available in either on-campus or online formats, and the DSW is online only. Call or complete this form to learn more.

Yes, and UK is also the proud recipient of three diversity awards. Read more here.

Yes, the University of Kentucky offers job placement opportunities. Career exploration and job search tools can be found here.

At this time, UK does not provide credits for work experience.

No. The online BASW, MSW and DSW programs do not provide visa sponsorship.

A virtual open house includes webinars hosted by our program director or other faculty. They provide an overview of the online program, career paths and outcomes plus Q&A. Register for a virtual open house here.

Work experience requirements vary by program.

The BASW program does not require any previous work experience.

Previous full-time, paid social work-related experience is recommended, but not required for students applying to the Advanced Standing online MSW program.

For the DSW program, a minimum of two years social work/human service practice experience (preferably post-MSW) is required.

Admission application packets are reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the year for admission to one of three semesters (Spring, Summer, and Fall) for the online BASW and MSW programs.

Note that the online DSW program is only accepting students into the Summer term. Speak to an admissions counselor for upcoming dates.

For the MSW program, up to 25% of coursework can be transferred toward program courses or electives (up to 15 credit hours for regular standing and up to 9 for advanced standing). The online BASW accepts up to 67 transfer credits from a regionally accredited institution. Students may request a total of 9 hours be transferred into the DSW program. Speak to an admissions counselor for more details.

Your first step toward application is to create a free online account. Click here to read more about how to apply.

If you have any questions, call 833-358-1721 to speak with a knowledgeable admissions counselor or complete a request for more information.

Once you have submitted your complete application file, it typically takes 4–6 weeks to receive an admissions decision.

The University of Kentucky is committed to accessible education. Contact the UK Disability Resource Center via e-mail or web. You can find more resources here.

In addition to completing the online application, you will need to prepare application materials including a resume, official and unofficial transcripts, two letters of recommendation, a four-page writing sample, and a two-page statement of purpose. Read more about the application process here.

You can begin your application with any of the materials, however your application will not be ready for review until all application materials have been submitted and your file is complete.

We are not offering application fee waivers at this time. To be notified of any future fee waivers, speak to an admissions counselor at 833-358-1721.

Applicants are typically notified of their acceptance decision in about 4–6 weeks after submission.

Generally no, but cases can be reviewed on an individual basis. Please contact your Admissions Counselor for more information.

If you do not currently meet the admission requirements for either the BASW or MSW programs and would like to petition for exceptional consideration, you may do so through an online form.

BASW Petition for Exceptional Consideration.

MSW Petition for Exceptional Consideration.

Application deadlines vary from term to term but are typically about 4 weeks prior to the term start date. We highly recommend you submit your application as soon as possible within your admissions cycle.

The University of Kentucky’s physical campus is based in Lexington, Kentucky.

No; graduates of the online program receive the same degree as their hybrid counterparts. There is no difference in the diploma, and modality (online or hybrid) is not mentioned.

Yes. Each degree program is built with the same academic rigor and considers the latest career trends.

Courses offered during the Fall and Spring semesters are 16 weeks, while the Summer session courses are 8 weeks in length.

In an online program, you will interact with faculty and peers through discussions, chats, email, and other modes of communication.

Yes; you will have the support of your faculty, peers, and a support team of enrollment counselors, academic advisors, and more. Online coursework at the University of Kentucky is built with the flexibility you need to incorporate your education into your schedule.

Yes, students may contact the Canvas Student Support Hotline at 1-844-480-0838.

For technical support, students can contact University of Kentucky Information Technology Services. For technical assistance in the MSW fully online courses only, please contact the Personal Support Center (PSC), which is available 24/7 at 1-833-358-1721 or via email.

Yes, financial aid may be used for textbooks and cost-of-living expenses. Find out more information regarding financial assistance here.

Your employer might offer tuition reimbursement to help you cover part or all of your educational costs. The first step is to ask your manager or your HR department if this is an option for you.

FAFSA® is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid — a form you will complete to determine eligibility for categories of government-based student aid such as work-study jobs, grants, and scholarships (neither of which require repayment) as well as loans (which need to be repaid). Sallie Mae loans are private loans offered through the Sallie Mae Bank or a lender partner.

Published tuition costs to attend UK may differ from a student’s estimated total “cost of attendance,” which includes the amount an online student may choose to spend on expenses such as housing and food, books and supplies, transportation and other personal items or activities per academic year. For further information regarding specific charges for instruction and related services (excluding other living and personal expenses), please refer to the tuition and fees page. You will be provided a book list for every course so that you can rent, buy, or borrow required textbooks.

Your first step is to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) here. When you apply, use the University of Kentucky’s Title IV code: 001989.

Read more about applying for financial aid here.

Learn more about options to finance your education here.

The University of Kentucky’s FAFSA/Title IV code is 001989.

If you have any questions regarding tuition and financial aid, please request more information or call to speak with an admissions counselor.

We provide tuition benefits for military members and their families, resources for communicating with the V.A., assistance with the transition to an academic environment, and other resources. Learn more about military benefits here.

The University of Kentucky is here to ensure your application process and transition to campus is a smooth one. Veterans receive a waived application fee, access to a veterans-only campus orientation class, and individualized assistance applying for V.A. benefits. Active duty military students receive in-state tuition if stationed at Fort Knox or Fort Campbell, plus in-state tuition if enrolled in an online program AND using GI Bill benefits. Learn more about military benefits here.

The University understands the important role that family members play in the support and success of our veterans. The Veterans Resource Center extends its services to those family members in order to assist them in reaching their academic goals. Read more about the benefits for family members here.

Yes; you can participate in your online program from wherever you need to be. You can also pursue readmission for military-related absence — read more here.

If you are a veteran, use the Find a Form link, search and complete VA Form 22-1990, Application for VA Education Benefits. The VA will send a COE via mail in about 8 weeks.

To access your Certificate of Eligibility (COE), please sign in to your account. Once you log in to your account, you can make this request. You will only be able to view the benefit if you were awarded educational benefits.

Go to the VA’s education application page and follow their instructions.

You don’t. The Yellow Ribbon is part of the Post-9/11 GI Bill and is automatically applied if your tuition costs exceed the maximum state cap for tuition reimbursement and you qualify for the Post-9/11 GI Bill at the 100% rate.

You can apply for grants, scholarships, and federal financial aid.

You can also apply for federal student aid. University of Kentucky’s Federal school code is 001989.

Yes, you can. We are required to report the net tuition cost to the VA after applying grants, scholarships, discounts, etc., that apply to tuition. The balance is what VA will pay under chapter 33.

Request and provide an official copy of your JST or CCAF transcript during the admissions process, along with your prior college transcripts and high school transcripts so they can be evaluated.

You can order your transcripts using the appropriate military branch link below. Please note that you will likely be prompted to manually accept the DoD’s security certificates.

• Army, Navy, Coast Guard, Marines
• Air Force

It is possible. If you’re authorized to use more than one GI Bill benefit, you’re allowed to use up to 48 months of benefits, but one at a time. If you have used your entire chapter 30 and have never used a different chapter (31, 32, 34, 35, 1606, or 1607), you could be eligible for an additional 12 months if you have not reached your delimiting date.

No. You will not receive a W-2 from the VA, and benefits paid under any law administered by VA should not be reported as income to the IRS.

Please contact our VA Certifying Official, Amy Southwood, at amy.southwood@uky.edu or (859) 257-1148.

You can also visit benefits.va.gov/gibill/.

Students can complete the online DSW program in two to three years.

You have up to 5 years to complete the online DSW program.

Yes, you can take the program full time. Full-time status for graduate students is considered 9 credit hours or more per semester.

Yes, you can take the program part time. Fewer than 9 credit hours is considered part-time status.

Tuition is $753 per credit hour. Published tuition costs to attend UK may differ from a student’s estimated total “cost of attendance,” which includes the amount an online student may choose to spend on expenses such as housing and food, books and supplies, transportation and other personal items or activities per academic year. For further information regarding specific charges for instruction and related services (excluding other living and personal expenses), please refer to the tuition and fees page.

The online DSW program offers 25 scholarships. Scholarship applicants are automatically considered for all available scholarship opportunities. You can complete the scholarship application here.

Tuition is $753 per credit hour. You’ll need to complete 42 credits for a total tuition of $31,626. Published tuition costs to attend UK may differ from a student’s estimated total “cost of attendance,” which includes the amount an online student may choose to spend on expenses such as housing and food, books and supplies, transportation and other personal items or activities per academic year. For further information regarding specific charges for instruction and related services (excluding other living and personal expenses), please refer to the tuition and fees page.

While most fees are included in tuition costs, there are some additional costs. There is a $50 application fee and there may be costs for textbooks and other materials. Published tuition costs to attend UK may differ from a student’s estimated total “cost of attendance,” which includes the amount an online student may choose to spend on expenses such as housing and food, books and supplies, transportation and other personal items or activities per academic year. For further information regarding specific charges for instruction and related services (excluding other living and personal expenses), please refer to the tuition and fees page.

The UK online DSW program is regionally accredited and has adopted the Accreditation Standards for Professional Practice Doctoral Programs in Social Work. CSWE-accreditation is not yet available to professional practice doctorate of social work (DSW) programs. The CSWE and its Commission on Accreditation (COA) began conducting a pilot of the accreditation process as of Fall 2021.

No, there are no entrance exams required. You can learn more about our admissions policy here.

The first step is to start your online application.

A minimum of two years of social work/human service practice experience (preferably post-MSW) is required.

Yes, the online DSW program accepts up to 9 transfer credits while undergoing a review process. You can learn more about our admissions policy here.

You may transfer up to 9 credits and apply them toward the online DSW program. You can learn more about our admissions policy here.

You should hold a master of social work degree from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) with a minimum cumulative graduate GPA of 3.0. A 3.5 GPA is strongly encouraged.

The requirements for the online DSW program include:

• Applicants should hold a master of social work degree from a CSWE-accredited program with a minimum cumulative graduate GPA of 3.0 (above a 3.5 is preferred).
• Unofficial transcript from the institute where you completed your MSW degree (conferred).
• Employment history (resume or vita)
• Personal statement
• Two reference letters with a cover letter attached for each reference. Please exclude personal, pastoral, and relative references. If you graduated within the past 5 years, you must provide at least one academic reference.

You can learn more about our admission requirements here.

At this time, there is one start date in summer.

You’ll complete 42 credits to earn the Doctorate of Social Work degree.

You’ll complete 14 courses to earn the Doctorate of Social Work degree. 3 of the 14 courses are concentration courses. You can learn more about coursework for the program on the courses page.

Yes, the online DSW program offers four concentrations.

• Administrative Leadership
• Clinical Social Work
• Military Behavioral Health
• Social Work Education

Yes, there are four concentration options available for students to choose from including:

• Administrative Leadership
• Clinical Social Work
• Military Behavioral Health
• Social Work Education

Yes, the online DSW program follows a cohort model. This allows you to build deeper relationships with peers and faculty, and expand your network, support system, and career opportunities.

Yes, the online DSW program offers a Residency Week, a 100% online, virtual event that is taught synchronously to foster support with classmates and faculty. This residency is also recorded for students who are unable to attend.

There are no clinical hours required to complete the online DSW program.

Those who hold a Doctorate in Social Work often pursue career titles such as Executive Director, Dean of Student Services, or Clinical Director, with salaries that range from $98,9801 to $ 111,260² and growth rates as high as 12%3. Learn more about your career options by visiting our careers page.

1. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/top-executives.htm
2. https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes119033.htm
3. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/social-workers.htm

Yes! You can attend a virtual info session to learn more about the online DSW program. Register here.

You can complete the program in just 2 to 4 years depending on transfer credits and course load. To see the curriculum, view our courses page.

The online B.A. in Social Work is designed for students who desire the flexibility to balance their academic pursuit with their busy lives. Students can take up to six years to complete the degree if needed; however, they may return later and complete the program even after six years. To see the curriculum, view our courses page.

The online program is designed for maximum flexibility and may be taken full-time if you have the time to do so successfully. To see the curriculum, view our courses page.

The online program is designed for professionals who work full-time and is offered part-time. This allows you to achieve a good balance between work, school, and personal responsibilities. To see the curriculum, view our courses page.

Tuition is $611 per credit hour, regardless of whether you are in-state or out-of-state. You’ll need to complete 120 credits for a total tuition of $73,320. Published tuition costs to attend UK may differ from a student’s estimated total “cost of attendance,” which includes the amount an online student may choose to spend on expenses such as housing and food, books and supplies, transportation and other personal items or activities per academic year. For further information regarding specific charges for instruction and related services (excluding other living and personal expenses), please refer to the tuition and fees page.

Yes, the online B.A. in Social Work is pleased to offer scholarships. To learn more, visit our tuition and financial aid page.

You can review estimated tuition costs for the 120-credit online B.A. in Social Work on the tuition page. Students pay the in-state tuition no matter where they reside.

Students are assessed a $10 per credit hour Distance Learning Fee in addition to tuition, mandatory fees, and any other course-specific fees. Published tuition costs to attend UK may differ from a student’s estimated total “cost of attendance,” which includes the amount an online student may choose to spend on expenses such as housing and food, books and supplies, transportation and other personal items or activities per academic year. For further information regarding specific charges for instruction and related services (excluding other living and personal expenses), please refer to the tuition and fees page.

Yes! The CSWE-accredited online B.A. in Social Work program provides students with the highest quality of undergraduate social work education in preparation for generalist social work practice and/or advanced graduate education.

No, there are no entrance exams required. The University of Kentucky is test-optional for admission and scholarships through the 2024-25 academic year. You can learn more on our admissions page.

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. See the admission requirements.

No, prior work experience is not required. You can learn more about our requirements on our admissions page.

Yes, the online B.A. in Social Work accepts up to 67 transfer credits from a regionally accredited institution. You can learn more about our policy on our admissions page.

Up to 67 credits may be transferred from a regionally accredited institution and applied towards the online B.A. in Social Work. You can learn more about our transfer policy on our admissions page.

You’ll need a GPA of at least 2.5 to apply to the program. You can learn more about our policy on our admissions page.

Students must be admitted to the University of Kentucky as a Social Work major prior to submitting this application. The requirements for the online B.A. in Social Work include:

• Completed online application form
• Minimum GPA of 2.5 or higher on all college work
• Transcripts from all completed courses
• 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 passing grade in PSY 100, SOC 101, BIO 103, and PS 101
• A Personal Essay

You can learn more about our admission requirements on our admissions page.

We offer three start dates per year in Spring, Summer and Fall.

Yes! Join us and learn about the degree, including scholarship opportunities and how you can grow your social work career. Schedule your virtual visit.

You’ll complete 120 credits to earn the online B.A. in Social Work. You can review courses now. Students can transfer up to 67 credit hours from a two-year institution, but must complete a minimum of 30 of the final 36 credit hours at Kentucky.

The online B.A. in Social Work does not include any concentrations.

You have the opportunity to complete an undergraduate certificate in Diversity and Inclusivity Awareness to gain an enriching, multidisciplinary academic experience through exposure to a variety of cultures and lived experiences.

Yes, the online B.A. in Social Work does follow a cohort model.

No, there is no required residency to earn your online B.A. in Social Work degree.

There are 400 clinical hours required to complete the online B.A. in Social Work program.

Those who hold a B.A. in Social Work often pursue career titles such as Social Work Case Managers, Child, Family, and School Social Workers, and Social and Community Service Managers with salaries that range from $54,880-to-$74,000/year and growth rates as high as 12%. Learn more about your career options by visiting our career page.

UK’s B.A. in Social Work graduates have the highest licensing pass rates in Kentucky for first-time test-takers.

Yes! Through our rigorous Licensing Preparation Initiative (LPI) our CSWE-accredited program will prepare you to sit for professional social work licensing exam and understand laws and regulations governing social work practice. Please note that licensing laws are different in each state. You will need to check regulatory requirements in your state.

Your first step is to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) here. When you apply, use the University of Kentucky’s Title IV code: 001989.

The University of Kentucky’s FAFSA/Title IV code is 001989.